It’s the traditional season for spring cleaning. So, if you’re trying to sell your house, it’s a good time to see what you can do to make your home more attractive. Inside and out.

You’d be surprised at how the little things can make a big difference as to whether you get the full market value for your property or not.

Declutter your mounds of stuff 

‘Less is more’ is the golden rule when it comes to making an interior look good. Tidy rooms will look larger and be more attractive to potential buyers. 

So, make the time to organise your cupboards and wardrobes. Sort through your old clothes, books and kids’ toys, and give what you don’t need to charity. Don’t forget, the buyer is likely to open everything. You don’t want a pile of tat to come tumbling out.

But, you don’t have to wait until you’ve put your house on the market. Start early and clear your loft – especially if your house is creaking under the weight of all the stuff stored up there. Garages are also prime dumping grounds.

Remember, it’s not just about making your house look good for the viewing. Being ready to move quickly, if you do receive an offer will stand you in good stead.

Make things sparkle 

There’s nothing more off-putting than looking round a house that’s just a bit grimy. Take the time to have a good spring clean right through. Make sure you clean around light switches and cover plates. Dust down your light fittings and ceiling fans. And clean your blinds and curtains.

Kitchens and bathrooms are usually the two places that need a really good makeover. Scrub all the work surfaces and counters, and attack the inside of the oven. Give the basins, bath and shower a thorough scrubbing and clean the grouting between the tiles. You’ll also give the impression of more space if you polish all the windows and glass to make them gleam.

Kerb appeal is key

What does your property look like as someone walks by or drives past? A viewing appointment probably won’t be the first time a potential buyer has seen your property. They’ve no doubt been driving past, checking it out. What impressions will they have already formed?

So that your property is looking its best: 

• Make sure the exterior is looking clean 
• Give the front door and garage door a coat of fresh paint
• Clean the front step and tidy the porch
• Trim any shrubs and bushes
• Hide your wheelie bins or disguise them

Remember, many properties won’t even make it to ‘first viewing’. Don’t end up in the pile of rejects because of a poor external appearance.

Gorgeous gardens

Another way of  boosting your ‘kerb appeal’ is to add a splash of colour to your front garden. Take a trip to the garden centre and stock up on some brightly-coloued annuals. You don’t have to spend a fortune. A colourful hanging basket by the front door is also a welcoming sight.

Now’s the time to attend to all those outside maintenance jobs that you might have been putting off, such as clearing out the gutters or getting the pointing repaired. Get your lawn mowed, any woodwork painted and your drive or patio jet washed.

Take a step back and look at your property with fresh eyes. What would a potential buyer notice that you’ve stopped seeing?       

Finishing touches 

Create a welcoming environment. The smell of a newly-baked loaf or freshly-brewed coffee can have a great effect. A few colour-coordinated scatter cushions can also make a striking impression. While adding a number of indoor plants will give a sense of peace and wellbeing. 

Don’t let things that can be easily fixed, detract from the overall value of your home. By investing a small amount of time and money into a good spring clean, you could potentially see the rewards in the long term. So, get sprucing up your property this spring. And if you need any advice on what could affect the value of your property, do get in touch.