Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Attract buyers to your home so you can get moving

Even in a competitive market, buyers remain highly selective when it comes to choosing a new home. So, when it comes to getting ready for viewings and advertising online, it is important to show them why your home is special. 

Depersonalise and declutter 

Few buyers will be turned off by a house that looks homely, but there is a fine line between homely and cluttered. To maximise the appeal of your home, prospective buyers need to be able to envision living in the home and a vast accumulation of personal items could be clouding that vision. Before viewings, go through your home and remove any excess keepsakes, photographs and ornaments which take away from the visual appeal. This makes the space more welcoming to buyers, as they will feel as though they are viewing a potential new asset, and not intruding on someone else’s home. 

Give each room a purpose 

Potential buyers will want to know how you use each room, and this is a surprisingly easy way to set your home apart from the rest. Display furniture and accessories which define the room and give it a clear function. Buyers will use keywords in their property searches and giving your room a title will place your listing in their results. It can be as easy as bringing in a desk and a chair to upgrade a spare room into a home office. Empty rooms also tend to look smaller online; by bringing in furniture, you can offer depth perception in your listing photos. 

Do your homework 

Before presenting your home to a viewer, make sure you are able to answer any questions they might have. On top of what you already know about your property, you will also need to learn as much as you can about your local area. What are the local facilities, transport links and community like? Are other developments planned? What are the nearby schools like? It’s important to remember that only half of the appeal is your home and the other half is the location.  

Make a lasting impression 

Speak to your estate agent and establish your property's best features, this will enable you to plan your viewing around them. First impressions count so choose your favourite downstairs room and start there. Make sure you highlight all your home’s unique and attractive features as you go, throw in interesting facts and let your guests know about any home improvements you have made over the years. The simple things matter and buyers will remember things like being offered a cup of tea when they arrive. 

Create kerb appeal 

Whether it is a viewing, online photographs or a virtual tour, the first thing prospective buyers will see (and remember) is the exterior of your house. Kerb appeal creates a lasting first impression and most buyers will make up their minds in the first few minutes of arriving at a property. Ensure that your windows are well-maintained and that your front garden is in great condition. Pathways and fences are also important, as flaking paint and messy borders tell the buyer that work will need to be done as soon as they move in. 

Set the stage 

Enhance the viewing experience by setting up your home with all its inviting features on display. On cold days, light the fire to make your home feel warm and inviting. Make use of good smells as they can be the difference between an average property and an alluring home. It could be impractical to bake bread or cakes for every viewer that visits your home, instead you could brew some fresh coffee or light a scented candle. 

Make necessary repairs 

Prospective buyers will be on the lookout for any maintenance issues during viewings and while there is no disguising major repair works in a hurry, it will put you in good stead to fix any nagging issues like loose door handles or creaking floorboards. 

Time your move 

Statistically, homes are most likely to sell in January or September. These times are the typical sweet spots for selling, as buyers are making New Years’ resolutions, or back from the summer holidays with fresh mindsets. Granted, your home can be sold at any time in the year (especially while demand is so high), but if you’re mindful of getting your timing right, you can give yourself the best chance of getting the right offer.

Be flexible 

Although it’s tempting to kick back and relax after work and at the weekends, it’s important to keep your schedule open to last-minute or inconveniently timed viewings. By being accommodating to your viewers' schedules and opening up your own, you will put your home ahead of any competitors who are unwilling to offer the same.

Choose an estate agent that will show off your home at its best 

Make sure your home is marketed to its full potential by hiring an estate agent who has endless experience in selling homes like yours. Low-quality photographs and descriptions can make your listing appear flat and forgettable when buyers are searching online. A good estate agent will arrange for professional-quality photographs and know all the right things to say about your home.  

Contact us 

Looking for an expert to sell your home? Contact your local Guild Member today for excellent guidance and results.

