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We have seen many sellers at Deakin-White over the last few months, but there is one kind of seller that has been on the rise, and that’s the downsizer. There are many reasons why you may be considering downsizing to a smaller home. You could be looking to release some equity to help your children or to add to your savings pot for the years to come. Maybe you have some dreams of adventures that you wish to fulfil and an easier to maintain property is just what you need right now instead of redundant rooms just gathering dust. Whatever your motivation, it is essential when downsizing that you honestly evaluate your expectations so you can make the right decision for you. So how do you know you’re ready to downsize?
Does it make financial sense?
Just because you’re moving to a smaller home, doesn’t mean it will necessarily save you money. Should you be moving to a different location, the property values could differ greatly. The type of property you are looking for may have amenities and so there could be additional monthly charges that you need to take into consideration for things such as maintaining grounds and communal areas. The home you are looking to buy may need renovating or some upgrades; even with a budget, there could be things that turn up that you weren’t expecting so make sure you build in a contingency pot that won’t eat into your savings.
You’re excited to leave
Often, those looking to downsize find it a difficult decision to leave what is often their family home. Their house has so many memories and family members such as children could be upset at the thought of saying goodbye to the house that was a huge part of their childhood. We are sure that no matter how much you have loved living there, there will be some things that have niggled at you over the years that honestly you won’t be sad to leave behind.
Maybe you had a large and beautiful garden but it takes a lot of work each year to keep it looking its best. If you live in a period property, you will no doubt have an endless list of jobs that need doing, and you’ve been happy to do them but now you would prefer an easier life. Remember, this move is not about the past, it’s about the future, so if you start to have doubts, focus on why you made the decision and how your future will look in your new home.
Where will I put my things?
We all become attached to things in our home, from furniture which may have been passed down to pieces we’ve bought and can’t bear to part with. Instead of worrying where all your furniture will go in your new home, start to think about what items you definitely want to keep. If you’re moving from a large house to a more diminutive one, not everything you have now is going to fit – nor do you want it to. Think about the style of your new home, will your furniture work in the property or might it be fun to have a completely fresh start?
What about an apartment?
You may not have thought about an apartment but, depending on your future plans, it could actually be the ideal choice. Should you be looking to travel then you know you can lock up and leave with peace of mind that the grounds will be maintained and neighbours around to keep an eye on things. There are many stunning apartment complexes now that are designed for those of retirement age but are certainly not aesthetically doddery. With stylish and high-specification finishes, spacious balconies for entertaining and communal spaces that feel like a quality hotel rather than an apartment building, they are certainly something you should look at and not dismiss without investigation.
Does the floorplan work?
Just as you would when looking to buy any home, you need to ensure the floorplan is going to work for you now and in the years to come. Just bear in mind that you’ve been used to a certain amount of space and that will be reduced, but this might in terms of the number of bedrooms rather than the amount of living space. You may wish to have more of an open-plan space that brings everyone together, or a hobby, work or visiting family may mean you lean toward having separate spaces. You may even find that the floorplan in your new home works better for you than the one you have now.
Location, location, location
Location is particularly important with this move, as you may be thinking about what you need for the short and the long term. Being closer to family could be a key factor in the move, as it is for many who are looking to downsize after the stresses and strains of the pandemic. Would you be happy driving to amenities or would you prefer to be able to walk to the local shop, pub or café for that morning coffee and sneaky slice of cake?
If you’re not familiar with the area you’ll be moving to, it’s important to do your research. Feeling at home is a priority and our team are always on hand to offer advice. Just remember, a house can be altered and decorated but a location cannot be changed. Really think about what you want and need from this move so that when you decide on a location, you know that you will be happy living there. If you can see yourself living in another town, village or even in another street, it can make that thought of moving a little bit easier.
Am I ready to downsize?
One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself is: are you ready? Yes, you may be looking at smaller homes, and you could have talked about this move for months if not years, but knowing it’s something you want to do and being ready to do it are quite different. When you’re not ready you will be hesitant and sometimes over-critical, as you subconsciously try to find faults and flaws and delay progress.
