Britons can increase the value of their homes by making small home improvements.
According to estate agents at Preston Baker, a front door update could make all the difference when it comes to impressing potential buyers at in-person viewings. The experts claimed that tidying it up and having a declutter could “get you more for your property”.
The estate agents said: “You have two opportunities to make a first impression when selling your home, but you need to get the first one right in order to get the second.
“Your first impression will be your property listing, essentially the advertisement you have showcasing your house. This digital showcase of your property is usually the first chance potential buyers will have to see your property, so everything about your property listing needs to be spot on.
Britons have been given a top tip for selling their homes
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They continued: “Your next impression comes when they view the property in person.”
Because the front door is one of the first things a potential buyer sees – directly after the street and the outside of the property – the condition of it is important. Don’t put them off before they step inside your home.
The experts said: “The front door can be an opportunity for the buyer to pause as they wait for the door to be answered. A pause gives them a chance to cast a critical eye.”
They advised sellers to ensure their front door is clean and “free from peeling paint”.
They added: “If it has windows, make sure they are clean.” The home improvement experts at KJM added that it’s worth considering your existing windows, as “ugly” ones have “clear potential to put prospective buyers off”.
The estate agents continued: “Do not have clutter around your front door, though a doormat gives the impression that you care about the property. Make sure the external doormat is in relatively new condition.”
Once a prospective buyer steps through the door, it’s important that they are equally pleased with the overall experience of the entrance and hallway.
The experts said: “Staging a home starts with the entrance if you have an external porch. Declutter this area and make sure it is clean.
“Having a pair of shoes in there is fine – it gives the impression that this area is useful. However, 14 pairs of shoes jumbled on top of each other just gives the impression the house is cramped, before they even have a chance to get into the property.
“As the buyer goes through the door into your property two things will hit them: what it looks like and what it smells like.”
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The property experts recommended: ‘If it has windows, make sure they are clean’
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To ensure your entrance and hallway look their best before inviting prospective buyers, the expert recommended decluttering and having a clean-up.
They said: “If you have coat hooks, make sure to move your coats somewhere out of sight. If your stairs lead away from your front door, do not use your banister to hang coats or clothes.”
The experts’ next tips were slightly more time-consuming but just as critical. If your walls are on the dark side, they may need a repaint.
They said: “Make sure walls are light in colour and carpets are clean, as it’s important the hallway looks as large as possible.”
As for smell, a few savvy hacks will give any home a beautiful aroma. Homeowners can bake some bread before a viewing, or if they don’t have time to bake, they can create the same smell by placing a small amount of vanilla essence in an ovenproof dish and heat in a warm oven – ensuring they do not let either option burn. The experts added: “Another alternative is to brew freshly ground coffee.”
Regarding pets, these should be out of the property for 24 hours prior to house viewings, so homeowners have time to remove their bedding and have the windows open to freshen the property.
According to one property expert, painting your door a sophisticated colour could help sell it fast.
