Before you put your house on the market, spend some time and a little money in making the difference to your home that will capture your buyer ...

Curb Appeal
First impressions really do count when it comes to potential buyers ... they say people make up their minds within 30 seconds of seeing it from the outside, so make that 30 seconds count...

 

Re-paint the Front Door
Replace Tarnished House Numbers
Get a New Doormat
Plant Flowers
Sweep up leaves & rubbish

De-Clutter
We all tend to accumulate a large amount of junk - get rid of it. It will make you feel better too and when it's time for you to move, it will be one less thing to do. They say if you haven't used something in a year, you probably don't need it:

If you don't use or don't want it, take it to the charity shop
Remove books from bookshelves
Clean off everything on kitchen counters
Place everyday items in a box that can be placed in a cupboard
Put the children's toys away

De-Personalise
"Let go" of your emotions and disassociate yourself from your home. Focus on the fact that this house will soon no longer be yours. Remember - it's just a product to be sold!

 

Pack up personal photos
Clear away "nick knacks"
Create a "blank canvas" so that people can "see themselves living there"
Remove family heirlooms

Clean & Tidy
Make your home sparkle...it's "Spring Clean" time!

Wash windows - inside & out
Rent a "jet spray" and clean paths & patios
Get rid of the cobwebs
Clean tiles and bleach grout
Polish chrome & mirrors
Replace worn rugs & mats
Hang up fresh, clean towels/tea-towels
Dust - furniture, light fittings, blinds, skirting, lamps
Wax furniture & wooden floors
Vacuum daily

Fix
Getting all the "little problems" fixed before your house goes on the market is a good idea.

 
Sort Dripping taps
Replace cracked tiles
Fix creaky floorboards
Fix Doors and Drawers that don't close properly
Replace lightbulbs that don't work

Neutralise & Accessorise
You don't want potential buyers to remember your house as "the one with dark brown kitchen" or "the orange bathroom". Think about painting the rooms in neutral colours as it's a fact that neutral colours sell.

 

Neutral says "quality" and provides a "sense of space". So cover up the purple!

By using the right accessories you can create a feeling of harmony in the room. Fresh flowers can make a room smell lovely and mirrors can create space and reflect light. But remember, don't clutter! 

Stack crockery neatly
Arrange tins/jars
Fold clothes/towels in airing-cupboard
Re-arrange wardrobe - group clothes items together, facing in the same direction
Line up shoes
Have a "clothes" clear-out and take that trip to the charity shop

 

Lighting
Make sure each room has adequate lighting. Create the right atmosphere by using subtle lighting in the living areas.

 
Pets
It's not really on if your much loved pooch greets all your visitors by jumping up at them with muddy paws! Or worse than that barks or growls at them! Keep your pets confined to a specific area and make your visitor aware they are there ... and make sure your house doesn't smell of your pet! Nothing worse!

The Garden
Don't forget about the garden! This could be an added selling point for you. Mow the lawn, get rid of the weeds, plant some flowers and scrubs, or have a few pots to add a splash of colour - remember you can always take these with you. Re-vamp "tired" garden furniture and stain wooden fencing and gates. Tidy up the shed too!