Top 10 tips for selling your house this spring

Sunday, 15 April 2007 12:00 AM

A leading international estate agent is giving sellers its expert tips on selling your home during the spring months.

Hamptons International says the market is now entering the "peak selling season" and there are some key steps homeowners can take that may boost their sale price and shorten the time the property is on the market.

"While spring might be the traditional time to give the home a refresh, [this] is also a shrewd move for potential sellers," advised Ian Westerling, Hamptons International sales director.

"Those who present their home to the best of its abilities are significantly more likely to sell it faster and with a higher number of offers."

Hamptons International top ten tips for selling your house this spring
1 - "Give the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint prior to selling. If you wish to sell or let your home quickly, it is still advisable to opt for neutral colours to appeal to as wide an audience as possible," the estate agent recommended.

"Cool white interiors help to reflect shafts of natural sunlight, creating a sanctuary of clarity and simplicity. It is worth remembering that neutrals don't just have to be creams and taupes - soft grey has the same effect."

2 - "Neutral does not have to be dull - using different fabrics and textures can create warmth and reflect light. Clean lines will also help to create an effortless and coherent use of space and will help to make a room feel more expansive," Hamptons explained.

"Neutral flooring is recommended, however, white carpets in particular are not recommended as they pick up dirt very easily. If you do opt for a neutral carpet, liven it up with coloured flecks to mask any dirt."

3 - "Colour is not completely taboo - a 'feature wall' can brighten up a simply dressed room by contrasting one single colour wall with the rest of the room in a complimentary way. Fresh, bright flowers or cheerful prints or photographs are also easy ways to add a splash of colour," said Hamptons.

4 - "Yellow is reflective of the season and a sprinkling of daffodils throughout your property can really lift spirits, while the colour red is incredibly energising. Remember to keep stairways neutral however; greens and blues are generally too personal," the estate agent advised.

5 - "Bathrooms should be white, clean and uncluttered with tiling around the showers and sinks," Hamptons explained.

"You should always use a glass shower screen as opposed to a curtain. Bathroom surfaces should be kept devoid of any clutter - matching storage jars are a great way to present shampoo and conditioner for example, rather than leaving them loosely scattered around a bath or shower area."

6 - "A cluttered home looks smaller and less airy. You want to create a space that potential buyers can ultimately visualise as their own, so clear away and keepsakes, knick-knacks and art collections that might be a distraction."

7 - "Storing away winter clothes when the weather changes can help to rid a bedroom of an unnecessarily bulging wardrobe, not only making it easier to get dressed in the morning, but restoring the clean lines that have been proven to help sell property."

8 - "Work out the best time of day to allow viewings, such as when is there less school traffic for example, and when the sun is shining and making the house look brighter.

"Spring is an ideal time of year to show your home off when bathed in natural light so open the windows, pull back the curtains, and let the light shine through. If certain areas tend to be dingy, turn lights on to create the illusion."

9 - "The garden can be a delightful place to be in springtime, so it is definitely worth getting it organised, as colourful flowers and trimmed hedges can create a feeling of greater space. Garden equipment can be hired at a low-cost and can help to dramatically improve outside areas," the estate agent advised.

10 - "Finally, 'presenting' the house before a viewing is imperative. It can often help to 'set' the dining room table for example. Presenting the dining room looking ready for the next dinner party can create a positive lifestyle impression and can be key to attracting the greatest number of potential purchasers."

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