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I can't speak more highly of the team at Homesearch. When I met Michael to discuss the sale of my home instantly from that meeting, I could tell how knowledgeable they were. From that moment until closing, everything went absolutely flawless. This experience of selling went without a hitch with them giving great tips on preparing my home for viewings. Thank you. I really appreciate all your help during this process. I highly recommend Homesearch to any person who is looking to sell their home or buy a new home.

Loretta Barrett, Seller

I started with two very well known real estates, but I hated it. I was simply another number to them and I didn't feel they were honest and transparent. With HomeSearch I felt comfortable that they were on my side and they were always available to help. The process is hard enough, so having a team who supports you can make such a difference. Highly recommend.

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The reason we chose Homesearch to sell our property was that we liked the straightforward, no-nonsense approach of both Anna and Michael. They gave an honest appraisal of our property and a clear idea of what we could expect to sell it for. In fact, the offer we accepted exceeded our expectations. The sale took longer than we would have liked, due to delays caused by the buyers' solicitor, but Michael was tenacious and must have worn his phone out keeping everyone informed of progress.

Nicola Watson, Seller

Homesearch are hands down the best agent I have ever worked with ! The team helped me in an extremely complex sale. Without the knowledge and experience of the whole team, my sale would not have completed. I dont normally write reviews, only when they are truly deserved. An exceptional team! Very kind and personable, reliable & trustworthy.

Leslie John, Seller

My experience with Homesearch is that they are professional, friendly and go above and beyond to ensure that something stressful like selling a house runs as smoothly and stress free as possible. They work hard to get the results and have kept me updated throughout the process. I honestly could not recommend them enough, they are easily the best company I’ve dealt with in the buying/selling houses field. And to top it all off, they always answer the phone in the most pleasant tone and always provide service with a smile.

Chanelle Hunte, Seller

Homesearch are PROFESSIONALS. I sold my property through Homesearch and I have not dealt with a more competent agency. Every single person  dealt with knew exactly what they were talking about and I can tell that they all have knowledge in the industry and were not just picked up from the street. From the get go I was impressed and I will certainly do business with them again.

Paul Hobbs, Seller

Many thanks Homesearch for locating professional corporate tenants for my property. I am very happy with your property management service as you always ensure that the tenants give the property back in good order at check out. Five Stars!

Maria Foran, Landlord

I have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional service I have received from Homesearch. They have removed all the stress & hassle of renting my property and dealt with all manner of situations I would have struggled with in such a professional & courteous manner. They give valuable unbiased advice with such a wealth of experience. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly & helpful. Homesearch let and managed my property and I am very happy with their property management services, they are very knowledgeable.

Paula Carter, Landlord

Homesearch always do what they say they will do. They are efficient and raise any issues early and provide options to resolve them. Homesearch is very  easy to get hold of and talk to, no matter where I am in the world! My property is well looked after, regarding tradesmen, replacement of items swiftly etc. with the minimum of fuss.

David Connells, Landlord

From our first viewing right through to the present, Home Search were brilliant. They helped make the whole process quick and stress free and even now we are in and settled, they are still happy to assist us with any queries we may have. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Julie Maney

Home Search helped us move into our new flat smoothly and Tim was always happy to provide help to put our nerves at ease. Arranging a viewing was easy and Home Search were happy to open after hours for us to sign the paperwork. They were very helpful and often would offer to help! Having moved in we received a lovely card and they have always been swift in communicating with Usif we have any questions. Would recommend it.

Will Houghton

Michael and his team were simply amazing!! They helped us to find the perfect house, offering a nice and attentive service from the beginning through to the end. Thank you so much!! 5 stars service. Highly recommended!!!

Giordana Sicali

Very helpful and friendly staff. Tim, Michael and the team Made the whole renting experience easier.

Amol Sinare

I had a very difficult situation as I did not have a guarantor and my dad was earning enough but was not a homeowner. It took a about 3 weeks but Michael sorted it all out in the end and my dad became my guarantor. I got a lovely home and all the staff were very helpful including Paris, Zainab and Tim. Thank you all very much! Would recommend them to anyone

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