Interior design expert reveals the simple tips which can sell your home – including fresh flowers and a pot of coffee
SELLING your home is one of life’s expensive events and it’s crucial you get the maximum price for your house.
If yours is on the market or you’re just looking to sell, an interior design expert has revealed the simple changes you can make to add value.
LuxDeco, a luxury interiors website, has shared the top tips to get your house off the market – and it doesn’t involve painting everything white.
Instead some key pieces dotted around to add a homely touch can make a big difference to how buyers see your property.
Their top piece of advice is ensure the first impression is a good one.
You may overlook the exterior, but it’s what people first see so make sure the garden is tidy, the windows and doors are clean and give the outside a general spruce up.
And while your hallway may not be one of your home’s key selling features, it can either put a buyer off or invite them in.
LuxDeco said: “For a welcoming entrance hall, clear away any shoes or bulky coats to maximise the space and add a pop of colour by adding fresh flowers to any sideboards or console tables.”
Taking a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book, the property experts recommend a de-cluttering based on the ‘spark joy’ principle.
But rather than going through your wardrobe, apply the principle to surfaces in your home – especially the kitchen.
They advised: “Make sure you clear away any clutter from the kitchen tops, this might seem extreme but having empty countertops will make your kitchen look much cleaner and more appealing to buyers.”
Don’t air your dirty laundry in public may be a general phrase, but it should be taken quite literally when it comes to selling houses.
Clear away your clothes horse, your laundry basket and any rogue bits of underwear on radiators.
The team advised: “While homes are meant to be functional, potential buyers don’t always follow their heads when it comes to putting an offer on a house, so pack away the laundry basket, clothes horse and the ironing you’ve been putting off for weeks.”
Their next tip is showcasing your space, and trying to keep it neutral so buyers can visualise what they would do with the space.
They advised: “If you have children, tidy up any toys or mess in their rooms in order to maximise the area.
“Your buyers might use these rooms as walk-in-wardrobes or dressing-rooms instead.
“Similarly, if you’ve converted a bedroom into an office space keep it clear of papers as this can detract from the quality of the room.”
Their final piece of advice is make sure your home is a ‘treat for the senses’, by making your home a visual and physical experience.
Linda Holmes, interiors director at said: “For many people, painting their house top to toe in a neutral, inoffensive colour may seem like the best way to entice potential buyers, but sellers don’t have to resort to such measures or expense to do that.
“Making these small decor updates are really simple ways to help sell your home without breaking the bank with a total revamp.”
Tips to de-clutter your home
- First impressions count
- Does this spark joy?
- Don’t air your dirty laundry
- Showcase the space
- A treat for the senses
Sight
Make sure the house is free from dust and clutter as well as being clean and tidy.
Hearing
If you live near a school or know there is building work nearby, try and arrange viewings for when these sounds will be minimised.
Taste
An age-old trick to sell a home, having the smells of freshly baked bread or a pot of coffee will make your home seem more inviting to a buyer.
Smell
While you may want to deep-clean your home before any sale, try not to go overboard.
A chemical aroma can put people off, so it’s advisable to stick to diffusers or light a scented candle just before viewing.
Touch
Make sure as well as looking clean, surfaces are a treat to touch. Sticky door handles or grubby windows can be off-putting.
Cheryl Eisen, president and founder of luxury design and real estate marketing firm, added: “A clean house is more important than anything to potential home buyers.
“Take time to switch dull light bulbs, vacuum the floors, remove any rubbish and remember to make your bed(s) – a clean home is so much more inviting for prospective buyers and more likely to leave a lasting impression.
“Minimalize and neutralise the space, remove any personal touches and aim to edit down trinkets and photos to around a third of what you started with to give more of a blank canvas feel.
“Finally remember to plump up any throw cushions and add some fresh flowers.”
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