To help you prepare your home for a successful sale this year, we’ve put together some essential tips to consider.

1. Elevate your curb appeal

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so it is crucial that the exterior of your property is well-maintained. In addition to tidying driveways and mowing lawns, consider adding colourful planting around the exterior of your home as a welcoming entrance which can set a positive tone for potential buyers and make them eager to explore further on their initial viewing.

2. Declutter and deep clean

Create a spacious and inviting atmosphere by decluttering and removing any unnecessary items. A thorough cleaning of every room in the house, including windows, carpets/flooring, and appliances will make your home more appealing to buyers and allow them to visualise the space.

3. Address repairs and maintenance

Take care of any necessary repairs, especially focusing on the exterior of the house. Beyond fixing obvious issues like leaky faucets or cracked tiles, consider investing in minor upgrades such as refreshing paint to give rooms a modern touch. Pay special attention to outdoor areas, ensuring fences are secure, and gardens are well-kept to showcase the full potential of your property.

4. Tone down the decor

While you may have personal preferences for bold paint colour schemes or uniquely styed decor, it’s important to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Opt for neutral tones which create a blank canvas for buyers to envision their own style in the space. 

5. Showcase lifestyle features

Highlight any lifestyle amenities your home offers, such as a sun-soaked terrace for relaxation or river access for kayaking. These features can attract buyers looking for a specific lifestyle.

6. Legals

Before putting your property on the market, it is important to ensure that all legal documents are in order. This includes ensuring that all planning documents and engineer/architect certificates are readily available for any works carried out to your property. We would also advise checking with your solicitor that they have a PRA (Property Registration Authority) map which clearly shows the boundaries and land being offered for sale.

7. BER

If your home is not a listed or protected building, obtaining a valid BER (Building Energy Rating) certificate is a legal requirement for selling. If you have recently renovated your home, in particular for energy efficiency upgrades, it is worth considering arranging for your home to be reassessed as this can potentially increase its value. 

8. Professional photography

It is beneficial to schedule professional photography in advance to capture your home in the best possible light, especially considering the unpredictable Irish weather. Consider drone photography for aerial views but make sure your grounds and gardens are well-maintained for optimal presentation. This combined will ensure that your home’s unique features are shown correctly to the right audience.

Thinking of selling your residential property? We're here to help. Book your market appraisal with us today.

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