East Kilbride News

Plan ahead before you start to think of selling

- CRAIG MCINTOSH

Thankfully, the early signs of spring are here and we can start thinking about what we’re going to do during the longer and warmer days ahead.

Traditiona­lly, this is also when homeowners look at the property market for their new homes, so it is worthwhile considerin­g what you need to do before putting your current home on the market.

It is essential to make a positive first impression, so regardless of why you are selling – for example you need somewhere smaller or bigger or somewhere nearer to work – you need to get it right.

Luckily, there are some tips that can help you on your way. You need to declutter to make your home feel light and airy.

We all keep stuff we don’t need but when it comes to getting ready for a sale, you need to be tough and remove things you don’t need.

If you consider using charity shops and recycling, you’ll feel a lot better.

This new space will help prospectiv­e buyers visualise what they can do to your property to make it theirs. For instance, in the kitchen, try and leave the counter tops clear - put away the kettle and toaster too.

You might want to hide any toys and put away litter trays or pet bowls.

Freshen the place up if your home needs it. A lick of neutral paint and some fresh grout in bathrooms makes a huge difference.

Also, if there are any smells for example from drains or because of pets, then do what you can to neutralise them.

Again, if you can, you should fix any minor repairs such as holes in the wall, cracked tiles, broken windows or squeaky doors or floorboard­s.

If you want your home to feel bigger, put up some wall mirrors and replace any broken light bulbs so you can put on all the lights for potential buyers. It’s easy to make your home look pretty.

Buy some cheap plants or flowers to decorate windows and put a fruit bowl in the kitchen as they all bring colour and life into a room.

This brings us on to kerbside appeal.

Most people will decide if they are interested in your home within the first few minutes of their visit. So, cut back hedges, get rid of weeds, make sure any peeling paint around windows and the front door

has been removed and replaced and also move wheelie bins out of sight, if possible.

Last, but not least, make sure the photograph­y and video shows your home off at its best.

We have amazing photograph­ers who will make your home stand out from the rest and can entice people to pick up the phone to make an enquiry

to view it.

You deserve to get the best price for your home and these tips will help you get on the right path to your new home.

It is a lot to consider but if you can’t manage it yourself, or it just seems too overwhelmi­ng, then speak to us at The Home Hub and we can help.

 ?? ?? Mortgage Advice Craig McIntosh and Kevin McCarthy
Mortgage Advice Craig McIntosh and Kevin McCarthy

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