ASK the expert
Q&A Property
Get all your property questions answered with Tony Filice, Spokesperson for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Wales Residential and Director of Multi Award Winning Kelvin Francis Limited, Cardiff.
Q A
An Estate Agent has advised me to ‘stage’ my home to sell faster, but what does it mean and can you give any tips as to what I should do?
Staging, is presenting your home for sale, in its best and most attractive manner, in order to appeal to the highest number of potential buyers, a wider market and will help you sell more quickly and for a good price. It is not difficult or expensive, but in reality, many home owners find it difficult, because it is often hard to see something objectively, when they are dealing with a personal asses, such as their home. Here are some tips to consider:
EXTERNALLY: Stand outside your home and look at the property and street scene and consider doing the following:
• Reposition any missing or slipped tiles that may have occurred during the winter months. Fix any leaking or faulty gutters and clear any build up of leaves. • Jet wash the drive, removing any green algae growth. Reposition wheelie bins, out of sight.
• If there are overhanging tree branches or bushes blocking paths or shading windows, prune them back, to allow a
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greater visual impression. • Clear the driveway and front garden of refuse. • Ensure that the window panes are clean, sparkling and damage free. If necessary, consider giving the window sills a fresh coat of paint. • The front door is considered to be the heart of the house, so does it need painting or giving new door furniture? If necessary, consider replacing the door. • Consider dressing the front garden with colourful bedding plants, pots, or even hanging baskets. • If your front garden stores your prize caravan or boat, position these off site during the marketing period.
INTERNALLY: Consider the following points:
• Ensure the home is always clean and tidy – de-clutter if necessary. Create space, even if it means placing surplus furniture in the garage. • Buyers like light and airy rooms, so switch on main lights, side lights and kitchen lights – anything which gives to the room a glow. • Dress your home with simple items such as flowers in the lounge, a bowl of fruit in the kitchen and air freshener in the bedrooms to create the right ambiance. • Ensure that there are no pungent smells from last night’s dinner. Pet
smells can also put off viewers, if they are not pet lovers themselves. A smoker’s home that has a nicotine smell is a real turn off and automatically reduces the price by at least £10,000 for renewing carpets, curtains and a complete redecoration • Are there any rooms which need to be redecorated to a neutral colour? Pastel colours will appeal to a wider market. • If the hall or stair carpet is stained or tatty, it may be worth renewing it. Viewers, within the first 10 seconds of entering the hall subconsciously form an opinion if they like the house and if it has the ‘tingle’ factor.
• When a viewing is arranged, make sure the driveway is free from any cars. • f it is winter, put on the heating, so that your home feels warm and inviting. • If possible, don’t have your pets in the home when potential buyers come around. The same applies to family members, visitors and trades people. Even better, give the keys to the Estate Agent and go out for a walk.
Viewers are more likely to express their true opinion of the property if the Vendor is not present. If you happen to be there at the time of the viewing, be discreet and make yourself scarce. Let the Estate Agent do the talking. Consider the above points and you will be rewarded for your efforts.
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