The
coffee break guide to selling your home
72a High Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9DA Telephone: 01962 844460 Fax: 01962 840255 Email: enquiries@belgarum.com web: www.belgarum.com
www.belgarum.com
Selling your home Selling your home
Experience tells us that once you have made up your mind to sell you want the process to be quick and painless.
responsibility is to ensure that we present
We believe we can help you achieve this. We
the ideal buyer for your home.
are convinced we can offer the best service locally and we welcome the opportunity to
Advice and tips based on our experience
represent you and your home. We know that you will rely on us to be honest with our advice and you will place your trust in us to find you the best buyer at the best possible price.
your home to the market in the most effective way, attracting the right people and finding
As a home-owner you are swamped with advice on ‘how to sell’, but this short booklet is our own guide based on real experience of the local market. We have seen what buyers like and dislike, we have witnessed their reactions in certain situations and we have listened to
At Belgarum we don’t just sell homes. We help
their feedback.
people move into, out of and around
It is by no means an exhaustive guide, just some simple advice that we regularly offer that might be the difference between being ‘on the market’ and being ‘sold’.
Winchester. We are a people business, we all work as a team, and that includes you. In a fast moving world where expectations, trends and tastes change every day, our
So grab a cup of coffee, settle down and find out how Belgarum are helping people move.
Selling your home Selling your home
Experience tells us that once you have made up your mind to sell you want the process to be quick and painless.
responsibility is to ensure that we present
We believe we can help you achieve this. We
the ideal buyer for your home.
are convinced we can offer the best service locally and we welcome the opportunity to
Advice and tips based on our experience
represent you and your home. We know that you will rely on us to be honest with our advice and you will place your trust in us to find you the best buyer at the best possible price.
your home to the market in the most effective way, attracting the right people and finding
As a home-owner you are swamped with advice on ‘how to sell’, but this short booklet is our own guide based on real experience of the local market. We have seen what buyers like and dislike, we have witnessed their reactions in certain situations and we have listened to
At Belgarum we don’t just sell homes. We help
their feedback.
people move into, out of and around
It is by no means an exhaustive guide, just some simple advice that we regularly offer that might be the difference between being ‘on the market’ and being ‘sold’.
Winchester. We are a people business, we all work as a team, and that includes you. In a fast moving world where expectations, trends and tastes change every day, our
So grab a cup of coffee, settle down and find out how Belgarum are helping people move.
The selling state of mind The selling state of mind
We are all different, if we were not we would all wear the same clothes, we would all eat the same food and we would all drive the same car. This means that your home will not appeal to everyone.
Look at your home objectively
“We expect to sell our home to people just like us.” This is a phrase we hear from time-to-time but unfortunately nobody is ‘just like you’. You are unique. When selling your home you must always remember that buyers are attracted to environments that they can make their own.
As the selling team we need to make it easy for buyers to imagine themselves, with their own furniture and lifestyle fitting in and making it their home.
For this reason it is important to look at your home objectively and seek constructive criticism on the way it is presented. Of course we will offer our own advice but you could also ask your friends and family for their opinions.
The selling state of mind The selling state of mind
We are all different, if we were not we would all wear the same clothes, we would all eat the same food and we would all drive the same car. This means that your home will not appeal to everyone.
Look at your home objectively
“We expect to sell our home to people just like us.” This is a phrase we hear from time-to-time but unfortunately nobody is ‘just like you’. You are unique. When selling your home you must always remember that buyers are attracted to environments that they can make their own.
As the selling team we need to make it easy for buyers to imagine themselves, with their own furniture and lifestyle fitting in and making it their home.
For this reason it is important to look at your home objectively and seek constructive criticism on the way it is presented. Of course we will offer our own advice but you could also ask your friends and family for their opinions.
