property Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Limestone Property

Limestone Sales and Lettings resident myth-buster (and Office Manager) Paul Neale, gives his take on some of the most widespread beliefs among house sellers.

1. Does the smell of coffee and/or freshly-baked bread really have a positive influence on would-be buyers?

It’s certainly true that a ‘homely’ aroma is endearing to would-be buyers, and the opposite is also true. Bad odours or suspicious smells are very off-putting. Interestingly, a recent study in Australia suggested that citrus is actually the winning formula for ‘smelling’ your home. How true this is, we really couldn’t say!

2. Is a tidy house better to show would-be buyers than a house which has a lived-in look?

Yes, it’s critical to present your property at its best. Your home doesn’t just need to be a showroom, but you should declutter as much as possible. It can be challenging work, but if you want to sell your home it’s worthwhile. This not only helps sell your property but can help you achieve a better price too.

3. Does superstition ever come into buying and selling? For example, does the number 13 ever put people off buying a house?

Not really. Many houses that are number 13 sell just as well as any other numbers, however I have also occasionally seen house numbers changed to 11a, rather than staying as number 13.

4. Do houses sell over the winter months, especially in the run-up to Christmas?

It is traditional that most people tend to put their property on the market between January and October, but should this deter you from going on the market in December? Absolutely not! There are many buyers out there all year round and having fewer properties to compete with is no bad thing. Also, if you haven’t sold by this point you have a head start on the many other sellers who come on board in the busy New Year period.

5. How often is the first offer the only offer? Should I hold out for my asking price?

It really depends on the ‘first offer’. You can usually tell if the buyer is testing the water and if they are a serious buyer they will nearly always improve on their opening offer. As a guide, our research shows that on average, buyers end up agreeing at around 97% of asking price.

6. Should sellers always go with the estate agent who suggests the highest selling price?

No, that’s not so true anymore. The internet allows sellers to have a pretty good idea of their property value and they can usually tell when an agent is way off the mark! Good agents won’t just suggest a figure, they will offer extensive comparable evidence to support their valuation.

7. Do would-be buyers often make their minds up within a few seconds of walking into a house?

Yes, yes and yes again!! The first minute or two are quite often all a buyer needs to know if this is the house for them.

8. Is it true how a house looks from the outside is as important than what’s on the inside?

First impressions are essential, and a well-maintained frontage and surrounding area is so important because this is where your prospective buyer is stood, looking, while they’re waiting for you to open the door. It helps reinforce that you take pride in your home, which gives them confidence.

9. Is South-facing more attractive to buyers than North-facing?

A Southerly facing rear garden is a must for many buyers and this is certainly something we highlight. The reason why certain buyers seek the Southerly aspect (the ultimate in my opinion being the South West facing garden) is because this ensures the sun is on the back of the house most of the day and into the evening.

10. Pricing – is a £249,999 listing actually more appealing to would-be buyers than a £250,000 one?

Yes and no! There is no doubt that psychological pricing works, however it is also important for an estate agent to consider the impact certain pricing can have on national portals such as Rightmove. In this instance, if you are searching online and your criteria is, say, £240,000 – £250,000, the property listed at £250,000 would be the first property a buyer would see when they search on Rightmove, not the £249,999 listing.

11. Will an expensive kitchen will sell your home?

Many people spend a small fortune on a high-end kitchen refit before putting their home on the market, but this can be both a waste of time and money. Potential buyers will often want to refit their own kitchen once they move in, so investing in a new kitchen is something you can forgo.

12. When you receive an offer, should you make the buyer wait?

When you receive an offer, you should reply straight away. When a buyer makes an offer, that buyer is ready to buy your home. Moods can change and you don’t want to lose the sale because you stalled in replying. Some people believe that waiting to reply puts you as the seller in a better negotiating position, but that just isn’t the case.

13. You can do it alone and don’t need an estate agent

Whilst estate agent fees may make your toes curl up, going solo is often more difficult. Selling your property is a lot more than creating a fancy looking advert – you also have to arrange viewings, market your home, establish relationships with potential buyers and filter the offers. Estate agents may get a bad reputation, but ultimately, they are pros at selling homes.

For more tips like these and to get the best price for your property, contact the team on 01908 234 111 or email us at info@limestonemk.co.uk

Limestone Sales & Lettings Office Manager Paul Neale shares his top tips for selling your property.

1. Boost kerb appeal

My granny always said, “you can tell a lot about a woman’s housekeeping skills by her doorstep”. First impressions really do count, so give your front door a spruce up and clear away any garden items which draw the eye away from the home’s central features. Also, dispose any litter and rubbish in front of your house. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t put it there, if It’s in front of your home it’s making it look dirty – so get rid of it quickly!

2. Spice up the kitchen

A new kitchen can cost thousands of pounds but replacing worktops and taps may be worthwhile. The kitchen is a home’s focal point and is often a deal-breaker. Replacing even small items can turn an old kitchen into a contemporary space. Keep it clean too, limescale and grease are always off putting.

3. Period features

If you live in a Victorian home, for example, try to make sure that skirting boards, architraves and doors fit in with the era. If you have a little cash to spend, consider restoring or installing coving, picture rails or period fireplaces. It won’t cost the earth and buyers will often pay more for a home with period features, so if you have them and you like them DO NOT rip them out!

4. Get gardening

Yank out those weeds, hack back your hedges and get the lawn cut. Sorting out outdoors is a vital part of giving your house overall appeal. Little pots of evergreen heather, under a fiver, placed by the front door look welcoming. Caring for your garden shows that you care about the home and have maintained it well.

5. A fresh lick of paint

Transforming a home from drab to fab needn’t cost too much time or money, just the price of sandpaper, paint, brushes and rollers. Redecorating can make a property look brand new and present more of a blank canvas to buyers. But do keep an eye on the quality of finish. A dodgy paint job can be almost as off-putting as scuffed, discoloured walls. Also think carefully about colour schemes and remember that a neutral palette is often the safest option.

6. Keep it clean

Dust, cobwebs and grime all suggest a home isn’t cared for – so make sure the place is spotless. After all, what’s the point in having new paintwork, flooring and carefully placed furniture if it all looks a bit grubby? Remember to clean windows and sills too.

7. Sort out that bathroom

Nobody was ever won over by a mouldy bathroom and in our experience, we have found that a dirty bathroom is one of the biggest turn offs for buyers. So get your rubber gloves on, grab some thick bleach and start scrubbing those tiles, grouting and silicon. Also consider replacing out of date items like the soap dish, toothbrush holder and taps.

8. Declutter

Trash those chintzy trinkets and think minimal. Getting rid of excess clutter adds to the sense of space and never detracts from the look of a home. It also lets a potential buyer imagine their own belongings in place. Get some bin bags and start clearing out. Focus on the hall first because it’s the first thing potential buyers will see. Stinky trainers and muddy boots are a no go!

9. Dress to impress

Remind buyers they are in a home and not a showroom by keeping a few objects, pictures and neutral ornaments (vase, fruit bowl or a couple of cushions) visible. New towels in the bathroom and a few candles will also help. Key pieces of furniture give pointers to what a room can be and help define the space. Dress the place sparingly but cleverly and this might just make the difference between getting the asking price or a much reduced offer.

10. Flooring

Mouldy carpets and badly fitted laminate are eyesores which can knock hundreds or thousands of pounds off an offer. If you keep an awful floor the buyer will tot up how much money it will cost to replace it, so do it yourself at a fraction of the price. A deep-clean may be all it needs – or if your floorboards are in a decent state strip them back and varnish them.