You can judge a book by its cover
Despite the old adage, you can tell a certain amount about what kind of book you’re looking at by your first impression of it. Similarly, you need to make sure the first impression people get when they view your house is the right one, and that starts before they get to the front door.
Tidy outside – make sure the path, driveway and entranceway are clean and clear, and safe – no slippery moss or mould. Get your lawns and gardens mowed, pruned and tidied. A wash down of the house exterior or a new paint job will make a huge difference to the immediate look of the house.
Tidy inside – Once inside, your house needs to look as though it is well looked after and in good condition. If you have a lot of knick-knacks and ornaments, put them away. Only display items that go with the overall décor and are reasonably consistent in style. Get rid of the mess in the spare room. Don’t forget that people are likely to look in cupboards too, so make sure they are tidy – towels folded, food nicely stacked and children’s toys in containers or boxes.
Clean – Get stuck in! Clean all those hard-to-reach spots that you never quite get to. Make sure ceilings and windows are clean too. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to help – they will have the tools and the tricks to help you get your place sparkling. This will make a huge difference to presenting a house that is well looked after and in good condition.
Spruce it up – A new paint job, a new bathroom cabinet or even just new handles on the kitchen drawers and cupboards can be a relatively inexpensive way to make your home look fresh. A few rugs and cushions with a consistent colour theme will give your home a nice cohesive look and feel.