Brighton experts share tips on what matters to viewers
As the summer market comes to an end and the children return to school on the run up to Christmas, demand remains high across all prices ranges so for those looking to sell now need to get their homes in order before hitting the autumn market.
Stabilisation in the UK property markets doesn’t always result in automatic success; sellers still need to know what buyers are looking for. Austin Gray Partner, Graham Farthing, and his residential team reveal the preparation tips that have stood clients in good stead across the decades in East Sussex.
Think of the promotion process as a journey. Before a viewer steps through your front door, they will have scanned through a whole range of local property profiles online. Because of this, professional photographs that really show off the aesthetics of your property are crucial for creating a steady stream of interest. You don’t need 26 photographs, 12 or 13 images that highlight key features will maintain engagement; leave something extra for the viewer to see on the day.
Choose a property agent that focuses on the finer details, most notably professional photography and well-written property listings. A picture may be worth a thousand words but so is a clear and precise one-dimensional floor plan that determines the versatility and suitability of a listing.
Once your property’s online presence has been established, it’s time to prepare for the first round of viewings. Always take the time to look at your property as though you were the viewer; what would you think if you viewed your home? We all become accustomed to various property quirks in our homes but to leave a lasting impression, the viewer must be able to imagine a new life inside your home.
Guides on how to add curb appeal are easy to find because the front of the property is the first and last thing your buyer will see, and you only get one chance to make a first impression. Washing the front door, tidying the front garden and de-weeding the drive are simple but effective actions that you can do straight away.
Clean! It may sound obvious, but a surprisingly high amount of homeowners don’t bother with the necessary jobs before a viewing. Make the beds and clear the kitchen of last night’s dishes. Make sure the bathroom is clean, clean the shower screen, scrub the grouting, and consider re-sealing the bath and shower if they are becoming tatty.
Tackle any minor jobs that you have put off, like re-painting the kitchen ceiling that became victim to water stains years ago, fix a squeaky stair, or replace a cracked window. Correcting small defects can add value to your property when you come to sell, but they are perhaps more important when you need a quick sell.
Our last, but definitely not least, piece of advice is to spend an afternoon tidying up the back garden. Garden properties, particularly in a built-up area, are considered gems amongst buyers so it pays to give your garden some love. Buyers often make a beeline to the nearest window to assess the view and neighbourhood, so it pays to give your garden some love.
Contact the Austin Gray residential team on 01273 232 232, or email the office at residential@austingray.co.uk to discuss any property related issues or to find your dream home along the beautiful South East coast.
