31 January, 2012

If you're trying to sell your home, you'll want to do everything you can to impress potential buyers and increase its value. While not everyone can afford improvements like a loft conversion or kitchen refit, there are some inexpensive steps you can take to add value to your house.

1. Smarten up the outside of the house

First impressions are incredibly important - a bad view of the outside of your house could put off buyers before they've even opened the door. Give it a new lick of paint, clean the windows and gutters and make sure the front door looks smart - and make sure your house name or number is clearly visible.

2. Tidy the front garden

Similarly, a well-presented front garden will help to create the right impression when viewers arrive. Clear the driveway, trim the grass, and maybe add a few potted plants.

3. Create a bright, airy hallway

It's the first part of the house people will see, but often an area which is forgotten about. Remove any clutter like shoes, bikes or unopened post, and make the most of a narrow corridor by painting in light colours and hanging mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger space.

4. De-clutter

This applies to all rooms in your house - the more mess and clutter there is, the smaller the rooms will feel. In the kitchen, tidy away recipe books, food and drink bottles and boxes, recycling and utensils., iIn the bathroom tidy away excess toiletries and cleaning products, and in the living rooms and bedrooms put away any children's' toys, books, DVDs etc.

5. Clean

It sounds obvious, but a dirty or untidy house will put people off buying. Sweep floors, vacuum carpets, wipe down worktops and cupboards, polish taps, take out the rubbish and don't leave any unnecessary items lying around that might look messy.

6. Show off storage

Adequate storage is important to most buyers, especially families, so make sure you show off what you have. Tidy out and clean all your cupboards so they look more spacious, if you have a garage or shed clean that out too, and if you have roof space available for storage make sure there is easy access in case house viewers want to have a look.

7. Bring décor up to date

A few little tweaks can make your house feel modern, fresh and clean. Choose light, airy colours for the walls, and don't forget the ceiling, especially in the kitchen where paintwork discolours the quickest. Choose blinds for the kitchen and bathroom, get rid of any net curtains, swap your shower curtain for a glass screen and choose un-fussy soft furnishings.

8. Make the house smell good

Although it is a bit of a cliché, freshly baked bread and freshly brewed coffee make a house much more attractive than the smell of smoke or last night's curry. Don't overdo the air freshener either, neutral smells are best.

9. Hide family and pets

Although you obviously still have to live in your house while you're trying to sell it, it can be off putting for potential buyers if the whole family is there when they visit, and if they're not pet lovers themselves the sight of a cat or dog might make them imagine the house is dirty or smelly, even when it's not. If you know you have a viewing, send the children to a neighbour's house or get your other half to take the dog for a walk.

10. Consider your target buyer

Take into account the area you live in, the size of the property and the asking price, and think about who your target buyer is. You can then present the house accordingly, whether it needs to be child-friendly, an office space instead of a third bedroom, or have space for a car instead of a front garden. A house with all mod-cons, perfect for a young professional couple is unlikely to sell in a retirement village, so know your audience!

Finally, if you do move home, don't forget to inform your home insurance provider.