Not everyone has a budget to improve their property before selling it.  If you don’t have a budget to make any improvements, then you’ll need to focus squarely on its presentation.  Giving it a spring clean, and de-cluttering it (and boxing up the non-essential stuff).  I’ll tell you more about staging your property for images in a later update.

However if you can make some minor improvements, or for that matter if you have a bigger budget and want to upgrade a kitchen or bathroom, consult with an expert first, as any mistakes can be costly and counterproductive.

I’ll run through the obvious smaller improvements you can do to increase the chances of finding a buyer and maximising the value of your property.

External paintwork

I strongly recommend refreshing the paint externally on windowsills, or a front door if they’d benefit from it as it’ll create instant impact for buyers as they visit your property for the first time and it’ll create a strong first impression.  Tidy any front garden area too making sure any plants are trimmed and pathways clear.

 Colours

If you use strong colours in your property, and unless its been conscientiously designed (i.e. a recent trend to have dark skirtings and door frames) you’d likely create lots more appeal by refreshing with neutral colours throughout.  A freshly painted property is also visually much more attractive.

Freshly painted woodwork (skirting, frames and doors) is also worthwhile and creates impact.

Floor coverings

If you have damaged or badly marked floors, replacing these will give instant impact.  Again, take advice from an expert on what the typical buyer of your property might prefer in materials and colour.

Kitchens

If you are thinking to upgrade it, please take advice as I’ve seen people change an entire kitchen to something 95% of buyers will want to immediately change!  That’s an expensive mistake to make.  If you are looking to freshen your kitchen only, then retiling, a new splashback or a general repaint or colour change may be enough.

Bathrooms

The most difficult room to keep looking fresh for obvious reasons, and often some new grouting and sealant can make a huge difference if it’s badly coloured or scarred (SEE IMAGES ABOVE).   If you are considering re-tiling or a complete update, again take advice as to what designs may appeal to your typical buying demographic for your property and area.

If you are thinking of selling and want to know how you can improve the value of your property, please do get in touch.  In fact, if you’re thinking of selling and you don’t have any budget to improve your property and it does need updating, also please get in touch, as we may be able to help you fund any refurbishment works.

Garden

Trim and cut back any overgrown areas and fix any damaged fences.  If gardening isn’t a passion, consider a gardener to help make it attractive ready for going on the market for sale.  Add lights if you don’t have any and designate an area for eating/sitting/ or relaxing too.  A permanent built BBQ if you have space, is always attractive, especially to younger buyers.

If you are thinking of selling and want to know how you can improve the value of your property, please do get in touch.  In fact, if you’re thinking of selling and you don’t have any budget to improve your property and it does need updating, also please get in touch, as we may be able to help you fund any refurbishment works james@fishneedwater.com.