How do I maximise my property sale price in spring?

Don’t you find that so much of modern life is a faff? Downloading apps to make appointments, double authorisation codes when you try to buy ANYTHING online, not being able to speak to a human when you need help with something… I could go on.

Well, I’m here with good news. Maximising your property sale price in the Spring market requires NONE of the above! It’s so simple and so doable, all you need to undertake are what we call high impact, low-cost improvements.

At Gilson Gray, we have sold thousands of properties over the years, and when we suggest some small improvements, we often hear “The new owner will change it anyway so why bother?”, but this can immediately put your property on the back foot.

While we would never suggest replacing a bathroom, a kitchen or installing a new central heating system unless absolutely necessary, the guide below offers a list of worthwhile undertakings to give your property a strong fighting chance of a quick sale – and indeed for the best possible price.

First Impressions

The outside of your property is the very first thing that a potential buyer will see, both when looking at the property listing online as well as when they come to view. Here are some key improvement areas that always make a big difference for a low cost:

• Front Garden: Trim bushes, fix a sticking or squeaky gate, put out pots with colourful flowers (you can always take these with you when you move)
• Exterior Cleaning: Pressure wash the driveway. Clear away any old leaves/debris.
• Don’t forget the front door: If it is chipped, give it a repaint in a nice colour, and check the hardware. Tatty letterboxes or broken doorbells are not a good first impression.

General Upgrades

Everyone has different tastes, life would be very boring if we all liked the same things, however, it’s clear that when selling your home, there are best practices that time and time again help to move properties just that little bit quicker – especially in a competitive market like the spring.

• Neutral Paint: This helps the prospective purchaser see themselves and their own things in a property, and a neutral palette helps to give a brighter and more spacious feel to rooms. Think soft greys, creams, light latte browns.
• General repairs: PLEASE fix any dripping taps, cupboards with missing handles, sticky wardrobe doors, and cracked toilet seats. These issues can give the purchaser leverage to go in with a low offer AND the feeling of bigger issues lurking.

Staging

There’s a reason that modern show homes perform so well and it really just comes down to showcasing rooms by giving them a bright and spacious feel wherever possible. You don’t need to live in an immaculate and pristine space, but we do suggest the following:

• Declutter and Depersonalise: Time for that much overdue clear-out! Get rid of as much clutter as possible and anything personal should be boxed up. Replace wall hung photos with pictures. Clear all counter tops in the kitchen bar the kettle and toaster and the same around the bath/shower. It gives cleaner lines and a feeling of more space.
• All the senses: Airy and bright is always a seller, so clean windows and keep the property as spotless as possible, it gives a lovely smell too. Flowers, air fresheners all have their place and try not to cook fish/hard-boiled eggs just before a viewer comes round!
• Don’t forget outside: Spring purchasers always have summer in mind so if your property any ANY kind of outdoor space. Show it off to its best. Assemble patio furniture and make sure it’s been oiled/panted. Same with sheds, if they need a new felt roof, or a lick of paint do it and pop some pots with flowers at the door. Picture perfect.

Final Tips

• Professional Cleaning: If you feel your carpets need professionally cleaned, do so, a stained staircase will never photograph well regardless of how lovely the property is presented.
• Ask an expert: Our team at Gilson Gray are on hand to support you no matter what stage of the property selling journey you’re currently on. From the initial valuation appointment right through until you get the keys to your new home, we are always available to assist and offer clear guidance and advice.

If you’d like to get in touch, or to arrange your free no obligation property valuation with us, find out more here.