Preparing your house for sale is never an easy task, because when you become so used to classing a property as a home, you're unable to view it as an asset. In reality, your house is likely to be the most valuable possession you own. A commodity you want to sell to the highest bidder, if you will. Bearing this in mind, it's imperative that you do everything in your power to ensure that its worth is maximised.
Where to start, though? It's all well and good having big ideas for your revamp, but the last thing you want is to change your plans halfway through the re-inventing process. It's best therefore, to conduct your repairs in stages or sets of five. That way you can set goals and targets for the completion of your tasks. Below is a list of five to start you off..
Curb appeal
First, you need to examine your house's curb appeal. Take to the pavement and ask yourself, from the perspective of a potential buyer, does my house immediately stand out? If not, there are numerous basic fixes waiting for you.
Sprucing up your brickwork should be made a priority, as its likely to represent your biggest task. Cracks and holes in individual blocks can be seen from metres away if enough are damaged. This is why an investment in repair mortar could prove more worthy than, for example, an extension or loft conversion. Looking beyond your house's appearance, questions may be asked of its structure if the bricks that hold everything up are damaged. After all, you want to provide a safe living environment.
Cleaning your windows and gutters should also be added to your task list if you're looking to boost the property's aesthetic appeal. So, hire a firm to take care of your polishing or reach for the ladder and do it yourself. This might seem like simple advice, but you can make a house look 10 years younger just by working on these two areas.
Garden
A garden is by no means an added feature, so don't ever neglect your precious green space. Ensuring that your lawn is well manicured is one of the most obvious things to do when prepping a house for sale, not to mention the easiest. After this has been cut, sweep and weed out every walkway to complete the makeover. If you've got a bit of spare time on your hands, look into purchasing a few eye-catching plants for added appeal.
The welcome
One handshake always comes before your own; this being the one between buyer and door handle. Even if yourself or a letting agent happens to open the door for them, the first thing that buyers will be looking at is the state of the panel. Make sure you have a sturdy handle and locking system, which will indicate that your house is thoroughly secure.
Spring clean
The potential buyer could be one of the messiest people known to man. Regardless, they'll be looking to turn a new page with their purchase. You should set an example by taking care of any dirty dishes and cleaning every surface in sight. Mop, hoover and scrub your way around the house to ensure that everything's left gleaming.
Head to the bathroom
If buying a new sink or bathtub is beyond your budget, don't feel that you can't still drastically improve the state of your bathroom. You should have enough to fund a new shower head or toilet seat, which represent two vital objects in any bathroom. In addition, if you've a little cash left, re-grouting the tiles around a bathtub and shower is more than worth your effort.