This can lead to a frustrating and stressful process, which is something that no one wants, especially whilst undertaking what can often be the emotional move of downsizing. Make sure you’re clear in your mind before you start, as being ready for this move will make it a much happier experience for everyone involved.
A smaller home awaits
At Deakin-White we have helped many people and families to downsize, we understand the emotions and also how to find the right next home for you and your plans. If you’re thinking of downsizing and have any concerns, please chat to a member of our team.
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Dunstable’s Number One
As we begin June, we are delighted to share with you that our office in Dunstable is the number one selling estate agent in the town for 2021 to date.
They have helped 127 of our clients sell their homes so far this year.
Our office manager Tayler Barnes said, ‘I’m really pleased we have been able to help so many people get sold so far this year and I hope we can help lots more’ when asked about why Deakin-White have sold more than any other agent he said, ‘We have a fantastic team at Deakin-White who love their job and are very passionate about helping people.’
If you are thinking of selling, please click this link to book a valuation with the areas number one - https://www.dwrealestate.co.uk/valuation
This data is provided from Rightmove for January 1st 2021 to 31st May 2021 and the following postcodes LU6 1, LU6 2, LU6 3, LU5 4, LU5 5, LU5 6 and LU7 9. It is based on the towns 11 core agents and other agents who have sold one or two properties in the locality this year.
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Welcome to the emotional ride that is buying a home. When you are spending so much money, you want to make sure you choose the right investment. The process is exciting, complicated and, let’s face it, a little bit scary at times. Your mind is bound to be racing with so many things – wants, needs, location and lifestyle, compromises and must-haves. We all have those little fibs we tell ourselves to make things feel a little easier. Here are some fun classic fibs that many homebuyers tell themselves when looking for a new home.
1. I’m Going to Keep Below My Budget
You know that it’s essential to establish your budget before you start looking at houses. For one, you don’t want to be disappointed should you be able to afford less than you thought, but also if you have a mortgage in principle this places you in a stronger position when it’s time to make an offer. With your budget in hand, we know many home hunters have a deep desire to stay below that figure, but the reality is many don’t. Now this isn’t through lack of trying, they just discover that those extra pennies can often get them the home they really want.
One strong word of warning: if you know that your budget will be stretching you financially, lower it to something you are more comfortable with. You may have to make a compromise or two but you will be happy you did when you feel more financially stable.
2. It’s Fine If They Don’t Accept My Offer
This is such a typical way of trying to prepare yourself for disappointment, because deep down you know that you absolutely want this house and you will be shedding a tear or two if you don’t get it. But telling ourselves a fib like this makes us feel a little better, as does the relief when the offer is accepted and we can finally be honest!
3. I’m Happy to Do Some Work
It is always tempting to look at properties that need some work because, at the end of the day, you can turn them into exactly what you want and add value along the way. But what you think you’re up for now may not be the reality. We have seen many cases over the years where would-be renovators end up standing inside a project house looking like bunnies caught in the headlights. Be honest with yourself, when you say, “I’m happy to do some work”, do you really mean, “I don’t mind painting the walls but knocking one down and doing any kind of building is a little out of my depth”?
4. I’m Not in Any Rush
Now we wouldn’t say searching for a new home can become addictive, but it’s funny how you start off with intentions of not rushing – and then suddenly that changes. You avidly check any new listings daily – okay, maybe hourly – to try and get in there first, calling the agents quickly to arrange a viewing because you don’t want to miss out by only sending an email. Pretty soon your ‘not in any rush’ mentality is replaced by a quest that you can’t seem to walk away from.
5. The House Will Still Be Available in a Few Days
Or will it? We would love to tell you that you have some thinking time after a viewing, time to see other properties and check out the location, but the fact is, in the current market, waiting is a sure-fire way of missing out on a property you love. Houses are flying right now, but that doesn’t mean you should make a rash decision. Try and do your research on the location and similar properties and understand what it is exactly that you need, so that when you attend a viewing on a property that gives you the overwhelming feeling of being your future home, you are ready to act, and act fast.
