1. Curb Appeal
Many potential buyers and tenants will have made a decision about your home within the first few seconds of standing outside your front door. Tidy up the outside of your home, regularly mow the lawn, trim hedges and remove any weeds from your beds or pathways. Consider giving the front door and the window frames a fresh coat of paint, and if it’s the right season put some pots or baskets outside your property. Make them want to come in.
2. De-Clutter
Potential buyers and tenants will want to imagine themselves living in your home, so it’s best to take down and put away any personal items. Ideally, anything you don’t use on a daily basis should be put away. Kitchen work surfaces, around the bath and on top of drawers all need to be clutter free. Viewers should be able to view your property without any distractions. Clutter can also make a room feel smaller which makes it harder for a buyer or tenant to imagine living in your home.
3. Cleaning
Clean and polish all surfaces, fittings, handles, cupboard fronts and appliances. In your kitchen clean inside the oven and any integrated appliances that are included in the sale or rental. Clear any clutter from surfaces and make sure the sink and draining area is completely clear. Pet bowls should be cleared away, and always let in a blast of fresh air to clear any stale smells. Use this opportunity to clear out the under-stairs cupboard, dust above your wardrobes and shelves. Cleanliness and tidiness should never be underestimated so clean each room from top to bottom.
4. Internal Space
Potential buyers and tenants will want to see every room, so make an effort on every space in your house. Children's room in particular can look messy, but spend some time sorting them out so they look like bedrooms again. Toys can be boxed and all clothes, including shoes, should be cleared away. Buyers and tenants will want to look in cupboards and lofts too, so try to put these spaces in order.
5. Outside Space
For many people outside space is one of the biggest selling points. Tidy away any rubbish, weed and cut the grass, and put out some potted plants to soften patios, balconies and terraces.
6. The Small Things Count
Before any buyers or tenants come to view your property, be sure you have dealt with all the little jobs around the home. Replace blown light bulbs, tighten the screws and hinges of cupboard doors, and fix the skirting board or beading along any laminated flooring you may have.
7. Local Area
It isn’t just your property that the buyer or tenant will be looking at, location is key. It is also helpful to point out local schools, shops and motorway connections. Making the neighbourhood more appealing is an asset to any buyer or tenant.