First impressions are made before the door opens
A potential buyer forms their first impression before stepping through the door. Kerb appeal sets the emotional tone for the entire viewing. Overgrown hedges, a cracked driveway, peeling paintwork on the front door or overflowing bins can all kill a sale before it starts.
Spend a weekend on the exterior. Cut the grass, jet wash the path, paint or clean the front door, add a pot plant, clean the windows. None of this costs much, but the return is enormous.
Declutter ruthlessly
Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home. That's very hard when every surface is covered in personal photos, ornaments and clutter. Box up anything non-essential. Clear kitchen worktops completely. Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger. Buyers are buying the space, not your stuff.
Repair the obvious things
Walk through your home with fresh eyes — or ask a friend to do it. They'll spot the dripping tap, the cracked tile, the squeaking door. Small things signal to buyers that the property hasn't been well maintained, and they'll use them to justify a lower offer. Fill wall scuffs, replace blown bulbs, fix dripping taps, touch up paintwork.
The power of neutral
That bold feature wall might be your favourite thing about the room. To a buyer, it's a decorating job. Neutral tones allow buyers to project their own taste onto the space. If you have strong colour choices throughout, consider repainting before going to market. A tin of paint costs £30. The return can be thousands.
Photography makes or breaks your listing
Over 90% of property searches begin online. Your listing photos are your shop window. Poor photography will cost you viewings. Professional property photography costs £150-£300 and is one of the best investments you can make. At Tyne & Coast, we include professional photography as standard with every instruction.
Price it right from day one
Overpriced homes sit on the market. The longer a property sits, the more buyers wonder what's wrong with it. A property that launches at the right price, well presented and well marketed, attracts more interest and more competitive offers. Get valuations from two or three local agents, and be wary of any agent who gives a significantly higher figure than the others.