Buying a home
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just unsure about the best way to start your property search, our team at Deakin-White are always here to help. We know the area intimately, can help you drill down to what’s important in your next home, and explain the best way to approach the sales process. If you’re also telling yourself the classic fib ‘you can do this on your own’, let us show you the difference it makes to have a great local estate agent by your side. You can read more about the home buying process with our handy First Time Buyers Guide - https://www.dwrealestate.co.uk/images/first-time-buyer-guide.pdf
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If you’re looking to buy a house at the moment you may have a ‘Fear Of Missing Out’ (FOMO), and who could blame you? With a distinct lack of properties on the market and an abundance of buyers all wanting to find a home, it’s like the Wild West out there on the housing front. In March, HMRC announced that UK property transactions were at their highest level since records began in 2005 – in fact, there were 180,000 sales, that’s double the number seen in March last year. So if you are a buyer trying to navigate this market, how can you ensure your FOMO doesn’t become a reality?
Get Ready
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a buyer is to start your search before you’ve got yourself in a viable position. In other words, do you have a mortgage in principle? Having an up-to-date mortgage in principle demonstrates to both the homeowner and the estate agent that you are able to proceed with the purchase. Your offer will be considered serious and in cases where demand for viewings on a property is overwhelming, you will be considered over someone who doesn’t have this in place. If you haven’t taken the steps to speak to a mortgage broker, we would suggest you do so as soon as possible.
Be Transparent
If you want to be taken seriously, you need to be transparent when speaking to an estate agent about what you are looking for and your maximum budget. We know that by placing all your cards on the table you may think you are putting yourself in a weaker position when it comes to negotiating. But stating that you don’t have a maximum budget doesn’t ring true and can make it difficult for an estate agent to help you find your dream home.
Take advantage of Virtual Viewings
Virtual viewings are a great way of touring a number of properties to see what you like and don’t like. It can help you to solidify your wish list and work out where you’re willing to compromise. Within a virtual tour not only will you be taken around the property but you will also get the opportunity to ask questions. This means that when you are sure of what you want you can focus all your time and energy on properties that could be the perfect match.
Be Clear
Buying a house is a massive investment, yet it’s a decision that many rush into, and we don’t want you regretting a purchase down the line. Before you start to physically view properties, think about all the things that are important to you and not just the property itself
As the country starts to open up to some kind of normality, what can the neighbourhood offer you? Your work situation could be different, perhaps involving work from home days, so is commutability as important as it was? Or, do you want walks, shops and bars in walking distance? Remember, a home can be changed but a location can’t, and it’s easy to be swayed by a stunning interior and glorious garden design, but is it the right ‘home’ for you?
More Haste, Less Speed
This market requires a clear and level head, if you snooze you will lose, but your decisions shouldn’t be rushed either. Set up alerts with property websites so you’ll know as soon as a new home in your chosen area comes onto the market, book a viewing as quickly as possible and do your research before you go if it is a street or area you’re not familiar with. Make a list of questions so these can be answered whilst you are viewing the property. Try and view the house without rose-tinted glasses, because this could be your home – will you be happy living there? Don’t wait to make an offer if this house is for you, because you can be assured that others who have viewed it will no doubt be doing the same.
Do You Want This House?
Any offer you make has to have an impact. Yes, we all love a bargain but when homes are going for close to or over their asking prices at the moment, making a low ball offer will seem like an insult to the homeowners. You want your offer to be taken seriously. Don’t forget to remind the estate agent of your position – are you a first-time buyer, chain-free, your property already sold? Knowing more about you and your position could make your offer more attractive; not all sellers take the highest figure, some wish their home to go to a local family, not an investor, or prefer a buyer for other reasons.
No More Fear
With these hot tips, you may still have a little fear of missing out but you’re taking steps to place yourself in a strong position so you can not only find your dream home, but buy it too. If you’re looking for a new home come and chat to our team to see how we can help you.
Property Search
If you are looking for a property, click this link to see our latest available stock in Herts, Beds & Buck:
https://www.dwrealestate.co.uk
Looking to Sell
If you are thinking of making a move on 2021? Click this link to find out what the market is like for your home using the latest market insight data:
https://dwrealestate.research....
