Will a Freshly Decorated House Sell Faster?

The jury is out on this tricky conundrum…to do-up or not to do-up…that is the question! For many people, putting their home on the market is a stressful business and one which they want over and done with as soon as possible! Having potential buyers arrive in a never ending stream at your door is enough of an inconvenience without the bother of wondering what they think of your peeling paintwork!

However, some professionals say that it’s just not worth the cost and effort of redecorating when new owners will likely want to put their own mark on the home as soon as they move in and most buyers can see past a bit of mucky paintwork and a cracked tile anyway. They can use their imagination, surely?

What to do? If you're unsure as to whether or not some TLC and facelift will help you sell your home answer the following questions and then reconsider.

• Is the carpet old and has it any odour? If it does then it’s definitely worth replacing. You don't need to shell out on the best quality floor covering but fresh and clean can make all the difference to people’s reactions as they walk into your home. First impressions last!
• What about the paintwork? If your paintwork is dirty, then a repaint is certainly worth the bother. It’s not expensive and can help the home to look bright and welcoming…especially when teamed with good lighting!  
• Are any features in a state of disrepair? We're talking about dangerously bad repair…loose bricks or tiles, large areas of damp things which could point to more serious issues. If your home has any real issues then definitely get them checked out and repaired before you begin inviting people to view.

Quick tips to freshen up your home

So you think your home is in need of a refresher but you don't want to spend tonnes on paint, wallpaper and carpets. If your home needs some brightening up then one of the best routes to take is to de-clutter.

Clutter in the shape of piles of paperwork, too many ornaments or children's toys won't let potential buyers see the home in its best light. Take a good look around each room in turn and try to see it through someone else's eyes. You may have ceased to notice that heap of books and magazines on the desk but to someone else they will just look messy.

Gather up some boxes and begin to sort through the junk; put things away; either in storage or in the attic where they will be safe until your home is sold and you can move out. Mark the boxes clearly so you don’t forget which contains your precious rock collection or back issues of Rolling Stone!

Take family photographs down. People like to try to see themselves in a house and your Great Aunt Mary looking down at them won't make this easy! Once you have cleared plenty of space, add a few luxurious details; fresh flowers in large vases are good and if you have a balcony or deck, make sure it’s clean and tidy with evidence of the fact that you use it regularly for meals. A table and chairs pre-set with condiments is a good tip, especially during summer months.

You are aiming to make your home inviting and the details above are far more important than the small repairs which may need to be done. Take photographs and study them. This is a good way to see a room in a new light and it will highlight the messy or ugly corners. Also remember, when people come to view do allow them to have free reign to wander about at will because people like to take their time and often feel uncomfortable being tailed.