So, you’ve got an estate agent around to value your property. It can be a bit nerve-wracking so you’ve de-flead the rugs and vacuumed the dog (or should that be the other way round?) and now you’re trying not to trail around after the agent as he or she casts an expert eye over your gaff. You point out the new paint job and the pan rack while hoping for a decent figure. What Byzantine calculations are going on in that mind, exactly? What is she thinking? It’s actually fairly simple.
The size of the property
Size really does matter and your agent will be looking at the overall size of the place as well as the individual size of rooms. You can help this along by clearing out any clutter and making sure all your bulbs work, as well as opening up any rooms that you don’t use.
The type of the property
While the type doesn’t affect the price itself, it will set your property into a particular niche or band. Detached houses always sell for more than terraced and a spacious flat with an attached garden will usually attract a higher value than a new-build two-bed apartment. Unless the new-build is in the middle of the city… The property type is highlighted to appeal to the right buyer; a family of six isn’t going to be after the two-bed, no matter how cheap it is.
Cleanliness
A good, deep clean will always help because it shows that you look after the place. While an estate agent will overlook surface mess in the property valuation, you’ll be advised to keep it as clean as you can during viewings.
Any unique features
Anything that makes your place stand out from the crowd should be highlighted and pointed out so that they can be included in the description. Sometimes it’s these things that capture buyers.
The interior decor
Everyone has different tastes in interiors, but some things will work better than others so it’s better to play it safe and go neutral before you go to market. New paint, clean carpets and a lack of clutter really helps to shift properties so you’ll be given pointers on easy and cheap ways to redecorate and furnish the place.
The exterior
Estate agents want to see a good-looking exterior with no obvious problems like leaking gutters and cracked pebbledash. You might not be able to repair these things in time, so you’ll lose a few grand. You can always tidy up the garden and clean the windows, though.
Amenities
Your agent will already know all about the school and the shops, but if you’re particularly close to either (or both) then you’ll bump your price up.