How to prepare a property for sale properly

An advertisement has one aim: to draw the attention of as many people as possible to a particular listing and prompt them to act. In the case of property, this means a specific action: wanting to view the flat. So if a client shows interest in our listing and calls to ask about the possibility of viewing their dream property, we must not waste that chance. Unless, of course, we do not care about time, profit and money at all.

Proper presentation of a property is one of the key factors when selling a flat or house. If a client likes the place we plan to sell, they are far more likely to decide to buy our property. It is mainly a matter of creating the right atmosphere and a good impression, that is, everything that builds a positive image. In a previous article I wrote in more detail about modern sales techniques based on home branding. In this one I will focus mainly on the presentation of the property, and set out practical ways of preparing a property for sale.

The first impression effect

Each of us has only one chance to present ourselves in the best possible light. It is the same with a property. If the first things the client sees are crumbling plaster, mould on the wall and a broken lock, they will most probably not go ahead with the transaction.

So how do you prepare for this effectively? The basic thing is to freshen up the property. A complete renovation of the flat or house is not always necessary; sometimes it is enough to brighten a few rooms and clean off the dirt. Various wax polishes are useful for this, thanks to which furniture reflects the light better and the space itself seems far better cared for.

If, however, the walls are quite seriously damaged, it is worth painting the flat. I do not recommend wallpaper; paints in warm shades work better, preferably in light colours. The point here is mainly the effect of freshness, cleanliness and spaciousness in the room.

A problem for many sellers when preparing a property for sale is a lack of objectivity. This is especially true when they themselves have been living in the property they plan to sell. Certain flaws are not easy to notice in a space where you live every day. In such a case it is worth consulting a specialist, or at least asking friends what would need repairing. And there are many things to look at: whether drawer handles, locks, doors, windows and so on work properly. Any holes and gaps in floors and walls will also work against us, and it is worth filling them before the sale.

Once everything has been repaired and the property has been freshened up and brightened, the flat should be tidied. It is best to remove all personal knick-knacks, such as photographs, souvenirs or awards. Make sure the wardrobes are tidy, too. It is a good idea to arrange books and clothes neatly. Thanks to this, not only will the buyer feel better in a tidy space, but the seller too will make a much better impression on them.

When cleaning the property, pay special attention to the bathroom. Nothing is more off-putting than an unwashed toilet or a dirty sink or bath. When cleaning, it is worth using scented products which will make the room feel fresher and cleaner.

How to make a flat look bigger

Regardless of the size of the property, every client wants the rooms to be spacious and large. You need to be aware that any space can be made to look either bigger or smaller. The greatest role here is played by the arrangement of the furniture, its character, and the play of light.

Crowding furniture into a room is entirely inadvisable. If there is too much of it, we only work against ourselves, because the room looks small and awkward to arrange. It is then necessary to rearrange the furniture, or even to remove some of it from the room. That does not mean getting rid of everything, though, because empty rooms do not make a better impression at all. Most developers are aware that furnished flats sell far better.

Another thing to pay attention to is the decor of the individual rooms. Small changes can completely transform the character of a room. Shops offer many decorative fabrics and throws that can be used to cover worn sofas or tables to give them a new, unique character.

To make a room seem even more spacious, it is safer to decorate it with fabrics in light but warm, pastel colours. What counts above all is the seller's creativity, but knowledge of contemporary trends and fashion will also be useful.

The last thing that can work in our favour during a sale is light. A well-lit room automatically looks larger, so it is worth drawing back the net curtains. If, however, buyers wish to view the flat in the evening, it is worth using smaller lamps in the room in addition to the main light. Skilful lighting will give the room an individual and atmospheric character, which our clients will certainly like. Thanks to these measures we will not only stand out from the competition, but also be better remembered. From there it is a short step to a successful and profitable transaction.