Add a splash of colour
First impressions First impressions
If the time of year is right why not add a splash of colour by putting up a hanging basket or a simple pot of flowers. The grass should be cut, hedges trimmed, wheelie bins and bikes out of sight. Consider the visual impact of the property in the evening, two or three strategically placed lights along a pathway can make the exterior of any property look more appealing. Belgarum policy is to accompany all viewings but we appreciate that you may be at home as well. When purchasers knock at the door it is important that they feel relaxed and welcome. The rule here is that nothing should over-power them.
• Noise – Music, television etc. should not be too loud.
• Aromas – Save cooking the curry until after they have left. Purchasers want to smell coffee, flowers, leather and citrus not animals, strong cooking or cigarette smoke.
• Visually – At night the lights should be on before the purchasers arrive, it is disconcerting otherwise. Let purchasers see as much of the home as possible when the door is opened, they haven’t come to see you. We will have done our best to ensure that all potential purchasers are serious, that your home fits their requirements and that they have the means to put forward a realistic offer. So make everyone feel welcome because one of them is going to buy your home.
Add a splash of colour
First impressions First impressions
If the time of year is right why not add a splash of colour by putting up a hanging basket or a simple pot of flowers. The grass should be cut, hedges trimmed, wheelie bins and bikes out of sight. Consider the visual impact of the property in the evening, two or three strategically placed lights along a pathway can make the exterior of any property look more appealing. Belgarum policy is to accompany all viewings but we appreciate that you may be at home as well. When purchasers knock at the door it is important that they feel relaxed and welcome. The rule here is that nothing should over-power them.
• Noise – Music, television etc. should not be too loud.
• Aromas – Save cooking the curry until after they have left. Purchasers want to smell coffee, flowers, leather and citrus not animals, strong cooking or cigarette smoke.
• Visually – At night the lights should be on before the purchasers arrive, it is disconcerting otherwise. Let purchasers see as much of the home as possible when the door is opened, they haven’t come to see you. We will have done our best to ensure that all potential purchasers are serious, that your home fits their requirements and that they have the means to put forward a realistic offer. So make everyone feel welcome because one of them is going to buy your home.
Every room counts Every room counts
We have all seen the programmes on television where the presenter insists that the key to success is to ‘de-personalise’. This doesn’t mean you need to paint all the walls white and lay sea-grass flooring throughout. It means you need to allow the property to speak for itself.
Allow the property to speak for itself
Too many pictures, large furniture or heavy curtains restricting natural light are just a few common pitfalls. All of these can make a room feel smaller than it really is and create the impression that the room is dark and dingy. When purchasers walk into a room you want them to think ‘bright’, ‘large’, ‘airy’, ‘spacious’, ‘warm’, ‘comfortable’. If anyone walks in and comments on the wallpaper first, then it’s time to get the paintbrush out.
Very few purchasers are builders but it is surprising how many will be able to create their own estimates for work that they believe needs to be carried out. More often than not, their concerns are an over-reaction, which is frustrating for all concerned but it doesn’t require much effort to avoid. Hairline cracks on walls are common in most homes and in the majority of cases there is nothing structurally wrong but they can conjure up all manner of horror stories for purchasers. If you have a hairline crack then paint over it and if that means painting the whole wall then do it.
Every room counts Every room counts
We have all seen the programmes on television where the presenter insists that the key to success is to ‘de-personalise’. This doesn’t mean you need to paint all the walls white and lay sea-grass flooring throughout. It means you need to allow the property to speak for itself.
Allow the property to speak for itself
Too many pictures, large furniture or heavy curtains restricting natural light are just a few common pitfalls. All of these can make a room feel smaller than it really is and create the impression that the room is dark and dingy. When purchasers walk into a room you want them to think ‘bright’, ‘large’, ‘airy’, ‘spacious’, ‘warm’, ‘comfortable’. If anyone walks in and comments on the wallpaper first, then it’s time to get the paintbrush out.
