As Estate Agents in Bishops Stortford, we think there are lots of things that you can do to ensure your house gets snapped up quickly. These 5 simple tips will make all the difference when putting your property on the market, so why not give them a go!
1. Increase your kerb appeal
It’s the first thing a buyer sees when forming an impression of your home. Believe me, first impressions count! Did you know that many buyers do a “drive-by” before even booking a viewing? Make your home stand out from the crowd BEFORE you put it on the market. Don’t leave it until the day of the viewing as it may just be too late.
Simple changes such as:
Removing any unnecessary clutter e.g. children’s toys, unknown objects covered in tarpaulin, dustbins etc.
Paint your front door and garden fence (if you have one)
Place some attractive shrubbery or better still, a trailing plant at the front of your property.
Sweep your driveway or path
Keep your front lawn mowed
2. Hold an open day
Whether you like open days or not (that’s for another blog), they create competition between buyers. Holding an open day says to your potential buyers “wow this one’s going to be popular”. Subconsciously, that buyer is already thinking your home is something worth seeing and that they need to move quickly
3. Ensure you have a top class main photo
Yes, another photography tip from me! Your main picture, whether on Rightmove, Zoopla or in the local newspaper, has GOT to wow potential buyers. Think, what’s going to make them want to read more?
Here are my tips for a great main photo:
It doesn’t have to be of the front of your property – traditionally that’s what’s chosen, but perhaps there’s another feature of your home that would work better.
This may be obvious but catch a photo on a sunny day. If it’s not sunny on your photography day then your agent should come back and get another OR place a realistic blue sky (you don’t want it looking false).
Take the photo from far enough away – there’s nothing worse than a picture taken far too close to a property and from down low, it just makes for a bad photo.
4. Write a compelling description
The short description on the Rightmove listings or in the newspaper is key to capturing a buyer’s attention. It should be short, sweet and attention grabbing. A buyer isn’t going to be very interested that “Joe Bloggs estate agents are very pleased to offer this property…” that’s just wasted a load of space that could have been used to describe your property in a compelling way, and WHO CARES?
5. Invest in some new bed linen and curtains
It may sound simple but neutral, modern bed linen and matching curtains (if possible) will totally revamp your bedrooms. Dark, heavily patterned or “traditional” bed linen may well be what you like, but it may not be for your buyers. They will look so much better in your photos and won’t break the bank either.