While buying a house is definitely a challenge, selling one can be just as tricky, considering the market conditions. High mortgage rates and a long processing term make it difficult for sellers to find potential buyers. In addition, selling a house in the UK takes three times longer than in the US. Even countries like France or Italy overthrew the UK in terms of selling properties.
Besides the economic environment and global problems that affect the industry, people lack the proper strategy for attracting more customers. Whether they reach for high prices, have the property located in a poor neighbourhood, or are simply not marketing it right, these factors set sellers up for failure.
However, one of the most important things to do as a seller is to address the interior design. For example, what do you know about home staging? And do you really think maximalist wallpapers will attract people?
Let’s find out what you should and shouldn’t do as a seller.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-black-wooden-5-piece-dining-set-qnSTxcs0EEs
Do create a neutral atmosphere
Many properties for sale still showcase the homeowners’ interior design style, which may not appeal to the future buyer. This is especially the case for outdated decorations and maximalist furniture, which oppose the current trends of “less is more.”
You’ll notice an increased interest in people who will want to view your property if you can depersonalise it as much as possible and develop a neutral atmosphere. Of course, that doesn’t mean stripping the property of appliances, decorations, and furnishings―it is meant to make it look easier to be brought to the buyers’ vision.
So, try painting the walls a neutral but warm tint, such as beige or even grey. Apply some wood oil to make the furniture look healthier, and make sure you let all the light inside brighten up the space. Add simple decorations and plants to make the rooms livelier, and you’re all set!
Don’t choose bright and bold colours
Whether we discuss the wall colour, the motif of a room, or the overall custom murals, it’s best to avoid bold tones of pink, yellow, or even red because they’ll overwhelm the buyer upon entering the house. Even overdoing it with all-black cabinets and shelves will have the same effect, so it’s best to treat wood-based ones with proper protection from
These colours will also add one more task for buyers since they’ll have to redecorate and spend a considerable portion of their budget to make the house appealing to their liking. If you’re willing to make an effort and make the property chicer, you can do it on a budget.
For example, here are the best colours for every room in the house:
- Warm pink for the living room;
- Soft blue for the bedroom;
- Calming green for the office;
- White for the kitchen;
- Dusky pink for the bathroom;
Do declutter
Clutter, regardless of how cheap the house is, will immediately not make a good impression on the potential buyers. Not only does it impair our ability to focus, but it can also lead to heightened anxiety. A complete declutter will increase your chances of selling the house, as the buyers won’t have to deal with it.
While you can take your time and declutter alone, it’s best to bring helpers in any case. Start with the entryway by removing your coats and shoes. The kitchen should also be spotless, so discard every outdated appliance or expired food.
The living room should be free of excessive furniture or family photos. Pack away any personal items that visually clutter the room to make it look more flexible in terms of design. As you reach every room of the house, remember to organise the garage as well and mow the lawn.
Don’t ignore the need for repairs
While interior design matters, minor repairs will put everything in place. Ignoring these small problems and simply putting paint over them will only cause further complications and a lack of customers. In real estate, these issues will be checked, so it’s best to manage them before they cause disputes.
For example, if the roof shows visible signs of damaged shingles or is prone to leaks, it’s best to repair it as soon as possible. Anyone seeing these signs will turn the offer due to the high costs of repairs. A professional roofing contractor will help you properly assess the problem.
You should also mind the foundation because tiny cracks can lead to moisture in the house, which triggers structural issues. Also, make sure to check any worn-out flooring, the electrical wiring, and the outside of the house.
Do focus on freshness
One of the easiest ways to make the property more inviting is to make it smell fresh and look natural. If you’d like to blend the smell with plants and make the house earthy, you could strategically place some mint, lavender, or rosemary herbs in every room so potential buyers will feel closer to having a home. Of course, you could also use candles, room sprays, and fabric sprays for an enhanced pleasant odour.
However, these improvements should only be made after getting rid of moisture through a dehumidifier. Remove any trash or litter, freshen up the fridge, and open the windows to let the natural smell take over the house. Only after doing these tasks can you add fresh smells.
Otherwise, the house will have a weird odour of mixed humidity and lavender, which is definitely not welcoming. You could also add some floral arrangements here and there for great visual appeal.
Are you ready to sell your property?
Selling a property can be challenging, especially with the tight economy and real estate market. However, there are some ways to promote your property and have as many potential buyers as possible, such as creating a neutral atmosphere and decluttering the house. On the other hand, you should always avoid overdoing it with decorations and maximalist patterns and ignoring any potential repairs, like roof problems and foundation cracks.
