A flying start on the property market: how to get your house ready for sale

The time has come. Perhaps you’ve finally found that farmhouse of your dreams, or perhaps your growing family needs an extra bedroom. Whatever the reason, you’re about to hand over your current home to a new owner. That transition period often feels bittersweet. The house where you’ve shared joys and sorrows for years is slowly transforming from a personal home into a product on the property market. That requires a slight shift in mindset, but it also offers the chance to show your home at its very best. After all, buyers aren’t just looking for a pile of bricks with a decent roof over it; they’re looking for a place where they can envisage their own future. By cleverly tapping into that imagination, you significantly increase the chances of a successful sale.

First impressions start on the doorstep

We are visually oriented creatures and often form our judgements within the first few seconds. This is doubly true for house hunters. Before a potential buyer has even taken a single step over the threshold, the house has already made its first impression. That first encounter begins with the garden path, the front door and the front garden. A well-maintained entrance immediately inspires confidence. It’s well worth the effort to pull up weeds, hose down the green grime from the paving slabs and give the outside of the windows a streak-free wipe. Even the front door deserves extra attention. A fresh coat of paint, a shiny door handle or simply a cheerful plant in a pretty pot next to the entrance makes visitors feel welcome. People who set the process in motion and, for example, choose to sell their house in Utrecht through Covers Wonen, are often told straight away by experts that such small exterior touches create a significantly more positive atmosphere during viewings.

Making space for someone else’s dreams

As soon as the front door swings open, you want the hall and living room to feel airy. Too much furniture or personal belongings can unintentionally make a room seem a lot smaller than it actually is. This is the perfect time to take a critical look at your own belongings. Photo frames, large collections on the windowsill and overflowing bookcases make it difficult for viewers to see beyond your personal belongings. First and foremost, they want to take in the walls, the floor and the dimensions of the space. It’s very effective to temporarily store some furniture and keep accessories to a stylish minimum. Of course, that doesn’t mean the home has to feel clinical or uninviting straight away. A soft rug, fresh decorative cushions on the sofa and a large, lush houseplant in the corner add just the right touch of warmth. It’s all about balance: enough cosiness to create a sense of atmosphere and enough open space to let the imagination run free.

Overdue maintenance and the details that matter

When you’re living in a place, things eventually become barely noticeable. A jammed interior door, a loose skirting board in the hallway or that one dripping tap in the bathroom – over time, you come to accept these as part of the house. To a viewer, however, they form a mental checklist of upcoming work. People often overestimate the cost of minor repairs compared to what is actually needed, and visible defects quickly give the false impression that the house also has hidden problems. So walk through every room with the critical eye of a strict outsider. With a simple toolbox and an hour or so to spare, you can often go a long way. Tighten any loose door handles securely, apply a drop of oil to squeaky hinges and reseal the edges around the bath for a neat finish.

The fresh look of light colours

Sometimes a little more is needed than just tightening a screw. The colour on the walls has a huge impact on how spacious the room feels. You probably love that ochre-yellow wall in the living room, but it can put potential buyers off quite a bit if it’s not to their taste. Light, neutral shades such as soft white, beige or very light greys make a room feel more spacious and immediately appeal to a much wider audience. They reflect incoming daylight more easily into the room, bringing dark corners straight to life. An added bonus of a fresh coat of paint is the clean, fresh smell it leaves behind, which instantly gives the whole floor a revitalised feel.

The ideal setting for viewings

Once the property has been thoroughly tidied and all minor imperfections have been rectified, the exciting phase of the viewings begins. On viewing days, you should cleverly appeal to the visitor’s senses. Daylight is perhaps the most powerful selling point a house has. Make sure the curtains are wide open, pull the roller blinds right up, and don’t place any large objects or heavy furniture in front of the windows. If it’s a bleak, rainy day, don’t be shy about using artificial light. Switch on warm, atmospheric lighting in the corners to add a sense of cosiness to the rooms. As well as light, scent also plays a subtle yet decisive role. The classic cliché of baking apple pie may have become a bit of a cliché itself, but the idea behind it is spot on: the property should smell fresh and neutral. Air all the rooms thoroughly in the early morning by opening the windows opposite each other for a while. Temporarily put the cat litter tray or dog bed away, and as a finishing touch, place a large bunch of fresh flowers on the dining table. This way, every visitor will immediately feel at ease, and nothing will stand in the way of a smooth sale.