Are you planning to rent or sell your house? You don’t know where to start and are panicking? Don’t worry, take a deep breath and read this post. In 12 simple steps you will be able to turn your house into a hot property, ready to be sold to the most demanding buyer.
1. Think as a buyer/tenant.
The first step is the one that can be easily forgotten. You have to think as a buyer, not as an owner. What would you look for in a new house? How would you like to see it? What kind of information would you like to receive? Think and act consequently. You will not get it wrong.
2. Declutter.
Keep furniture away from doors – it makes rooms seem narrower. Excess furniture must be removed, too. Create as much room as possible.
3. Repaint.
This step is fundamental. Repainting will make the whole property look cleaner and newer. You can even do it easily and economically on your own on a lazy Sunday.
4. Make it look pretty.
Buy new bedding, towels, and cushions. Keep fresh flowers in the key rooms. Use your best set of curtains. First impressions count! And the eyes are easily tricked. If you make the entire house look nice and welcoming, people will be more likely to make a bid.
5. Decorate for the target market.
If people living in your area are mainly families with children while you are single, make one of the rooms look like a perfect room for children.
6. Make it bright!
Buy higher-wattage bulbs and keep the curtains open when you organise a viewing. The rooms will look more spacious, clean and welcoming.
7. Remove personal items.
Pack your photos and diplomas or degrees and put them aside. People need to see your house and think of it as if it was theirs. Don’t remind them it’s yours!
8. Make sure that it is up to code.
You will need to get all appliances checked before starting to show the house to potential buyers or tenants. Fix any leaks or broken sockets instead of promising to do it later on. This will help you make a very good first impression.
9. Keep everything clean and tidy!
Don’t forget to clean and tidy up the house before organising a viewing. Sometimes you get contacted at the last minute and it’s easy to forget that you left a mess in the bathroom in the morning before going to work!
10. Be flexible.
When organising the viewings, be very flexible with the timings. You need to make it easy for future buyers or tenants to come and have a look at the property. Otherwise, they will go somewhere else!
11. Be nice and smiley.
When you show the house to potential buyers or tenants, you must remember that for them this is a very important step and that every detail counts. Being very welcoming and helpful will make them feel comfortable. Make them go away with a smile on their face – they will be happier to buy or rent from a cheerful owner.
12. Spread the word!
Once it is ready to sell or rent, you need to publicise your property of course. The best option you have today is selling your house online. After all, we are in the digital era – everything happens online, where you can create a real buzz about the sale. And the best bit is that you can even do it directly from your sofa!
So I’ve given you 12 simple tips that will make your house irresistible to future buyers or tenants. Are you ready to sell? Follow the steps carefully and you will have great success!
Have you experienced renting out your house? I would love to hear some of your precious advice! If you have any additional tips, please leave them in the comments section below.
Elena Manighetti is a public relations blogger. Previously a journalist for news, lifestyle, and entertainment at Giornale di Bergamo, she writes about PR, real estate, lifestyle, and technology. She also writes for eMoov.