1. Declutter 

The chances are you have collected plenty of unwanted items over the years – from clothes and shoes to defunct mobile phones and old paperwork. By decluttering now, you’ll not only save on moving boxes, but also make your home more appealing to viewers. 

 2. Spring clean 

Once floors, shelves, surfaces, and wardrobes are clear, pull out your furniture to dust and vacuum, hire a carpet cleaner, and make those bathrooms gleam. If you have pets, remove any tell-tale odours or hair from the carpets and sofas. 

3. Refresh your décor  

Neutral colours may seem boring, but they give viewers a blank canvas to adjust to their taste. As well as this, your home will also appear brighter and bigger. Pops of colour or designer wallpaper on a feature wall can add interest, but less is more. If your design scheme is already on point, just make sure you touch up any tired paintwork.  

4. Tackle the to-do list 

Leaky taps, cracked walls, chipped tiles, and loose fittings can give your home a neglected appearance. This could leave viewers wondering what other issues they may encounter once they move in. If necessary, hire a professional to complete any lingering projects.  

5. Assess the lighting 

Poor lighting can make the most charming room appear dark and uninviting. A few well-placed lamps can help – just remember to stock up on lightbulbs too. 

6. Prepare for viewings  

Help potential buyers imagine themselves in your home by paring back on personal items such as family photos, magazines, and toys. Get ready to stage your home too – think crisp prop towels for the bathroom, new linen and cushions for the bedrooms, and fresh flowers or houseplants. 

7. Boost kerb appeal 

We all know that first impressions count. If you have a front garden or drive, make sure it’s clear of debris and freshly weeded or mowed. Attend to any broken or missing roof tiles and damaged guttering, and think about cleaning windows and repainting the exterior. 

8. Consider storage options 

If you have a lot of furniture or treasured belongings, why not put some into storage? This will help you clear the decks and get your home ready for staging and viewings. It could also come in handy when you move. 

9. Research potential estate agents 

Now that you have given your home some TLC, it’s time to shortlist a few local estate agents. Pay attention to the marketing the agent provides for their current listings and follow your gut. While the big names may tempt you, don’t rule out smaller independents who may offer a more personal service. 

10. Get your home valued 

Before you make your final decision, it’s a good idea to invite a handful of agents to value your home in person. This is your chance to find an achievable price point for your property and get a feel for the people who will be representing it.  

Our team are always here for a no-obligation chat. Contact us today. 

Of course, you want to attract and select the best tenants - people who will take care of the property, pay the rent, and leave you with little to do. 

But where do you look for suitable tenants? 

Is there anything you could do to make the tenancy as painless as possible, allowing you to get on with your life? 

1. Delegate viewings to your agent. 

Use your lettings agency to handle viewings unless you have prior experience. 

In our situation, we have a lot of experience in the industry and will have a gut sense about the people who walk through the door. 

This, together with your brief, ensures that we are always prepared to 'vet' potential tenants. 

Have faith in your agent. If they're anything like us, they'll be aware of the type of tenant you're looking for and will make sure that any viewing requests are in line with your requirements. 

2. Work as a property matchmaker 

If you're searching for someone to live in your home who is as nice and tidy as you are, it's a good idea to have it photographed in that state, even if it's minimalist. 

You'll be more likely to find the ideal tenant who wants to live that way, and they'll be aware of the expectations you establish from the outset. 

When the images are taken, make sure your rooms are decorated or arranged suitably. 

3. Compile a shortlist 

It's easier to weed out undesirable tenants if you and your lettings agency ask a list of questions you've already prepared. 

Whether you're asking or we're asking, the responses will assist you in making a decision. 

Consider the responses you'll need to hear and tailor your inquiries accordingly. 

4. Conduct thorough background checks. 

Viewings have been completed, and you've identified some potential tenants. Bingo. But hold on a second. Now is the moment to complete those crucial checks. 

Even if you're letting to a friend, it's critical to do this part correctly. 

This is where we can help you the most. 

We'll do all of the legwork for you and recommend the people we think are the best fit for your property. 

Please contact us if you require assistance in leasing your property. 

We'll gladly assist you in marketing your property, finding a tenant, and completing any necessary inspections. 

Statistics from Nationwide have shown annual house price growth has risen by 11.2%, taking the average value of a property in the UK to £255,556 after the sixth consecutive month of monthly increases. 

December 2021 to January 2022 saw an increase of 0.8% increase month on month, further demonstrating the continual price growth. 

The stamp duty holiday scheme was a major driving force behind the statistics we are currently seeing, with property demand and high mortgage approval rates also playing their part. 

With stock levels in the property market down after the rush of making the stamp duty deadline last September, this has led to buyers sparking a bidding war for properties, driving property prices in the process. 

Not only are property prices increasing, but property transactions throughout 2021 also reached the highest since 2007. 

With the current market conditions suiting those wanting to sell, and Spring often being seen as the best time to sell a property, now is the time to act. 

Value your property this February, contact us for a consultation.