Should I re-decorate before selling?
It can be dilemma for people considering selling a property. Should you re-decorate to add value or will you waste money on costly & unnecessary improvements. Here are some points to consider.
Should I re-decorate before selling?
It can be dilemma for people considering selling a property. Should you re-decorate to add value or will you waste money on costly & unnecessary improvements.
While a complete refurbishment may not be necessary, there are some things to bear in mind when getting a problem ready for sale.
1. REDECORATE
Redecorating is the most popular home improvement and adding a lick of paint or doing some general maintenance to fill cracks and holes can be done at a low cost. Neutral colours are most appealing to house buyers.
2. FIX SUPERFICIAL DEFECTS
While unlikely to be the clinching factor in a house sale, small problems and defects can create an impression of a house being run down or not well cared for. Bigger issues (like damp) should not be covered up as they will show on a survey and come back to haunt you later on.
Things to look out for include:
- Peeling paint
- Dirty walls, especially near door frames and light switches
- Dripping taps
- Squeaky floors, doors or stairs
- Mouldy sealant in kitchens or bathrooms
- Limescale build-up on kitchen and bathroom fittings
- Badly fitted laminate flooring
- Broken lightbulbs
3. THE FRONT DOOR
First impressions count and the front door of your home can say a lot about the rest of the house to first-time viewers. If you cannot afford to replace the door, make sure it looks new by giving it a power wash or fresh coat of paint. Even a new doorknob, house number or name plaque can help.
4. DECLUTTER
Never underestimate a tidy, clean room and pay special attention to high impact rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You should also consider whether there’s too much furniture in each room as it can make the property feel smaller.
5. HEATING AND LIGHTING
If you're not at home, preset the heating to come on ahead of a scheduled viewing. Potential buyers will want to know that your central heating works well and feel comfortable in your home if it's cold outside. Good lighting will also be essential on a drab day so having lamps on in dark corners will help. It's better for the viewing to take place in daylight but if a potential buyer is coming after dark then turn any outside lights on.
6. GARDEN APPEAL
A well-designed garden can add a great deal of value, it should feel like an extra space for entertaining or relaxing, rather than an expanse of grass. It's essential to trim borders, clear pathways and cut back any overgrown trees or bushes, particularly if they block direct sunlight into the property.
An area of decking creates a sense of bigger usable living space and three per cent of homes sold in 2019 were even found to have a summerhouse in the garden, giving owners more space to relax and entertain in the brighter weather.
7. PROBLEM PETS
If you have a pet, make sure they are confined to one room (such as a utility room or the garden) or leave them with a friend if you can. Animals can detract attention away from your property and potential buyers may be allergic. It's also advised to air out the property for a few hours prior to the viewing incase of pet odours you've become too accustomed to.
8. DOUBLE GLAZE THE WINDOWS
Noisy roads can impact the value of a property. Double glazing will help keep the noise out and will also help retain heat. Any home improvement which moves your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) up a band could add thousands to the sale price.
9. MAKEOVER THE KITCHEN
Kitchens are often the main focus for many buyers, it may be the first thing they look to replace or pay more for if a property has one they like. You may not be able to afford a whole new kitchen but, for a relatively small budget, painting units or replacing cupboard handles or doors are great alternatives. Good lighting and clutter-free, clean surfaces will also make a big difference.
10. FRESH BATHROOMS
In the bathroom, re-grouting, eliminating all limescale and replacing taps are a good option. Bathrooms need to look fresh and hygienic, so paint the walls a neutral shade and ideally add a new shower curtain or a standard glass screen. In 2019, new bathrooms were fitted in 29 per cent of homes which sold that year so could be the key to selling fast and earning more.
If you're considering selling and would like one of our team to visit your property to provide you with an accurate assessment, then you can book a valuation 24/7 here > https://www.lloydsestates.com/valuation
If you're just curious as to what your property may be worth then you can get a guide by completing an instant online valuation here > https://valuation.lloydsestates.com/home/2634