Styling Your Home

First Impressions Count!

The initial presentation of your property is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible result.

The preparation you put into getting your property ready for sale can be the difference between getting a standard price and getting a great price. This does not have to be expensive, hard or very time consuming.

Our agents believe that the presentation of your property is very important and can offer you expert advice on everything including creating space, ambience and improving the flow of your property.

Every buyer has different standards and needs. There isn't one home that is suited to every buyer. You need to create the right mood. If a person is going to buy your property they must be able to imagine themselves living in it. Your property should be neat and tidy, comfortable and inviting.

We advise our vendors to take the following into consideration before their first inspection:

• Thoroughly clean your property both internally and externally, including the gardens, paths, shed, garage, storage areas, windows and bins. Small touches such as fresh flowers and plants are a great way of brightening up a room.


• Repair minor problems like squeaky doors, windows, gates, floor boards, leaking taps, cracks to walls, tiles and windows.


• A fresh coat of paint can make a great difference.


• Heat or cool your property accordingly.


• Open up blinds and curtains to let in some natural light. Turn on lights where necessary.


• If your carpets are stained you may want to get them professionally cleaned.


• Pack away excess furniture or personal belongings that may appear to make rooms look smaller or cluttered. Ensure that valuables are not exposed and stored in a safe place.


• Odours from cigarettes, food or animals can be offensive to some prospective buyers. Try burning some light fragrance to make the property feel inviting.


• Try and keep your pets out of the house on inspections. Not everybody loves animals.


• We advise that the vendors are not present during inspections. We have found prospective buyers feel restricted in the questions that they can ask and are uncomfortable walking through your property.

A great way to assess your property is to try and inspect your home as you would, being a prospective purchaser. Write a list of the faults and repair were possible.

Do not hesitate in asking Hilary Lazarus Real Estate for any advice, to ensure that the repairs you are willing to complete are necessary.