These simple selling secrets from award winning Wishart Estate Agents York & Tadcaster will unleash the inner show home in any property. If followed correctly, these tips will add to the saleability of your home.

Great British Life: Lamps add a soft, ambient light, ideal for evening or winter eveningsLamps add a soft, ambient light, ideal for evening or winter evenings (Image: Archant)

If you are considering selling your home in 2018, you may not be ready to book appointments with an estate agent yet, but this guide will get you started on the road to that satisfying SOLD sign.

When it comes to selling property, it is imperative to be objective and honest with yourself: selling a house is an emotive exercise, but once you’re on the path to new beginnings it is an exciting and transformative journey.

Let there be light: maximize the light in your home. A lighter home will feel larger and welcoming to your potential purchasers.

Clean windows and doors, inside and out, or employ the services of a window cleaner.

Old style low energy bulbs don’t give the best light, treat yourself to the newer style.

Great British Life: Bleach tile grout clean using a tootbrushBleach tile grout clean using a tootbrush (Image: Archant)

Lamps add a soft, ambient light, ideal for evening or winter viewings.

Remove net curtains and always open blinds for viewings.

Redecorate dark or tired rooms in a neutral, (yes, perhaps boring) but saleable colour.

Trim bushes and trees which are excessively blocking natural daylight into your home.

Great British Life: Power wash all hard landscaping, driveways , patio seating areas and dirty wallsPower wash all hard landscaping, driveways , patio seating areas and dirty walls (Image: Archant)

DIY SOS: We all have them, those small, niggly jobs which we never get round to doing. Potential purchasers see these items as clues that the property hasn’t been maintained well by the current owners.

Touch up any chipped paintwork or areas which look tired or dirty.

For squeaky doors, WD40 is your best friend.

Bleach tile grout clean using a toothbrush

Replace any broken items including switches, handles, paving stones and fences

Great British Life: The team at Wishart Estate AgentsThe team at Wishart Estate Agents (Image: Archant)

We’ve discussed the areas inside your home but the external areas are just as important

Trim trees and bushes, weed your flower beds and mow the lawn.

Clean or re-paint any external joinery.

Power-wash all hard landscaping, driveways, patio seating areas and dirty walls.

Add hanging baskets or pot plants to the front of the property, it creates a welcoming first impression.

When it comes to photography & viewings, unless you have a sweeping driveway with lots of space, remove cars, bikes and caravans off the driveway.

Put away any outside toys and it goes without saying…….if you have pets, scoop the poop!

If you are in a flat add a welcoming mat and ensure the managing agent has all common area tidy, and lights working.

One last thing to remember, pricing is key. Buyers have all of the comparable evidence they need at their fingertips. On-line property portals and land registry provide information on recently sold properties, including the price they achieved, the square footage and even the energy efficiency.

NEVER be fooled by the estate agent offering a high valuation figure with weak comparable evidence. More time on the market usually means a lower sale price.

Pricing is key, but with your now ‘market ready’ home, and Wishart Estate Agents professional assistance, you’ll be sure to get the very best price for your property.

If you have any questions regarding the potential of your home, you can call Wishart Estate Agents on 01904 404558 & our team will be more than happy to help. Property is our passion, and we’d love to discuss yours with you.

Over the last five years, Wishart Estate Agents Limited has quickly earned a reputation for our dedication to delivering outstanding customer service combined with a professional, yet friendly approach. You can find out more about the team right here: https://wishartestateagents.co.uk/about-us

Wishart Estate Agents is owned and managed by Lucie Wishart. From creating the company back in 2013, to taking it to London to scoop a gold award at The ESTAS in 2014, and forming a Limited Company in 2015, her enthusiasm for Wishart Estate Agents, and the industry as a whole, is clear to see. Lucie was joined at Wishart Estate Agents by her mother, Christine in 2015, and three further team members, Alison, Lucy and Paige in the following years.

Team Wishart have once again entered The ESTAS in 2017 and look forward to proving their award winning status to coincide with 5 years in business.

Lucie Wishart: ‘’I’m very proud of our team and entering the ESTAS again is a superb way for us to celebrate our 5th Birthday’’.

wishartestateagents.co.uk