If plans to sell your home and move to a brand-new place have been temporarily halted, there is still plenty you can do to stay ahead of the game once the market is rejuvenated.If plans to sell your home and move to a brand-new place have been temporarily halted, there is still plenty you can do to stay ahead of the game once the market is rejuvenated.
With thousands of homeowners currently in the same position, many of whom are still looking to move house later this year, now is the time to get your existing property ‘sale ready’ and stay ahead of the game – say Linden Homes Midlands, part of Vistry Group.
Sales and marketing director Nicky Chapman said: “We find ourselves in the challenging but necessary position of having to stay at home. While many people are spending the weekdays working from home and looking after their children, we must not forget that the weekends are still there to be enjoyed – and they present a great opportunity to tick off some tasks around the home and garden. Sales and marketing director Nicky Chapman said: “We find ourselves in the challenging but necessary position of having to stay at home. While many people are spending the weekdays working from home and looking after their children, we must not forget that the weekends are still there to be enjoyed – and they present a great opportunity to tick off some tasks around the home and garden.
“Spring is traditionally a time when people think about moving, and people can still focus on this and put their energy into getting their home ready for sale, particularly if they are looking to part exchange to a new build once the market becomes rejuvenated.”
Some tips to prepare your home for sale which can be done over the coming weeks:
Clutter control
De-clutter your home and make some space (or at least give the illusion of more space). In preparation for future viewings, pack away any items that may make your home look crowded. Potential buyers will want to imagine themselves in the property with their belongings. Get the children involved in tidying their own rooms.
Looking good – inside and out
As well as considering a neutral look for the interior of your home, with an all over lick of magnolia or something similar, think about the exterior of your property. Check and repair any garden gates or fences, paint window frames and clean window panes, clear paths of weeds and make the entrance to your home inviting with some freshly planted pots which you may be able to get delivered online. Giving your home kerb appeal is the first step to engaging with a buyer.
Keeping it simple
Less is more, as the saying goes. A few strategically placed throws and rugs to tone down patterned sofas or carpets will bring older interiors up to date. Create some optical illusions by placing furniture at angles around the room.
Make the most of your space.
Your current living space may seem crowded just now if you have people working remotely and children at home – but try and think ahead. For example, if you have a small kitchen, every inch of space counts. We probably all have more gadgets than we need or use, so think about putting them out of sight and leave worktops clutter-free.
Garage Storage
If like the majority of homeowners you use your garage for storing everything apart from the car, keeping it clutter free will give viewers an idea of how much space there is. They may have their own ideas for garage use – so keep tools, Christmas decorations and other items stored in boxes or hooked on the wall. Don’t hide this vital space under a pile of ‘junk’.
Outdoor Areas
Although we may not be able to entertain friends and extended family alfresco at this time, we can still make the most of our valuable outdoor space. Clean the patio and outdoor furniture. Whatever the size of your garden, this is vital outdoor space. Do some basic landscaping repairs to the lawn, shrubbery, and plants – and mow the grass for an easy on the eye appearance.
Jo Hughes from Linden Homes’ interior design partners Edward Thomas Interiors has some tips for getting the show home look if you are looking for a more adventurous project: “There are so many inspiration interior themes at the moment that it’s hard to pinpoint what’s most on trend. Natural materials, textured accents, velvets, jewel colours, earthy tones, shades of blue and grey is here to stay. Comfortable, inviting and liveable interiors are always winners for show homes.
“Be brave with your choices and take inspiration from styles which work for you and your family. Running a colour scheme throughout your home always helps to give that 'Show Home' feel as well as having statement pieces of artwork and accessories. What's important is to choose what you love, and you can never go wrong.”
For more information on Linden Homes’ developments and the Part Exchange scheme visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk
Linden Homes Coronavirus latest 25 March 2020
While our sites and sales offices are closed, we will stay ‘open for business’ and customers and clients will still be able to contact our teams on the phone and online.
We will also continue to look to support our supply chain partners during this challenging period and will remain in close communication with them.
Our thoughts remain with all those personally impacted by the outbreak, and the safety, health and wellbeing of our customers, our people and our subcontractors is the top priority.
-ENDS-
For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
