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29th April 2020
Life feels like it’s standing still at the moment.
And with the housing market temporarily frozen due to coronavirus, anybody that was preparing to move might be left wondering: “what now?”.
Well, don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways to prepare for when life does get back to normal. For sellers, this is the chance to take care of those jobs you’ve been putting off - or haven’t had time for. Here’s how to get your property ready during lockdown:
Try your hand at DIY
OK, so you might not be able to call in the experts at the moment. But why not try it yourself? Hardware shops are on the Government’s list of essential retail outlets, so you’ll still be able to find all of the tools and materials you need. Not sure where to start? Here’s a handy list of DIY projects that will instantly make your property look more attractive to buyers :
Paint kitchen cabinets: guaranteed to combat grease and grime, it will also modernise the kitchen at the same time. It’s much cheaper than a refit too.
Add bathroom storage: this is one area that is often lacking in terms of storage. So why not add a new cabinet for those bathroom essentials?
Fill any holes and cracks in the walls: a relatively easy job that will instantly make your home more desirable. And once you’ve done this...
Paint the walls in a neutral colour: this simple job will help any potential buyer visualise themselves living there. So think greys, whites and creams – a blank slate. Not to mention, it’ll make the place feel brighter and cleaner too.
Replace carpets: it might seem like an intimidating task, but replacing those threadbare and faded carpets will make a huge difference. You can find step-by-step advice on how to carpet a room online.
But if you’re thinking of carrying out major work, e.g. knocking a wall down, have a chat with us first. We can advise on whether it’s going to add any real value to your home - or whether you’re better off saving your money. Importantly, please be careful and only attempt projects that you feel comfortable with. Now more than ever, we definitely want to steer clear of any avoidable trips to A&E .
Create the right atmosphere
Once all of those niggling DIY jobs are out of the way, it’s time to set the scene. You want those potential buyers to feel welcome as soon as they step foot inside. Here’s how to create the right atmosphere:
Spring clean: this is the opportunity to give your property a thorough cleanse. So take the time to attack all of the jobs you’ve been putting off. Polish the skirting boards, light fixtures and, dare we say it, give the oven a deep clean. Remember what it was like when you moved in? That’s what you should be aiming for.
Find the right temperature: find that some rooms feel colder than others? Now’s the time to experiment with the thermostat. Make sure every room feels warm and inviting.
Train your pets: not everyone is comfortable with pets - especially dogs. Now that you’ve got a little more time on your hands, why not train your pup to get used to the back garden? It would only be for a short space of time - just make sure there’s plenty of shade and water.
Declutter and tidy: declutter and, importantly, de-personalise your space. Buyers want to picture themselves in your home, so put away any personal items that could shatter the illusion. Ideally, you want your property to feel like a blank canvas.
Set up rooms as they should be: using the dining room as a study? Well, it's important to set rooms up as they were intended. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to look beyond the current use of a room - so go back to basics.
Let in the light: after you’ve painted your property in bright and neutral colours, you’ll want to show it off in it’s best light. So get into the habit of keeping curtains and blinds open and windows clean. It will create a much better sense of space.
Don’t forget those tiny touches
We may have a few months left until things start getting back to normal. However, getting into the regular habit of mowing the lawn will make it much more manageable when you do have viewings. Spring has sprung, so open your windows to circulate the air. Adding a few potted plants around the property will also freshen the place up and give it a lush and homely feel. Last but not least, walk through the house like a potential buyer. What are your first impressions?
Need a little more help? Don’t worry. We’re still here and working remotely, so just give us a call. We’d be happy to offer our advice over the phone.