How to best prepare a property for sale

Are you selling a property you currently live in?

Here are tips from interior designers and real estate agents on how to prepare it for viewing

The decision was not easy to make, but it's here - you have decided to sell your apartment or house. In addition to solving paperwork, bureaucratic entanglements, collecting the necessary documentation and determining the price, there is the simpler part that relates to showing the property to potential buyers. And while our agents offer their services for all the above steps and potential problems, the arrangement of the property itself is a task that you do independently. Preparing the apartment for viewing and sale is crucial to attract potential buyers and achieve the desired price of the property. To be as successful as possible in this, read the tips we bring below.

First impression

First impression is important, and it's really not just another cliché. For starters, make sure that the first thing a potential buyer sees is in line with the price you set. What does that mean? A high property price does not tolerate an unkempt yard or entrance to the building, if it is an apartment. Many sellers underestimate that first moment, but it is really important for the overall impression and is sometimes a key point in making a decision. Namely, in psychology there are even claims that we best remember what we see at the beginning and at the end. Therefore, if the first thing you see when buying your property is, for example, a fence - make sure it is in good condition. The same goes for the yard, the front door to the building or apartment, or the staircase. Because, even if your apartment is completely renovated, buyers rarely tolerate untidiness and dirt on the way to the front door of their potential future space. Sometimes it is enough to sweep and tidy the yard or wash the staircase, but be aware that even minor cosmetic procedures and financial investment in the space you share with other tenants will be a big plus for the sale of your property. Otherwise, the buyer may insist on reducing the price, which is not in your favor as a seller.

Cleaning the property

When we talk about the apartment or house itself, the space requires thorough cleaning, and we recommend some of the professional services. Windows, sanitary facilities, mirrors and floors should shine, as well as all work surfaces, tables and cabinets on which dust should not be visible. Even inaccessible places require detailed cleaning because a potential buyer has the right to peek into every corner of the property they are interested in, and you must be prepared for that.

Remove unnecessary details, but keep the feeling of home

To make the space look bigger, reduce the excess of things in the apartment. Remove all unnecessary items, including things you no longer need, old papers, jewelry, clothes and the like. Showing an apartment with scattered personal items is inappropriate. Also, remove covers and tablecloths from sofas, armchairs and tables - there is no place for anything superfluous when viewing the apartment, and the corners of the rooms should also be empty. Keep in mind that buyers will want to peek into pantries, attics, basements, storage rooms and garages - make sure these spaces are neat and accessible. However, it is not recommended to free the space from excess furniture. The apartment should retain a pleasant and comfortable look, because a completely empty space can negatively affect the buyer and his visualization of a potential home.

Repair defects and problems

Before you start showing the apartment to potential buyers, check that everything is working as it should. Sanitary facilities should be in good condition, as well as electrical installations, lighting and the like. Check the room doors, handles, cabinet doors and drawer handles - these are all details that give an impression of the condition of the property. Detailed repainting of the walls is also recommended.

Arrange and decorate

Arrange the apartment so that it looks attractive, but avoid heavy and cluttered pieces of furniture and, as we mentioned earlier, unnecessary and private details. Make sure the room has enough natural light, that the artificial lighting is properly installed and that it gives a warm and pleasant light. Plants and flowers in vases are always a welcome detail that will raise the emptiness of the space and give it a dose of elegance.

Make a meaningful schedule for viewing the apartment

When arranging the viewing of your property, be aware that you will have to adapt to the free dates of potential buyers. Often, this may mean that the doors of your home will have to be open, for example, on weekends. Think about the weather conditions as well. If possible, arrange a viewing at the time of day when the apartment is best lit and therefore the most attractive, and make sure you are there during the presentation to answer questions from potential buyers.

By following these steps, you will be ready to do everything to give your apartment the best possible prospects for viewing and sale. And remember, unmaintained properties sell much longer and buyers have justified arguments for negotiating terms and price. Investing in a property that you intend to sell is the way to a faster, simpler and more profitable sale.