don't let your dogs jump up at
your visitors when they arrive.
You might find it adorable and
welcoming, but it could cost
you a sale.
BRIGHT AND
FRIENDLY ROOMS
French houses are famous for
their shutters, so keep them
wide open. Also, get the white
or cream paint out and, if
necessary, put the lights on.
Since Covid, our buyers have
consistently told us they are
looking for bright, spacious,
airy properties.
Think about when you
go into a new show home;
the lights are always on,
aren't they? They do this for
a reason. If you are worried
the room will feel cold, use
warming elements such as
wood or textures such as a
wool throw. Similarly, painting
the walls a neutral colour
makes them seem bigger
and allows potential buyers
to add their personal touch.
Remember, too, that you don't
need to choose a stark white;
find an undertone that suits
your space and furniture.
Do everything you can to
make the space seem more
significant - for example, leave
a little air between furniture
and the walls and use mirrors
to help reflect light; they also
reflect the view, tricking the
eye into perceiving more
space.
GET RID OF THE
CLUTTER
It shouldn't need saying, but
it does. Tidy the mess! This is
most important in the kitchen.
Get the washing up done and
put away, empty the bins, so
there are no lingering smells,
clean the hob and units, put
fresh fruit in a bowl and even
brew fresh coffee. Again,
hygiene has been at the
forefront of our minds over
the last couple of years, and
a spotless kitchen will make
buyers assume that the rest of
the property is clean and well
cared for.
Of course, other rooms
are important too. Rooms
cluttered with clothes, toys,
rusty bikes and half-assembled
wardrobes look smaller and
more cramped. We constantly
laugh at tales our agents tell
about teenagers still being in
bed and rooms too crammed
to get the door open.
One final thought - if all the
above are essential when you
have a viewing, they are doubly
so when the photographs are
taken to market your property.
Insist that your agent takes the
photos when the house has
been prepped - a good agent
will give you ideas and help
you move soft furnishings.
Again, it might add 30 minutes
to both of your days to get this
right, but the photographs will
adorn your most prized asset's
shop window and website.
Give Leggett an exclusive
mandate to sell your property;
follow these tips, and you
should receive an offer in the
blink of an eye - guaranteed
by those Princeton scientists!
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