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For the first time in the 21st Century, the cherished family home of a major music industry figure is coming onto the market. Husband and wife team Charley Foskett and Lauren Field have lived in and loved their Bedfordshire home for 21 years, but have now decided it's time to move on.
Charley has enjoyed a dream of a career as a globally respected record producer and songwriter while Lauren has followed a parallel path as a singer/songwriter. Charley's expertise in the studio and at the mixing desk has made him a highly sought-after partner for a huge array of musical stars over the decades.
While he can count working with two Beatles, one Rolling Stone and a member of Led Zeppelin on his CV, the range of his talents has made him the producer of choice in all kinds of different musical genres for other rock veterans including Steve Harley and pop acts such as Bucks Fizz and Alvin Stardust as well as new wave giants including Elvis Costello, the soul legend Edwin Starr and the pioneers of world music Osibisa.
In the 1980s Charley was instrumental in setting up The Anti-Heroin Project, modelled on the Band Aid concept, which resulted in the release of a 30-track double album, 'It's a Live in World', with songs recorded by a cast of international musical stars, of which he co-wrote twelve and produced fifteen.
"We have had such fantastic times here,' says Charley, "building up our music production business and, at the same time, having the chance to entertain some of the music industry's most famous names."
The house incorporates a remarkable home studio which has hosted recording sessions by the likes of Paul Young, Jethro Tull and British blues legend Paul Jones. Like those owned by Peter Gabriel and Sting, in common with many of the industry's favoured recording locations, Charley and Lauren's home is far from the heart of London. However, Charley is convinced that their Dunstable location is one of the attractions that brings such world-class talent to their door.
"Our proximity to London Luton airport and our fantastic rail and road links have made it easy for artists from all over the UK and Europe to reach us," says Charley.
Charley has battled and survived serious illness and even released his own solo album in 2020 as an almost literal 'comeback'. The home he shares with Lauren has been an important part of their lives together, both personally and professionally. But even though, as Led Zeppelin would have it, 'the song remains the same', Charley and Lauren feel it is time for a change.
Charley again: "Now that our kids have grown up and are moving on, we've decided it's time to downsize. We feel so privileged to have been able to spend two decades bringing up our family in such a big, beautiful, happy, welcoming home. The parties we've had are legendary and the memories we take with us are priceless. And we've also had the huge, good fortune to make it our place of business too."
This stunning Dunstable residence is a true one-off. As you walk through the rooms you can see all the signs that it has been treated with manifest care through the years. It is the perfect example of what we mean by 'a well-loved home'.
"We've absolutely loved living here," Charley says, "and we have absolutely no doubt that whoever becomes the new owner will love it just the same and enjoy as much success as we've had."
Deakin-White is immensely proud to have been appointed by Charley and Lauren to market their exceptional home and match it with a very lucky buyer.
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It's been quite a ride since our mother and son team of Christine and Ed Harrison founded the Deakin-White real estate agency in 2015. The conventional wisdom at the time suggested that it would be optimistic at best and reckless at worst to launch a start-up in the property market when the UK was only a few years out of the depths of the 2007 economic crash.
But entrepreneurs never really got very far by being cautious, so we went ahead anyway. The three counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire are beautiful places individually and united by a shared sense of welcome to home buyers and rental tenants alike. We know what a great place it is to live because we live here. We also know the market, the people and how to sell property. Deakin-White did not exist but we felt it essential to invent it.
And now, just a few years later, the success we've enjoyed and the service we've provided to countless satisfied customers means we're more than ready to expand. We've worked from our headquarters in Dunstable's Quadrant Shopping Centre since we started but the Deakin-White project is getting too big for one office. So we've opened another one.
Deakin-White have launched in Hatfield because it's time we had a physical presence in Hertfordshire to reflect our cross-county status. Like the Dunstable operation, the Hatfield office will make full use of the very latest technology, which has been designed and developed to speed up and simplify the buying and selling process and achieve the very best sale prices.
