Owning a property can be a handful.
Deciding how to improve its value is high on the list of headaches.
Smart investors consider the potential of a property, and take decisions for the long term. Should you renovate your kitchen? Do buyers want to see empty properties? Do you need to do any work to your property at all?
These are just a fraction of the questions we ask ourselves, when tackling the challenge of selling for the first time. Narrow down your to-do list, with our tips on what not to do.
Replacing the kitchen
While good quality kitchens can improve the value of your home by up to 10%, hold on. You need to check its cost is going to be less than that 10%. Are there other options than buying new?
Don’t go to all the effort of sourcing, selecting, and cost-checking kitchen cabinets if you can’t be sure that it’s worth it. Instead, consider renovating your current kitchen, or replacing items such as handles. Here’s how to tap into current trends.
Showing an empty home
There’s nothing more spacious, and inspiring, than an airy blank canvas - right? Wrong. Empty homes are actually less desirable to buyers.
Typically, we have trouble visualising the size and purpose of a space when there’s no furniture. And a property that’s obviously had items removed will leave people feeling it’s a cold, uninviting space.
But all’s not lost, as home staging can get you the sale - and help you reach for the top price. Discover more about Mint Staging services.
Not assessing the presentation
Whether as investor or home owner, you saw something special in the property you bought. For those of us without a millionaire’s fortune, compromises are also part of the decision.
Now, your approach is crucial if you want to maximise the investment you’ve made.
It can be tough, but you need to detach yourself from the opinions you had when you chose to buy. Assess the marketability of your property, with a close eye on the features and compromises.
Staging helps you get there. It can help you to take the right decisions to boost the special qualities of your property, without breaking the bank. (Learn more here).
Installing technology
It can be tempting to add gadgets. They look sleek, and seem to say “this is a desirable property”. But your goal is to make your property attractive to the greatest number of buyers.
Most personal and functional tech is run from wall sockets - and that’s what home buyers need. Make sure you ask yourself if most people are really looking for in-built tech or additional flourishes.
And, be warned. Some will spot them, and be turned off.
Removing period features
Period properties command greater prices than newer houses, with Victorian houses particularly popular. But the attraction of the antique can be found in other places, too.
Recent insight suggests that younger generations want the look of authenticity and luxury. It’s important to consider the outlook of your buyer when you shape the product that is your home.
Be sure to ask yourself whether you should remove designs or features from the property, or whether they add appeal that can be highlighted rather than hidden. It could be cheaper, too.
Want some advice on what to keep or not? Reach out to us at Mint Staging, to chat it over.