Small changes make a big difference when selling a home

IT’S a good idea to improve the selling potential of your home by investing in small projects that will go a long way towards making your home stand out to buyers. Location is a determining factor in house pricing, even if sometimes overly so. But what can often make a difference is clever alterations that add visible value to a home rather than the notional values arising from extraneous property factors that cause so much uncertainty.

In short, if perspective buyers like what they see the price sometimes seems immaterial and this is where your creative instincts can play a part. There was a time (not too long ago) when property sold – regardless of its appeal – for huge sums of money. But trends change and this generation of house buyers is forewarned of stories of property bubbles and negative equity and are more questioning and demanding about what they want for their money.

There is a market for all properties and what could make the difference when trying to sell is upgrading. Obviously this strategy is based on finance but even just a little investment can be recouped in the eventual sale price. The days of baking a cake or brewing fresh coffee as potential buyers called to view a property might be a tried and tested tactic, but why not devise a bolder strategy?

It might be that your property is pristine and has everything going for it which is all well and good. However, there’s bound to be one or two aspects that have annoyed you while living there over the years and that you’d wished you’d improved.

Perhaps an extension would have benefited the property hugely, or a conservatory. Maybe the windows no longer do their job of keeping out pesky drafts. How about an extra bathroom? Do you think installing a new heating system would benefit the sale price? How are the gardens? Ask yourself what kind of impression you would most like to get when approaching a property with a view to buying it. Thinking this way helps iron out any little snags and makes your property ‘sale ready’.

Have you considered an attic or loft conversion? People love the idea of having storage areas converted into a functional part of the main house. If parking is an issue perhaps converting a section of the front garden or outside footpath into a parking space will seal the deal (note: planning permission is likely for the latter).

Lastly, consider a scenario where three identical houses on the same street are for sale and only one is sold. The difference may well have come down to interior, amenity and attention to detail. If all three houses look the same and are in the same location, then you are going to have to increase the selling potential in other ways. Like upgrading. It’s worth considering it.