Spring is just around the corner and is always welcome in Caithness after our long dark winters.  It is a popular time for people to start thinking about moving.  What can you do to get prepared and organized to ensure you are ahead of the competition, that your home stands out and that you ultimately get the best price?  

Here are our top 7 tips!

1. Kerb Appeal

First impressions last.  A well-kept, neat and tidy exterior is key.  Spending some time to tidy up the garden, path and clean the front door and windows can make all the difference.  Add some fresh potted plants either side of your door and maybe give your door a fresh coat of paint.  Anything which immediately shows the buyer that your home is a well-kept property gets things off to a great start.

2. Spring Clean

Buyers notice little things, so take time to give your house a good spring clean.  Get into every nook and cranny and tackle cobwebs, dust on skirting boards and other overlooked areas.  Open your windows and let the spring air freshen your house and remove cooking or pet odours.

3. Tackle Small Maintenance Jobs

In Scotland our Home Report has to be completed before the property can go on the market.  Use this to address any repairs that could help the sale.  Take a look around and replace any broken bulbs, touch up grubby or chipped paintwork, etc.

4. Declutter

We all love our ornaments and keepsakes but too many of them on display can stop the buyer from envisioning their belongings in the space.  Also overflowing cupboards can give the impression that there is not enough storage.  Take the opportunity to consider whether you need to keep something, recycle, donate or throw away.  This will also make packing once your house is sold moving so much easier and quicker.

5. Let There Be Light

A sunlit room lifts the mood and makes people feel happier!  Tie back curtains or open/tilt your blinds.  Remove anything that may be blocking the natural light such as plants and ornaments and give your windows a clean inside and out.

6. Dress Your Kitchen

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, so make yours as inviting and relaxing as possible.  Clear the work surfaces.  Make sure the sink is clean and clear of dishes.  Clean the floors.  Create an inviting space by adding touches like a bowl of fruit or some potted herbs on the window sill (much better than fairy liquid).

7. Get Outdoors

We are coming out of winter and our gardens are getting ready to burst into life and colour.  Until then, make sure the garden is tidy, clear away leaves and dead plants, prune your shrubs and trees.  If you have garden furniture, give it a clean and perhaps a paint to freshen it up.  Show buyers there is space to enjoy in the summer months.

These simple tips are written to help you make your home stand out and get the best price.  We have lots of tips that we can share and would love to give you your own tailored plan to help you achieve the best price for your home.

Why not give us a call and take advantage of our FREE valuation and marketing consultation and take the opportunity to chat with us about what you can do to make sure you get a great price for your home and a quicker sale.