Tips to make your property stand out from the crowd

Attracting would-be buyers in a crowded marketplace is one of the biggest challenges sellers face. There are steps you can take, however, to really make your property stand out from the crowd, upping the number of viewings you get and increasing the chances of a buyer putting an offer in.
Using our knowledge as estate agents working all across the South of England, we have come up with a number of things you can do to increase your chances of achieving a sale.

Think virtually

A virtual tour isn’t the same as a viewing in the flesh, but it’s the next best thing. It can give potential buyers a really good first insight into the property they may eventually acquire. They may get a gut feeling just from the virtual tour alone. It also offers flexibility, as prospective buyers can watch the tour on the move or whilst commuting on public transport.

Keep it subtle

Some people like quirky and unique décor, but the majority are likely to be put off by anything too bold or out-there. Neutral, unassuming colours work best. Would-be buyers want to be able to picture the property as their own and this is much less likely to happen if the place is adorned with the distinctive stamp of the current owners.

Carry out some TLC

It stands to reason that buyers will find clean, warm, well-looked after properties more appealing than ones that haven’t been given enough care and attention. Buyers, more so than ever, will be eagle-eyed about every little thing, and they may spot those little DIY jobs you’ve yet to carry out, or those fixtures and fittings that aren’t quite in ship shape. Carrying out a little bit of TLC will improve the look of your property and increase your chances of securing a quick sale.

Sell the property with photos

They say a picture paints a thousand words, and that saying rings particularly true when it comes to successfully selling property. You want to show off your property in the best light possible, you want to highlight its best attributes, and these things will more readily happen if high-quality, full-colour photos are offered. Making sure this is done professionally might cost a little more, but it will be worth it in the end if you get an offer for above your asking price.

Get the viewing right

This is your big chance to impress and really sell the merits of your property, so it’s vitally important that you get the viewing right. We understand that mistakes can be made and little details can be forgotten. In a previous blog we outlined how not to ruin your house viewing in an effort to steer you away from any possible pratfalls.

Embrace the ad

In this digital age, most people’s first port of call when it comes to property is websites like Rightmove and Zoopla. Here, the competition is intense, and you need to be very wily and on the ball to help your property stand out. Making your description short, sweet and emotive, and ensure that your advert is memorable and visually pleasing. Both of these things will help to entice potential buyers.

For expert advice on selling your property, please contact us on: 0844 809 9931. To find out the value of your property, check out our handy instant online valuation tool.

How to move home safely with young children

Moving house is a stressful experience at the best of times. Moving house with young kids in tow, however, means double the levels of stress as you try and keep the little ones free from accidents and injury. Below, using our experience as estate agents working all over the South of England, we detail the top tips for moving house with young children in a safe and secure manner.

Gate the stairs
If you have children under the age of two, it’s advised that you install safety gates on the stairs in your new home. If possible, this should be done before the child enters the house. This may seem like an over-the-top measure, but on moving in day the kids are bound to be excited and eager to explore their new home, making the scope for accidents greater. Distracted by the move, you may not be able supervise as closely as normal and the safety gates will help to give you peace of mind.

Familiarise yourself with the local area
This helps your children get used to the new roads and the volume and speed of traffic on these roads. If your young ones are changing schools as a result of the house move, a rehearsal school run is a good idea to get them used to their new surroundings.

Make the garden child-friendly
Whilst you unpack and settle into your new home, the garden is a good place for the kids to burn off all the excess energy that kids have. However, it’s a good idea to check the garden is child-friendly first, before allowing them to roam freely. They may be able to stray into the gardens of your neighbours or onto the street. If so, it’s important to secure these areas. If the garden includes a pond, it’s important to make it safe as soon as possible as babies and younger children can drown in as little as 5cm of water.

Check those windows
Inspecting all the windows in your new home, even those on the ground floor, is something you should try and do as soon as possible. If they open wide enough for a child to fit through or climb out of, it’s recommended that you fit a catch or window lock to prevent accidents from occurring. If your new property has a balcony, fitting a lock to the balcony doors and windows is also highly recommended.

Be careful with the furniture
Whilst you might just see it as furniture, toddlers and young children can see it as a potential climbing frame. Even if you haven’t yet planned out the room and decided where your furniture is going to go, it’s a good idea to keep it well away from windows until you do. Once you have placed everything in its final position, make sure to secure it in place, more so if it’s a cabinet or table.
For advice on selling your property, please get in touch with us on: 0844 809 9931. To find out the value of your property, check out our fast and easy to use instant online valuation tool.