The new office will be in the endlessly capably hands of Scott Willmott, our St Albans and Hatfield partner. Naturally, we asked Scott how he felt about his new responsibility and he told us:
'Helping people move successfully and with clear communication is my passion. I also pride myself on my commitment to helping the client from start to finish. I'm proud to be a partner and it's my mission to send every satisfied customer away with a smiling face. Buying and selling a property doesn't have to be the headache so many people expect. With the help of an agent who really cares about the process in human terms, it can be an exciting, positive experience.'
The time is right for an expansion which represents the logical next step in our business's growth. The local market is solid and sound, with property price rises running at up to 4.5% over the past year. Prices are well above the national average, but still entirely realistic and well within range of first-time buyers as well as those planning to move on up the ladder.
Scott's brief, on which we know he will deliver, is to extend and strengthen Deakin-White's network and profile in this highly desirable region. All the resources of the agency are at his disposal.
This is a very exciting development for our agency and we welcome any and all new enquiries as well as returning clients. Our services cover both residential and commercial sales, lettings, auctions and mortgages. We are accredited by both the Property Ombudsman and the Trading Standards Institute.
If you are looking to sell, buy or move in St Albans, Hatfield and the surrounding areas then please call Scott Willmott today on 01727 620131 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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When moving home, it’s always a kind of chicken and egg situation, you will no doubt have been nosing online for your potential next home, but you’re also curious about the value of the home you already own. But when you own a property and are looking for another, is there a right way round to do it? Should you buy or sell first when moving home?
Buying First
For some people, the idea of moving forward is only possible if you know where you’re going. Why on earth would you consider selling your home when you have no idea where you will be moving to? You may have a clear picture in your mind of the kind of property you’re looking for, and until you find it, there is no way you’re going to place your home on the market. For sentimental reasons you could be struggling to say goodbye to your current home and there is a kind of comfort in knowing what home you will be moving to.
We completely understand all these emotions. Moving home is a huge thing and you want to make sure you get it right but buying a property before you have sold your home is not the right move to make.
For Financial Reasons
You may have an idea of what your home is worth, or even had your home valued, so when you start to look at homes on the market, you will have a sense of what you can afford. A valuation is not a sold price, and property markets rise and fall over time. The figures you are basing your finances on could be completely different to the actual figures that apply when you start to go through the process. If they are too far apart, you could potentially lose the home you are looking to buy as well as a few pennies along the way.
Puts You in a Weak Position
When someone makes an offer on your home, you want to ensure that they are in the best position possible so that things move quickly and smoothly. As a seller, you are looking for someone chain-free, or in a small chain, who has their finances in order and their home has been sold. How would you feel if someone made an offer on your property but they hadn’t even placed their home on the market yet?
Because Time Doesn’t Stand Still
We would love to tell you that that we can stop time, but that’s one skill that even us estate agents and unable to achieve. Whether you’re wishing to move before the stamp duty returns to normal to take advantage of a discount, or you want to be in before the new school year starts, the speed of the process is always something that concerns buyers and sellers alike. The process in the UK is not swift, as we know, and anything that feels like it’s dragging its heels can make things seem a thousand times worse.
Even if your offer is accepted by a seller, how long would they be willing to wait for you to sell your home? How long would you wait? Nothing is more frustrating in a move than delays and waiting for someone to sell can be one delay too far for many, which sadly can see chains collapsing.
Shattering The Dream
You have set your heart on your chosen new home and you’re spending your evenings picturing how you will decorate, where your furniture will go and what your life will be like living there. Dreaming about your new home is what’s making leaving your old one so much easier, to the extent that emotionally you’ve already left your current property. It’s now on the market and you’ve made an effort to make sure it’s looking good for potential buyers, all you need is one buyer to see what a fantastic house it is. Yet things are not going according to plan. Viewings are getting less, the sellers of the house you want are getting nervous and you can see the dream of your new home shattering all around you. Who needs that stress?
Get it Right From The Start
SELL YOUR HOME FIRST! There is only one right way to move and that is to sell your home first. This way, you’ll be putting all your energy into your current home to make sure it isn’t just looking good for buyers but looking amazing. You will be in a better position financially, because you’ll know exactly what monies you have to play with when you start to look for your next home, and you’ll be in a stronger position to get your offer accepted.
