SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOME TO ENHANCE THE PROSPECTS OF AN EARLY SALE IN 2012

There still may be a distinct nip in the air, but the emergence of Spring bulbs means a change of season isn’t too far away.

 If you are serious about selling, now is the time to move your home out of the winter blues and keep one step ahead of the competition!

 Despite a recent HM Revenue & Customs announcement that the volume of house sales in the UK fell by one per cent during 2011 – Maurice Kilbride are bucking the trend and report a modest increase in sales over the previous year.

 So, now is a great time to get serious about selling.

 But how can a seller have the edge over the neighbouring For Sale board and attract prospective buyers to their property?

 Here are some simple yet effective tips – and remember, first impressions count:

 - Clutter control

 The real crux of a Spring Clean, to make or at least give the illusion of more space, is de-cluttering. In preparation for viewings, pack away any items that may make your home look crowded. Potential buyers will want to imagine themselves in the property with their belongings. Ensure any drying laundry is hidden from view, and if you use part of your home as an office, clear away any paperwork.

 - Looking good 

inside and out As well as considering a neutral look for the interior of your home, with an all over lick of magnolia or something similar, think about the exterior of your property. Check and repair any garden gates or fences, paint window frames and clean window panes, clear paths of weeds and make the entrance to your home inviting with some freshly planted pot plants. Giving your home kerb appeal is the first step to engaging with a buyer.

 - Keeping it simple

Less is more, as they saying goes – and you don’t have to spend a fortune when it comes to interiors. A few strategically placed throws and rugs to tone down any patterned sofas or carpets will bring older interiors up to date. Create some optical illusions by placing furniture at angles around the room.

 - Make the most of your space

When you have a small kitchen, every inch of space counts. We probably all have more gadgets than we need or use, so put them away out of sight and leave worktops clutter-free. Making the most of drawer or cupboard space, and installing space saving ideas like tilt-out bins is a great move. Shelves and racks can also address the storage issue.

 - Garage Storage

If like the majority of homeowners you use your garage for storing everything apart from the car, keeping it clutter free will give viewers an idea of how much space there is. They may have their own ideas for garage use – so keep tools, Christmas decorations and other items stored in boxes or hooked on the wall. Don’t hide this vital space under a pile of ‘junk’.

 - Outdoor Areas

Gardens and patios can seem a bit dull at this time of year, but you can still make the most of what space you have with a general tidy up and simple repairs. Plant up containers of late winter or early spring flowers and make the most of the view by cleaning the windows inside and out.

 - Choose your agent wisely

It goes without saying that your estate agent should be reputable. Choose an agent, like Maurice Kilbride who are long established in the area and belong to either the National Association of Estate Agents or are members of the Property Ombudsman Scheme. Or a personal recommendation is always a good way to choose an agent.