While following government regulations and remaining indoors during the Coronavirus outbreak, you may have found your dream home on Propertynews.com. Why not use this time to prepare your home for a sale?
Today, we are sharing 7 different steps that you can take from the comfort of your own home to get your property market ready.
7 things you can do now to prepare your home for a sale
1. Research estate agents
While their branches may be closed on the high street, you can still learn a lot about local estate agents online.
Visit the ‘Find Agents’ page on Propertynews.com to discover estate agents in your local area. Find out about the types of properties they have experience in selling, if they have sold any properties in your area and how much their fees are.
You can contact the estate agent directly via Propertynews.com using the ‘Find Agents‘ tool. Simply search for an area or agent directly, click the name of your desired agent and decide whether you would like to email or call.
2. Research photographers
Images on property portals, such as Propertynews.com, are usually the first impression that a potential buyer will get of your property, so let’s make sure it is a good first impression.
Images should be high quality and portray your property in the best light. Use the internet to research photographers in your local area.
Contact possible photographers either through email or over the phone for more information on their rates and experience.
3. Prepare your mortgage paperwork
Now is the time to gather all your paperwork for your mortgage application.
A mortgage candidate will need proof of identification, such as a passport or driving licence, at least three months’ worth of payslips and bank statements, their name on at least one utility bill at their current address, proof of any benefits received, details of any loans that they have taken out and their name to be on the electoral register.
Ensuring that you have all these documents, and that the information on these documents are up-to-date will help to speed up the mortgage application process.
Discover all about the different types of mortgages, fees and what is involved in the application process with our ultimate guide to understanding mortgages.
4. Get some fresh air and do some gardening
A garden can be an important selling point for buyers, so it is important to keep all outside areas tidy and well-maintained. Gardens help to frame a home and often provide the first impression when viewing a property. Create a good first impression by getting rid of weeds between the garden path, cut the grass and plant some fresh and colourful flowers.
Adding a point of interest to your garden will also help to create the ‘wow-factor.’ This could be something as simple as a dedicated dining area, where a potential buyer could imagine relaxing on a summer evening, or a flower bed that injects some colour into the garden.
5. Tackle any exterior projects
A great way to prepare your home for a sale is by creating instant kerb appeal. Why not paint your front door, wash your windows and clear your driveway of any loose stones and debris that has blown in from the street.
The bright and dry spring days are also a great time to clear gutters and downpipes. Check that these gutters are not damaged or clogged as this could lead to problems in the future.
Make sure the garden shed is tidy and in good order. If tired and worn, why not give the exterior a paint and varnish? The same applies to the fence. A fresh coat of paint can leave these items looking good as new.
6. Do some DIY
If you can do some DIY safely while adhering to the social distancing rules, then now may be the right time to do it.
If you have some leftover paint, why not give those walls a fresh lick of paint. You can also fix any leaky taps, creaky doors, cracked tiles and replace broken light bulbs.
7. Spring Clean
From organising your kitchen to decluttering your space, a spring clean is sure to leave your home sparking and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Follow Propertynews.com’s six top tips for spring cleaning your home which will leave your home feeling market ready!
View more homeowner tips on Propertynews.com
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