We understand the lure of wanting to search for a new home before you sell, but please be patient, you will get to that part of your move quicker if you take our advice and sell your home first. Finding your next home will feel even more exciting when you know you can actually move forward rather than waiting in limbo.
Thinking about moving? Get in touch with our team at Deakin-White and we’ll get you on the first steps to getting your home on the market and promptly sold.
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Deakin-White are delighted to announce that we are now working alongside Boomin - the next generation property site. You probably haven't heard of Boomin yet, so allow us to explain what it's all about.
Boomin was launched in 2021 to transform the property market, while making the lives of clients and estate agents easier. Boomin's powerful property site aims to reduce the stress and burden of moving home, as well as provide inspiration to home buyers. Too often, buyers feel left out of the loop of property buying, but Boomin aims to engage them and empower them.
So what is it that makes Boomin so special? Read on to find out.
Secret Properties
Boomin allows you to discover Secret Properties that aren't available to see anywhere else. Secret Properties are properties that are not yet officially on the market. In some cases, they are still being valued by estate agents, meaning that no one else even knows they are going to be listed for sale. With Boomin, you can register your interest long before anyone else even knows the property is available. This allows you to be first through the door when the property comes onto the market, giving you the opportunity to get your offer in before anyone else.
Sneak Peek
Think of Sneak Peek as being like a movie premier: you get to see something before anyone else. Boomin enables you to jump the queue by booking viewings for properties days before details are posted online or anywhere else. This means that you can be the first to view an available property and, if you like what you see, can get your offer in long before anyone else has even viewed it.
Property Playground
Property Playground provides inspiration for your new home. Buying a property can be stressful, but Property Playground is all about having fun. Get tips and advice on creating your perfect home decor and making your property work for you. See hundreds of photos of aspirational homes and view collections carefully curated by industry experts and people just like you. Follow collections you particularly like to help you put together your dream home.
Book Viewings Online
Boomin understands that when you see the perfect property appear online, you want to book a viewing immediately. The most desirable properties are snapped up before you can blink, so to be in with a chance, you need to be one of the first buyers through the door. Boomin allows you to book property viewings online, 24 hours a day. So when you see your dream home appear, you can book a viewing immediately without having to wait for the estate agent to open or for your call to be returned.
This means now we advertise all our properties not only on DWRealEstate.co.uk but on all the major property portals including Boomin, Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location and OntheMarket.com.
We hope you're as excited about Boomin as we are. We'd love to tell you more about our work with Boomin and answer any questions you might have. You can get in touch at any time using the following details:
Deakin-White
Tel. 01582 343 548
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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No matter what you’re advertising, whether it’s a product, a service or even a home, you want to capture a buyer’s attention. To get results you need to put in time and effort to ensure your property is looking its absolute best. You don’t need to own one of grandeur, any sized home has supermodel potential, which is why at Deakin-White we’ve put together some tips to show you how to prepare your home for its photoshoot.
Understanding The Value
When it comes to selling your home, you only have seconds to make a lasting impression. Buyers will be flicking through the online property websites hardly even giving some homes a second glance. A photograph may not sell your home, but it can open the door to the possibility and prompt a viewing. The more importance you place on getting things right for when your home is photographed, the better the potential outcome can be. Buyers want to feel a connection with your house; the way it’s marketed is the draw and ‘that feeling’ tends to happen the moment they step inside. Yet if we don’t market your home correctly, we will struggle to get buyers to view it in the first place.
If you follow our tips you can transform your property into the next top model. We want buyers to be focused on your clean and bright home, not pondering over what work it would take to get it looking its best. With your preparation and our investment in photography and videography, together we can dramatically impact buyers’ opinion of your home.
1. A Clean Kitchen
When we talk about a clean kitchen we don’t just mean literal cleanliness (and we know you will be cleaning vigorously before the shoot) but also a clean ‘look’. Worktops are fantastic places to store and house things, all those wonderful gadgets that we buy and rarely use, but by minimising what you keep on your worktop your kitchen will look so much cleaner and larger. Just leave a couple of decorative items, such as a bowl of lemons and a vase of flowers and find a place to hide the practical bits whilst your photoshoot is taking place.
