Tips on Putting House on Market

When we put our house up for sale the estate agent told us to de-clutter and once we thought it looked ok, do it a second time. It's necessary but you have to permanently live in a showhouse, good luck selling.

You may already know this one Ann. It is an old trick to have bread baking or coffee brewing during viewings. You could always buy some part baked rolls baking while viewers are in and then eat for lunch or dinner.

It was winter when we viewed and the log fire sold it for me!

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I think, if you can, leave the property for viewings and let the estate agent show people around instead. I much preferred to view houses this way.

A tidy and fresh front approach to the house is important. Pots of plants or a hanging basket help.

Top tip - clean your windows inside and out. Bear in mind that they won't just look cleaner, they'll make the whole room look more spacious.

Clean & Tidy front garden and front of house - First Impressions. Neutral colours throughout, always open windows and turn lights on even in daylight when people are viewing to give the bright airy fresh feeling in each room. Fresh flowers or a nice bowl of fruit on the table/ sideboard are also a nice touch .

There's a few things you can do right away and don't require external help:

- Declutter, no kids toys, nothing laying around, no dogs toys/food trays

- Clean, every surface, wood floor with wood furnishing liquid, your hobs, your cupboards, everything shining through

- Clean your toilet, shower etc and air it out

- Remove excessive family/friends photos, one in your tv stand is okay, other than that is a nono, it's too much clutter.

- Bookshelves, organize by size or book cover colour to make it more aesthetic

- Cover holes, paint any spots that need painting

- As others said, clean windows inside and outside

- A plant is only pleasing if it does not take away from the perceived space

- Coffee table could have a magazine (be smart when picking one) or a book but if thick it has to be large, play with proportion to the table, if the table is not very big the book can't be massive either

- Pictures with sunlight only

- Look up online how to take pictures to increase size perception and room openness

For viewings:

- SMELL! shoes stored away or aired out, don't cook the hours before viewings so it does not leave food smell, get some incense sticks to give your house some smell, don't put them on right before people come in as it may be too strong

- No candles on... as decoration is ok

- Play with the weather, booking viewings in nice sunny days/when the sun is out to highlight the house

Requires money/extra effort:

- Carpet cleaning

- Gardening, clear out all the dirt, weeds and small greens that shouldn't be there

- Driveway cleaning