Sellers' Guide

When there is a lot of property on the market it’s vital to present your home in the best possible light.
If you go the extra mile and consider it always a buyers’ market you increase your chances. Get competitive and out-do the neighbours! Follow our step-by-step guide and help yourself to an early sale.

 

• Present your house as you would want to view it - squeaky clean and beautifully tidy.  Obvious as it sounds, it bears repeating!
• Consider your kerb appeal.  A couple of pots of flowering plants beside a freshly painted  front door will lift the look instantly.
• Older properties can seem dark. Take down net curtains and clean windows to make the most of the natural light.
• Bright colours aren’t to everyone’s taste - a lick of white or cream paint can make an interior much more neutral and appealing.
• Less is more!  You’re going to have to pack at some point so make a start now.  Cut down the ornaments and trinkets to a minimum to maximise the feeling of space and calm.
• They might be your best friends but not everyone loves dogs and cats. If you can, keep them out of the way during viewings and pick up feed bowls and beds.
• Today’s buyers are wise to the old tricks such as brewing fresh coffee and baking a cake to add a homely scent.  Instead, keep your house well-aired and add a fresh essential oil to a burner. Just opening the windows will let clean fresh air get to work on the lingering smells of cigarettes and damp.
• It’s probably not worth splashing out on a new kitchen or bathroom if you are thinking of selling - your buyer might not share your taste. Better to be realistic about the price and let the new owners make their own choice.

• Let us conduct the viewings. Most buyers have a good idea of what they want and it might not be appropriate to show them every last cupboard on a first viewing. Be available to answer questions but don’t feel you have to explain every last detail about the property!
• Be a motivated vendor!  If you are obviously not sure you want to leave or are evasive about why you are leaving it will show.
• A quick viewing should be regarded as good news. It may indicate a serious buyer who will return for a more focussed second look or an agent who is managing viewings to everyone’s benefit.
• If you’re selling a second home get someone local to check it regularly. An undetected  leak or a fly invasion isn’t going to help your chances of a sale.
• Please allow short-notice viewings whenever possible. We’re happy to hold keys for absent vendors and this will maximise your chances of viewings. People often walk in off the street and if we can’t track down your keyholder we can’t show your property.
• Property is sold as seen. Don’t be alarmed if a potential buyer instructs a building survey - it usually shows serious intent.
• Understand your legal obligations, such as vice-cachée (hidden defects) as the owner and seller of a french property. Talk this through with your nominated Beaux Village sales consultant.