2. A Clean Bathroom
The same principle should be applied to the bathroom. We all have bottles, soaps and paraphernalia decorating our bathrooms, but does a buyer really need to know what shampoo you use? A bathroom that has been cleaned and cleared of lotions and potions is a lot more attractive than one where the bath has various items on display. Again, by clearing things away for the photoshoot you will make your bathroom look bigger and also give it more of a ‘sanctuary’ feel, a place where your buyer can see themselves relaxing in and enjoying.
3. There Has to Be Light
One of our little niggles as estate agents is when we are in a property and the owner has neglected to check and change lightbulbs. Light is always a big selling point for buyers and we want your home flooded in it, so check the lightbulbs of all your ceiling lights and lamps before your photoshoot so we have as much light as possible.
As well as lightbulbs, raise any blinds, open all curtains fully and remove anything that could be blocking natural light from a window. With this in mind, don’t forget to get those windows clean too!
4. Less is More
We all have personal tastes, especially when it comes to how we decorate our homes. One of the most challenging requests we have for sellers is to remember that less is more. Removing large and bulky furniture is going to be challenging but if it’s eating up all the space in a room then it’s a must-do task. Many buyers will find it difficult to visualise the room without this piece of furniture within it, and so their focus could be on that particular piece rather than what the room could offer them. You want buyers imaginations running wild when they look at photograph of your home and thinking about the potential space it offers.
5. Remove Floor Mats
Lots of us have floor mats and runners (not rugs); they are fantastic at protecting our floors, especially when we arrive home all wet and muddy from a walk. As wonderful as they are, they can make a room and even a hallway look smaller and a bit cluttered. It will only take a couple of minutes to remove bath mats, door mats and runners for the photoshoot, to give these rooms clean lines and a greater sense of space.
6. Fridge Design
How many of us are guilty of cluttering our fridges with magnets, notes, reminders, children’s artwork… you name it. It’s a little piece of your family life, but as much as you love it, it’s not so alluring for buyers – in fact, it can be extremely distracting. Removing all these items will make your kitchen feel tidier and cleaner, but also, and more importantly, keep personal information away from prying eyes.
7. Make the Beds
Yes, we know how obvious this sounds, but it can often get overlooked, especially in rooms you may not be using. Fresh clean bedding with a neutral design always works best, accented with pillows, a throw and a couple of finishing touches. Look at hotel rooms and flick through home magazines for inspiration if you get stuck for ideas. One thing we know you will agree on is that walking into a room with an unmade bed doesn’t give you a warm feeling.
8. Remove Yourself
This is a tough one, as this is your home and ‘you’ are everywhere throughout it. But when buyers see your home, they want to see themselves there, which is hard to do if you’re staring back at them. By removing your family photos and personal items, a potential buyer can focus on the house and not you and your family.
9. Clear Surfaces
From the coffee table, breakfast bar, bedside table to chest of drawers, we all have places where clutter congregates whether that’s a book we’re reading, chargers, tissues, essential bits and pieces, it’s amazing how quickly a space can be filled.
You want any surface to have minimal items, maybe a book on your bedside table and, if big enough, a decorative item. A coffee table could be staged for a morning coffee on a little tray, and your breakfast bar is perfect when completely clear.
10. Remove ALL Pet Items
We’re not being harsh, most of us have pets too, and we know what an integral part of the family they are, but the truth is not everyone has pets and some people are allergic. The last thing you want is a buyer who is allergic to your home due to the smell of pets. It’s essential to get this right so hide bowls, beds and toys and give your carpet, and furnishings a deep clean to get rid of any ‘nose blind’ areas of your home.
Camera Ready?
It’s always easy to spot the homes where the owners have really spent some time getting it ready for its photoshoot. In this buoyant market where houses are selling quickly and often at asking price or above, the more you can do to bring out your home’s inner top model, the more viewings and potential offers you will receive.
For more advice on how to prepare your home for sale, please contact our team at Deakin-White.
