Our Top Ten Tips To Help Sell Your Home More Effectively
Today’s property market is harder than it’s been for years, so we’ve pulled together our key tips to help your home stand out!
1. Research & Set the Right Price
Look at recent sales of similar homes in your area. Use online tools (like Rightmove, Zoopla) and ask multiple estate agents for valuations.
Be realistic — overpriced homes often linger, which can deter buyers; too low and you leave money on the table. Aim for a sweet-spot price that attracts attention but still honours your value.
2. Get Organised Early
Engage a conveyancing solicitor as soon as possible. Have all your documents to hand: title deeds; boundary documents; insurance or warranty paperwork; servicing information for appliances, boiler etc.
Arrange for your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your agent may arrange this if you are using one as legally, you need one and it must be shown in adverts.
3. Improve First Impressions (Kerb Appeal)
· First impressions matter — a lot. So tidy up your front garden, sweep paths, clean windows, maybe repaint the door or the trim.
Outside should feel inviting — good lighting, clear signage, decorative touches (flowers or neat potted plants) help.
4. Declutter, Depersonalise & Refresh Interiors
Inside, you want buyers to picture themselves living there. So remove excess belongings, personal photos, polarising art and ornamental collections, as they distract.
Neutral colour schemes often help; consider repainting bold or bright walls if needed. A blank canvas is invariably more appealing.
Fix minor issues — dripping taps, cracked tiles, squeaky doors — because they imply a lack of care and may raise thoughts of deeper issues.
5. Stage Effectively & Showcase Key Rooms
Define each room properly and show it as a dining space, a bedroom, office or whatever its potential logical use might be to your prospective buyers.
Make spaces light and bright: open curtains, clean windows, use mirrors to enlarge visual space. A fresh, airy feel often helps.
6. Be Flexible with Viewings
Make it easy for potential buyers: evenings, weekends, short notice. Better accessibility = more interested people.
If you are present during viewings, aim for warmth and positivity. Think of yourself as a host, not just a seller. Your mood affects perception.
7. Market Smartly
Good photos are essential. Stage before photographing and leave the staging in place for the duration of marketing as buyers want to see the house as the pictures showcased it.
Consider your options multiple channels: online portals, local agents, “for sale” boards. Maybe even private sales or online agents if you want to manage costs, but check the compromises of opting for cheaper routes.
8. Compare Estate Agents Carefully
Don’t just pick the first or cheapest. Check their track record, what similar properties they’ve sold in your area, how long those sales took.
Find out what fees are included (advertising, photography, “for sale” boards, etc.), plus how long you’ll be tied in to the contract.
9. Be Ready to Negotiate
Expect offers below asking price. Be open but firm about what you’re willing to accept.
Sometimes a lower but cash-ready buyer without a chain is more attractive than someone offering more but with complications.
10. Don’t Let Legal & Logistical Delays Trip You Up
Make sure you keep on top of seller responsibilities including all paperwork, and allowing property access for surveys etc. Delays can sap buyer enthusiasm.
Be ready on completion day — timely removals and handover of keys is critical. Sort out the utilities promptly and leave no surprise bills or issues that slow down the process last minute.
Bonus Tips (Because Every Edge Helps)
Sweet smells help: subtle, not overpowering as this can have a negative impact if it not appealing to potential buyers!
Let the light in: switch on lights even during daytime in winter months, remove heavy curtains and leave them open. Bright spaces feel bigger and more inviting.
Time of year matters: often spring or autumn sees more buyer activity. If you’re not in a rush you might benefit from timing your launch..
At The Home Shapers, our purpose is to help families negotiate fully preparing a home for sale, before it becomes overwhelming, as well as to speed up the time it takes to get a property to market.
If you are keen to hear more about how we can help, please click here to get in touch - we are always willing to talk through how we can ease your journey.