Very few purchasers are builders but it is surprising how many will be able to create their own estimates for work that they believe needs to be carried out. More often than not, their concerns are an over-reaction, which is frustrating for all concerned but it doesn’t require much effort to avoid. Hairline cracks on walls are common in most homes and in the majority of cases there is nothing structurally wrong but they can conjure up all manner of horror stories for purchasers. If you have a hairline crack then paint over it and if that means painting the whole wall then do it.
First impressions First impressions
We all know that first impressions count, our job is to ensure that they count in your favour. Purchasers are normally looking for a property that makes them feel good and this tends to fall into four broad categories. They want to:
• Feel good about the general area • Feel good about the location of the property • Feel good about how the property looks externally
• Feel good about the potential internally
Create the feel good factor
Working together we can create the ‘feel good factor’. For example, let us know what day bins are collected and we will try to avoid bringing people around on that day in case the sight of bins on the streets creates the wrong impression. If your home is close to a ‘school run’ where a normally quiet area may seem to be constantly busy then we will avoid arranging viewings at those times. When purchasers arrive at your home the first impression should be welcoming. Paths leading to the front door should be clean and clear, a jet wash can make all the difference. If you have a mat outside the door, buy a new one. If your front door is painted give it a fresh coat along with the wood work. New door handles, knockers and letterboxes can transform a tired looking front door.
First impressions First impressions
We all know that first impressions count, our job is to ensure that they count in your favour. Purchasers are normally looking for a property that makes them feel good and this tends to fall into four broad categories. They want to:
• Feel good about the general area • Feel good about the location of the property • Feel good about how the property looks externally
• Feel good about the potential internally
Create the feel good factor
Working together we can create the ‘feel good factor’. For example, let us know what day bins are collected and we will try to avoid bringing people around on that day in case the sight of bins on the streets creates the wrong impression. If your home is close to a ‘school run’ where a normally quiet area may seem to be constantly busy then we will avoid arranging viewings at those times. When purchasers arrive at your home the first impression should be welcoming. Paths leading to the front door should be clean and clear, a jet wash can make all the difference. If you have a mat outside the door, buy a new one. If your front door is painted give it a fresh coat along with the wood work. New door handles, knockers and letterboxes can transform a tired looking front door.
Every room counts Every room counts
Mildew between tiles can make a bathroom, toilet or kitchen look neglected or even suggest a damp problem. A good cleaner or re-grouting if necessary will make the whole room look and feel fresher.
Where do you start? Take a pen and paper
If your window frames haven’t been painted in a while or the UPVC washed recently then now is the time to do them. You would be surprised how often flaking paint is considered a sign that windows need replacing.
• DIY or building work might be needed • The room looks smaller than it is • The room looks dark • The room looks neglected • Anything that may invade the senses and
We are all aware that kitchens and bathrooms can be a deciding factor when purchasers consider putting forward an offer and to a certain degree this is true. If you have very old or dated furniture a coat of paint, new flooring, some new tiles or simply fixing a broken door or can avoid unnecessary low offers.
around your home and stand just inside the doorway of each room and have a good look around for anything that might suggest:
distract from the room itself, such as a strong patterns, strong colours or odours
Be ruthless in your assessment and feel free to ask our advice. Then go through the list and make the necessary changes. Normally these are inexpensive and can be done in a weekend but are well worth the effort.
Be ruthless in your assessment
Every room counts Every room counts
Mildew between tiles can make a bathroom, toilet or kitchen look neglected or even suggest a damp problem. A good cleaner or re-grouting if necessary will make the whole room look and feel fresher.
Where do you start? Take a pen and paper
If your window frames haven’t been painted in a while or the UPVC washed recently then now is the time to do them. You would be surprised how often flaking paint is considered a sign that windows need replacing.
