Begin Outside

Compare the exterior of your property to your neighbours

• Is the garden neat and tidy? Does the lawn need mowed, the borders weeded?
• Prune or trim any trees or shrubs that are stopping light getting into the property
• Tidy up and put away any children’s toys that are lying around
• Repair any uneven paving slabs/trip hazards
• Do the doors and windows require painting?

Depersonalise and Declutter

It’s not necessary to put all of your belongings away but it is important to minimise the amount of ornaments, children’s paintings and personal photographs. Ensure that any dead houseplants are removed. If your children have stuck stickers on bedroom doors remove them and clean the door. You want to present the house as spacious, light and uncluttered. Buyers can then picture themselves and their

Spring Clean

Attention to detail is important. Ensure that:-

• Skirting boards are dusted
• Windows are cleaned
• Dust light fittings
• Bleach tile grout and replace any aging or moulding sealant around the bath and basin.
• Vacuum everywhere and get rid of cobwebs
• Ensure the oven and hob are clean, if the appliances are integral the purchasers are buying them too.

Control your pets

Not everyone loves dogs so ask someone to watch your dog for the duration of the viewing or ensure they are contained in the garden or one room. Check with viewers if they mind animals before going into the room containing the dog. Make sure cat litter trays are empty and clean or better still put away for the viewing.

Conducting Your Viewing

Home owners are not the best people to conduct their own viewings. Buyers find it easier to relax and get a feel for the property if it is someone entirely neutral showing the house. e2w conduct all viewings and feed back to the seller within 24 hours. To prepare for your viewing ensure that all newspapers, books and magazines are tied away, no dishes are left in the sink or on the draining board and bins are emptied. Smooth over beds and plump pillows and cushions. It may seem like a cliché but a bunch of fresh flowers never goes wrong.

Repairs

Try to look at your home from the perspective of your buyer, and think about the details that would impress or dismay you if you were in their position. Then take care of those details immediately.

• Replace broken light bulbs
• Fix leaky taps
• Fix doors and drawers that don't open or close properly
• Repair cracks in the walls
• Touch up paint and repaint altogether where necessary (in a neutral colour)
• Hang up fresh towels in the bathroom
• Get a new shower curtain if needs be
• Eradicate odours - particularly those from cigarette smoke, mildew and pets. Open the windows and air out your house. Simply masking