When viewing a
property
we carefully examine for
mould
, eye-up suspicious looking
cracks
and pay close attention to loud sounds
neighbours
.

However, we often show slightly less scrutiny on the opposite end of the process, with
sellers
frequently believing that a layer of paint and a swift vacuuming will suffice to secure an offer.

Think your maximalist
interiors
and cherished small items could persuade purchasers that yours is theirs
dream home
? Are you certain they’ll overlook that tiny detail you never managed to correct? Perhaps it’s time for a second thought.

According to data from
Zoopla
Today, the typical house remains on the market for 185 days — this amounts to an impressive 25 weeks, or nearly half a year.

And if you’re dismissing the importance of particular minor warning signs, you might end up waiting much longer.

So,

LFHCK.ID

exchanged words with Phil Spencer, creator of the real estate guidance online platform
Move iQ
and host of “Location, Location, Location,” discussing the harsh realities home sellers must be aware of if they truly wish for their property to sell.

Clear the clutter

It might sound simple, but it’s true: you really
do
you should organize your mess.

This year, there are more houses available for sale than people looking to buy,” notes Phil. “Therefore, if you’ve chosen to put your home up for sale, be prepared to encounter significant competition and understand that you might need to invest some effort in enhancing the appeal of your property to prospective buyers.

Keeping this in mind, it’s now time to eliminate those unnecessary decorations—such as photos and different personal belongings—that, according to Phil, cause the house to appear ‘messy.’

When prospective purchasers look at your house, they aim to picture themselves residing there, which can be challenging if the property appears somewhat
too
lived in,’ he suggests.

“That doesn’t mean you have to become impersonal, but clearing out unnecessary items and keeping all areas organized will ensure each showing begins as effectively as possible.”

Paint means prizes

Retrieve the paint brushes: it’s finally time to cease overlooking those small blemishes on the walls. There’s no necessity to fully commit to a brand-new color palette to create an impact, yet a minor repair is consistently appreciated.

Phil admits that everyday activities leave scuff marks and stains on walls and painted areas.

‘However, spending some time repairing cracks in the wallpaper and applying a new layer of paint can result in significant benefits when it comes to selling—this is a smart method to make your house appear properly maintained, more welcoming, and brighter.’

Make any necessary repairs

It’s accurate: those unreliable doorknobs or annoying water supply problems should be dealt with, instead of being ignored.

According to Phil, you may have delayed these small tasks for many years, but it’s now the right moment to add them back to your task list.

“Go ahead and address any small maintenance problems or perform necessary repairs. This might involve fixing a leaky faucet or lubricating a door hinge to prevent it from creaking,” he says.

Purchasing a house can be overwhelming, and you hope potential buyers will feel confident that selecting your property means fewer issues to address immediately.

It’s a difficult reality to accept, we understand – but there’s nothing wrong with pulling out the toolkit, is there?

Scrub as though your existence hinges on it

Now is the moment for an intensive cleaning, not only for the realtor’s photographs. A house that is entirely spotless makes a significant difference during showings—so it’s time to get back to using your rubber gloves.

‘Give your house a thorough cleaning to make it look and feel rejuvenated. According to Phil, most potential buyers determine whether they want to place an offer after just about ten minutes inside the property.’

You should make the most of this opportunity, and keeping your house spotlessly clean is the initial step in making a strong impression on possible buyers.

Keep in mind, not every real estate agent is the same.

Back to reality now? Phil’s last piece of advice is to keep in mind that selecting the right real estate agent can make all the difference between selling your house swiftly or taking several weeks, perhaps even longer.
months’
value of nervously awaiting by the telephone, hoping they (not your former partner) will ring.

When selecting an estate agent, ensure you check reviews, investigate their credentials and background, and inquire with people you know who have utilized their services about their experiences,” Phil says, noting that being part of a professional group such as Propertymark can be beneficial, since it indicates they “adhere to a set of ethical guidelines.

Never evaluate brokers only based on the amount of commission they ask for or the estimate they provide for your property. Brokers who are active and can explicitly outline each step they will undertake to sell your house are more probable to deliver excellent service and help you achieve the highest possible sale price.

The piece first appeared in April 2025.

Have you got a tale to tell?

Contact us via email at
LFHCK.IDLifestyleTeam@LFHCK.ID.co.uk
.

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