• DIY or building work might be needed • The room looks smaller than it is • The room looks dark • The room looks neglected • Anything that may invade the senses and
We are all aware that kitchens and bathrooms can be a deciding factor when purchasers consider putting forward an offer and to a certain degree this is true. If you have very old or dated furniture a coat of paint, new flooring, some new tiles or simply fixing a broken door or can avoid unnecessary low offers.
around your home and stand just inside the doorway of each room and have a good look around for anything that might suggest:
distract from the room itself, such as a strong patterns, strong colours or odours
Be ruthless in your assessment and feel free to ask our advice. Then go through the list and make the necessary changes. Normally these are inexpensive and can be done in a weekend but are well worth the effort.
Be ruthless in your assessment
garden & outside space The garden and outside space
For most purchasers their only criteria for a garden or outside space is size. Where appropriate we will take a variety of external photographs and include them in your property details so that potential purchasers have a sense of the size and how it is laid out. Nobody expects you to re-design your garden to appeal to purchasers but cutting the grass, weeding and keeping it tidy is essential, not just for our photographs but for all viewings.
A great garden can be a selling point
A great garden can be a selling point and if you know that it looks beautiful in the afternoon with the sun on it, then let us know and we will do what we can to ensure people view in the afternoon.
garden & outside space The garden and outside space
For most purchasers their only criteria for a garden or outside space is size. Where appropriate we will take a variety of external photographs and include them in your property details so that potential purchasers have a sense of the size and how it is laid out. Nobody expects you to re-design your garden to appeal to purchasers but cutting the grass, weeding and keeping it tidy is essential, not just for our photographs but for all viewings.
A great garden can be a selling point
A great garden can be a selling point and if you know that it looks beautiful in the afternoon with the sun on it, then let us know and we will do what we can to ensure people view in the afternoon.
Belgarum Belgarum
Preparing your home for selling is really about common sense and by working together we can be sure of finding the best buyer and achieving the best price Selling your home may involve some compromise and living slightly differently for a while but if it means getting a sale and moving your own life forward then it has to be worth the short-term sacrifice.
Together we can sell
We will only photograph your home and present it when it looks its best. We will arrange viewings in blocks where possible minimising the intrusion and the number of times you have to prepare your home for viewings. We will also listen to the feedback and if necessary suggest other improvements that might make a difference. We want to sell your home, we want to get you the best price and we want you to feel good about the way Belgarum present it.
Belgarum Belgarum
Preparing your home for selling is really about common sense and by working together we can be sure of finding the best buyer and achieving the best price Selling your home may involve some compromise and living slightly differently for a while but if it means getting a sale and moving your own life forward then it has to be worth the short-term sacrifice.
Together we can sell
We will only photograph your home and present it when it looks its best. We will arrange viewings in blocks where possible minimising the intrusion and the number of times you have to prepare your home for viewings. We will also listen to the feedback and if necessary suggest other improvements that might make a difference. We want to sell your home, we want to get you the best price and we want you to feel good about the way Belgarum present it.
Ten point checklist Ten point checklist
Finally, below is a list of recommendations that you might want to consider on days that potential buyers are viewing. The Belgarum ten point checklist: 1. Vacuum and dust throughout 2. Open windows, weather permitting 3. Fresh flowers in key rooms
Fresh flowers in key rooms
4. Bowls of citrus fruit 5. Air freshners with subtle natural aromas 6. Fresh bed linen 7. Laundry hidden 8. Crockery and cutlery put away or in dishwasher 9. Fresh towels 10. Smile
Ten point checklist Ten point checklist
Finally, below is a list of recommendations that you might want to consider on days that potential buyers are viewing. The Belgarum ten point checklist: 1. Vacuum and dust throughout 2. Open windows, weather permitting 3. Fresh flowers in key rooms
Fresh flowers in key rooms
4. Bowls of citrus fruit 5. Air freshners with subtle natural aromas 6. Fresh bed linen 7. Laundry hidden 8. Crockery and cutlery put away or in dishwasher 9. Fresh towels 10. Smile
The
coffee break guide to selling your home
72a High Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9DA Telephone: 01962 844460 Fax: 01962 840255 Email: enquiries@belgarum.com web: www.belgarum.com
www.belgarum.com