September is traditionally one of the best and busiest times of the year for the property market. After potential buyers have returned from their Summer holidays and children have returned to school, they are seeking a fresh start.
With the start of the next academic year looming, September marks sense of new beginnings. Families often look to move during this time, as it enables their children to settle into a potentially new area or even school seamlessly. As a result, the demand for houses increases, creating a more promising market for sellers.
In the meantime, preparing your property to sell in September can attract a larger pool of potential buyers, leading to a faster and more successful sale. In light of this, we are going to give you some tips on how to prepare your home this month, ahead of the September boom.
Tackle the Necessary Repairs
Before listing your property, take the time to look at amending outstanding repairs and maintenance issues to the home. Buyers are more likely to be drawn to a well-maintained home, and any necessary repairs can be seen as an added expense that might deter them from making an offer.
Make repairs and renew any dated décor, by filling in picture frame holes, adding a fresh lick of paint on the marked walls, fixing broken cupboards and doors, refreshing the grout in the bathroom, and replacing expired lightbulbs.
It may not seem like a much, but doing minor improvements or upgrades that just cost a couple thousand pounds, can have a substantial impact on the agreed sale price. Buyers would often happily pay a little extra for a home with the work already done, compared to offering lower on a home that needs work.
Outside Spaces
Whether you have a large garden or a modest yard, outside spaces have never been more important.
As we are heading into those Autumn months, gardens begin to lose their flowers and look less attractive compared to Summer. If you’re thinking about adding some new potted plants to your outside space to spruce it up, make sure to look for ones that will survive the colder climates.
For smaller outside areas, making the space look welcoming and useable is crucial – whether that’s creating a seating area on a terrace or jet washing your decking, small touches and attention to detail can make a big difference when selling.
Organise and Depersonalise
Your house is your home, so it’s likely that your own stamp has been made throughout. But, when it comes to selling, the key is to allow potential buyers the opportunity to imagine themselves living there. Where possible, depersonalise your house by removing items such as family photos, and try to keep colours and design features neutral.
A clean and fresh smelling property can also make a difference for viewers: pleasant scents can evoke happy emotions. Placing diffusers and candles throughout the home will give viewers a sense of ‘home’.
Clearing out personal belongings and needles furnishings can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home. Create a blank canvas and allow them to see the potential that your home has. It might be the case that removing items and placing them into the loft or garage is a good option – a small investment that could boost your sale price!
Let in Natural Light
As sunny daylight hours start to shorten, maximizing any available light becomes essential. Clean the windows, trim back any overgrown shrubbery, and pull back your curtains to let natural light in to your home. Bright and well-lit spaces can create a positive first impression on potential buyers.
Another thing to consider is how you could change the lighting to show off the size of each room –Invest in some high-wattage bulbs is an easy way to brighten up your whole home. Well-placed lamps switched on to create an enticing glow throughout the home gives a warm welcome.
Professional Photography and Virtual Tours
The key to a successful house sale is exceptional marketing materials. We find that the most important materials to include are professional photos, a clear floorplan with measurements, and a detailed description of your home.
With more buyers searching for their next move on property portals, professional lifestyle photography and video tours are the most beneficial tools. As this is may be their first impression your home, it is essential to may your advert stand out from the crowd.
At Wainwrights, we create a window for the buyer to see what you see, what makes your house a home. Every shoot is different, and so we walk through each room and highlight the features that make it unique. We capture a lifestyle through crisp and clear photography, enticing potential buyers to book their viewing on your property.
Set the Right Price
Consult with your local estate agent to determine the best price for your property. Pricing your home competitively can attract a higher number of interested buyers and increase the chances of a quick sale.
Usually, a minimal financial outlay can boost your sale price, with each property being unique it’s best to explore this with your estate agent. Here at Wainwrights, we have keen eye to guide you with how much you should spend and how far you should go, dependent on the condition of the property, timelines and available funds.
If you’re selling a well-loved family property in most cases, renovating the entire home is unnecessary as there is no guarantee it will be to potential buyers tastes. If you aren’t going to enjoy the space yourself we wouldn’t recommend spending thousands of pounds on a property, as you run the risk of not making back the investment.
First Impressions Count
Aside from creating the perfect first impression on your Rightmove ad, the work doesn’t stop there. Potential buyers may do a drive-by of your home ahead of booking a viewing, so it is essential for the real thing to be consistent with your online image. At a viewing, the first impression of your property can have a huge impact on whether they choose to offer.
Sweeping away leaves, cleaning your pathway, front door and window ledges, or repainting where needed, will boost the ‘kerb appeal’ of your house. Consider purchasing a hanging basket of bright blooms, or adding a few potted plants, to make your home look as welcoming as possible.
If you’re thinking about selling and would like to learn more about the current market, get in touch.
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