New Year - New Home?

3rd January 2008

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to move home in 2008, Home Sale Network member Manning Stainton of Leeds has some hints and tips to help ensure that your home makes a good impression.

David Pank of Manning Stainton says: “The first step is researching the market. Make sure that you find the right estate agent for you and your property. Ask about recent selling prices of similar properties in your area as well as the services and support your chosen agent can provide.”

The New Year prompts many people to make a new start and a new home is a great way to make a fresh start in 2008. With over 750 offices nationwide, Home Sale Network’s membership is based on certain criteria being met such as, quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism resulting in membership approved on an invitation basis only.

Whether you’re moving a few miles or across the country, your local Home Sale Network member is well placed to help make your move as smooth as possible. Your local Home Sale Network member can advise you how to present your property to maximise its potential. Here are some of Manning Stainton’s top tips.

De-cluttering your home, garage and even the garden shed is a good tactic. It’s important that your home is presented in the best light and by removing clutter you can emphasise the space. It also helps buyers imagine themselves living in the property with their own furniture and possessions.

Groups like Freecycle™, match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them. It’s a free service and is a great way to get rid of unwanted clutter, without filling up landfill sites.

David Pank says: “buyers can often be put off by little problems like leaking taps, chipped paintwork or sticking doors. They won’t take long to fix and could well pay dividends in the long run. You want to ensure that your home makes a good first impression on potential buyers”.

Make sure that you keep your home well presented both internally and externally throughout the selling process. Many potential buyers will go do a preliminary ‘drive by’ before they even view a property so it’s important to make sure your home always looks its best – “kerb appeal”- . If you have pets, consider shutting them away during viewings because they may distract potential buyers.

Show off the features of your home. If you are selling at this time of the year and have a fire, consider lighting it to show it works and create a cosy feeling and maybe buy an extra “uplighter” for that dark corner. Make sure that if you have a garden it’s neat and tidy, particularly at this time of year when grey days and damp weather can stop it from looking its best. Half a dozen tubs with Winter Pansies can really lift a property!