PUTTING a house on the market can be a stressful experience – especially if it’s valued at less than you’d anticipated.
But there are a few simple tricks you can try to increase the value of your property by up to an incredible 10 per cent before selling it.
According to expert Craig Bray, the Divisional Director at estate agency Yopa, it’s all about improving your “kerb appeal”.
This means making sure the house looks clean, tidy and fresh from the outside.
“First impressions count, and the outside of your property is the first thing potential buyers will see, both when browsing online and in person at a viewing,” Craig told Express.co.uk.
“It’s all about kerb appeal.
“If a property has great kerb appeal, appearing tidy and well kept, a potential viewer would assume that the property has been well maintained and to a high standard throughout.
“As such, the property would generate more interest, more viewings.”
First up, Craig recommends cleaning and/or painting the front door, as dirt and debris would look unsightly.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to clean the windows and clear the gutters, while a fresh lick of paint on the outside of the house is a brilliant way to freshen up its appearance without a huge financial outlay.
Craig also suggested keeping bins well out of sight – in a wheelie bin shed if you’re in a terraced house – or behind a fence if you have the space.
And don’t even think about leaving your car on the driveway – whether it’s clean or not.
“Sellers can really boost the value of their property with some simple, tactful renovations,” he added.
“At Yopa we estimate that simply improving your property’s ‘kerb appeal’ with a freshly painted exterior, clean windows, clear gutters, a tidy driveway, a well-maintained front garden and a freshly painted front for can boost the value of a property by up to 10 per cent.”
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