1. Presentation.
Present your house so that it will appeal to everyone. Ensure that
they can imagine themselves living there.
2. De-clutter. Get rid of
familiar junk which we are used to having around, making rooms look
smaller. Put family photos and books away, try to find space to store
the less personal stuff, or take it to the nearest dump.
3. Clean. Cleaning is very, very
important. Make sure the kitchen and bathroom are clean. These rooms
are where you will probably be judged. Dust everywhere.
4. Entrances must be uncluttered
and welcoming. The path to your front door should have potted plants
on either side. Make the doors open properly, you don’t want a row of
coats or muddy boots behind.
5. Make sure the walls are not
bright, patterned or just plain ugly! Light, neutral colours are best.
Introduce splashes of colour with rugs, etc.
6. Mirrors in a dark entrance
hall carefully positioned will add space and make the best use of the
available light. Eye level is best.
7. Make sure you finish all the
little jobs. Time, perhaps, to bring in the professional? You don’t
want to let anyone think you don’t care and they may find other things
that need doing.
8. Make every room have a clear
function and purpose. If there is a third bedroom, make sure everyone
knows what it is. If it’s storage… fine.
9. Make sure the carpets are all
OK and not worn, dark, heavily patterned or dirty. This may seem
extravagant now, but people won’t think they have to replace carpets
later.
10. Pets. You have got used to
their smell. Does your house smell? Get rid of unpleasant smells, ask
a friend to look after the pets. Brush and vacuum until you’re sure
all hair and smells have gone |