6 tips to prepare your home for sale ahead of the NVM Open House Day

The next NVM Open House Day will take place on Saturday, 2 April 2016. This is your chance to put your home on the map for potential buyers! The first question that naturally comes to mind is: how can I sell my house? You still have some time to prepare your home for sale, so read our six tips below and discover how to turn your property into a dream home in the eyes of potential buyers.

Tip 1: Make your home look as spacious as possible

The first and most important tip is to create space. Nobody wants to buy a home that looks small. Too many belongings and decorative items can quickly make your home appear much smaller than it really is. There are several ways to create more space.

Store items you do not use every day elsewhere

Are you not planning another skiing holiday or trip anytime soon? Remove your holiday equipment and suitcases from your home and store them elsewhere. The same applies to seasonal clothing, old toys, photo albums, garden cushions and other items you will not need for a while.

Are your cupboards filled with books, board games or other belongings? Clear them out. You may even be able to remove an extra cupboard, making your home look more spacious and easier to sell. You can store these belongings flexibly and affordably at ALLSAFE Mini Storage, where the units are heated and securely protected.

Remove personal belongings from your home

Potential buyers visiting during the NVM Open House Day may find it difficult to look beyond your personal belongings. Think of family photographs, coats hanging in the hallway and shoes by the front door. Children’s artwork, religious items and toys can also distract buyers.

They should not feel as though they are walking through your home, but through their future home. You can place these smaller personal belongings in your ALLSAFE storage unit together with the rest of your items.

Tip 2: Arrange your home to make it appear larger

Once you have created more space, think carefully about the layout of each room. A well-known tip is to place large pieces of furniture against the walls.

When someone enters a room and immediately sees the back of a sofa or a large chair, the space can feel smaller. The position of your bed also matters. As a general guideline, place a single bed lengthways against the wall and position a double bed with its headboard against the centre of the wall.

Tip 3: Use neutral, light colours on walls and ceilings

Avoid bright or dark colours on walls and ceilings, as these can make a room appear smaller. White is the most neutral option and is unlikely to put off any potential buyers during the NVM Open House Day.

Light pastel colours can also work well because they make a room feel more spacious. With a tin of paint and one Saturday, you can already make a big difference.

Tip 4: Complete unfinished jobs around the house

Another way to sell your home more quickly and potentially receive a higher price is to finish any outstanding maintenance work.

Potential buyers may be put off by a loose piece of wallpaper, a detached skirting board or a crooked kitchen cabinet door. Smaller issues, such as a stiff lock or squeaky door, can often be solved with a few drops of oil.

Walk through your entire home and complete all those small unfinished jobs. They require little effort but can make a significant difference.

Tip 5: Make buyers feel at home with flowers and plants

A bouquet of flowers on the table and a few fresh houseplants can create a more welcoming atmosphere. Buyers want to imagine themselves feeling at home, and greenery can help achieve this.

Avoid filling the windowsills with plants, as this may look cluttered. Instead, choose a few larger houseplants and place them carefully throughout the room.

Tip 6: Bake an apple pie to help sell your home

Our final tip is to bake a delicious apple pie in the morning. The smell creates a warm and positive association and may help buyers feel more at home.

Do you not have an oven, or do you not feel like baking? You can also use an interior spray with an apple-pie scent. Lime and orange are other fragrances that work well.

With these six tips, you will not need a professional home stylist and you will be fully prepared for the NVM Open House Day!