Is the first and the last impression a buyer will have of your home, make sure it is a good one! Ensure it is tidy, clean and there are no obstructions.
Driveway and garage
Ensure that the garage door is in good working order and that it is neat and tidy. Make sure that it is free of weeds and oil stains.
The garden
Ensure the garden is tidy and not cluttered with toys or messy. Ensure hedges are neatly trimmed and plants and flower beds are watered regularly.
Patio and balcony
Cut back creepers which might be preventing light from entering rooms. Keep steps clear of hazards. Ensure furniture is clean and neat.
Doors
Check paintwork, polish handles and locks, oil hinges and tighten door knobs. Ensure doors open and close correctly.
Windows
Replace cracked panes, wash windows, check fittings and paintwork. Ensure curtain rails are firmly attached, curtains clean and properly hung.
Floors and carpets
Steam cleaning will rejuvenate tired looking carpets and a good polish will bring out the natural beauty of wooden floors. Replace any broken tiles.
Bathrooms
Fix noisy or leaking toilets, repair dripping taps and broken silicone around the bath, shower and basin.
How to prepare your property for a show day
Tidy up
Straighten up or remove newspapers, magazines, mail, toys, clothing, recreation gear, dishes etc. Ensure that every room in the property is neat and clean. Nothing makes a space look smaller than clutter.
Lighten up
Turn all the lights on, electric lights have an amazing capability for creating an illusion of lightness, airiness and space. Open all the curtains and blinds. Dark, gloomy spaces tend to make a space look smaller as well.
Clean up
Make up the beds neatly and ensure there is nothing lying around especially in the walkways. Ensure all counter tops are clear and clean, wipe down appliances and make sure that all dishes are out of sight. Remove any other obstacles that may hide the positive aspects of the property.
Freshen up
Smells can work wonders for the psyche. Keep air fresheners in the cupboards, bathrooms and kitchen. Keep a set of fresh attractive towels in each bathroom. Fresh, nice smelling flowers can brighten up the space. Brewing coffee or scented candles are also great for ambience.
Spruce up
Soft, pleasant music in the background helps set the tone. Always put the properties features in the spotlight. As an example if you have a lovely enclosed patio for entertaining, try and make that space look it's best in order to draw potential buyers to it.
