SPRING is in the air.

The Easter half term is considered an important time in the property market as potential home sellers make moving decisions and look to put their homes onto the market.

Just as gardens show signs of life the property market starts to blossom and leads the way with a kick start for the rest of the year.

Richard Mace of Besley Hill suggests sellers should look closely at their homes to see what cost effective improvements can be made before listing the home for sale.

‘It’s a question of sprucing the place up and making the best of what you’ve got to get the best price and attract a buyer more quickly. Remember you’re not just selling a home, you’re selling a lifestyle’.

Besley Hill have a home enhancement guide helping would be sellers present their homes, without costing a penny in many cases.

Here’s a few tips from the property professionals to make your property stand out from the rest and remember first impressions count, so take a good look at your home and walk in from the road as if you were going to view your own home as a buyer.

1: Front gardens

Pick up litter from outside the house which is unsightly and may put off buyers. Also tidy up your front garden, ensuring hedges are cut, lawns look trim and the paths are swept. Even put some pots with flowers outside to brighten the place up.

2: Clean and shining

The front door and entrance porch are often the first thing that a buyer sees. Clean the front door and paint if necessary. Pick up post, newspapers/flyers and replace the front door mat if it’s worse for wear. If the carpet is a bit grubby consider cleaning or replacing if they’ve gone beyond help.

3: Declutter

Just get rid of stuff you don’t need and have a jolly good tidy up. Store excess furniture away until you have made your move and make your home look more spacious. Remember this is a temporary measure to ‘stage’ your home for sale, so if you don’t need it throw it out, put it away or store it with friends and family until you move.

4: Decoration

If your paint work is shabby give it a freshen up with a lick of bright neutral paint, this will make your rooms look lighter and brighter.

5: Staging

Clean and open windows prior to the viewing to allow fresh air in. Pull back curtains to make the place feel light and airy. Replace broken light bulbs and put side lights on to create some atmosphere. Fresh air helps to remove bad smells from cooking, smoking and pets. Whilst good smells can include fresh flowers, scented candles, freshly baked bread and coffee.

6: Kitchens & bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are considered major selling features so make the best of what you’ve got. Clean and tidy worktops are a must and even consider replacing worktops if they are in poor condition. Clean the oven and hob, give the floor and tiles a really good clean. Bathrooms can be a big turn off if they are dirty or mouldy. Bleach the mould and re grout if necessary. Remove limescale and make the taps sparkle. Glass shower screens come up a treat with a good scrub. Loo seats down please!

7: Outside

Cut the grass and pick up dog mess. Ensure fences are in good order, pressure hose the patio and put out the patio furniture. Help buyers see this place is ideal for outside alfresco entertaining.

Trim up bushes, hedges and trees as this will help the garden look bigger. Remove trampolines if they take up the whole of the lawn and reseed or turf if your lawn is in a terrible mess.

8: Viewings

Let your Estate Agent conduct the viewing and show the property. We know what to say and will know the key points the buyers are looking for and highlight them for you. Leave space for your viewers to park on the driveway or near the house.

These are just a few inexpensive items that could help and we always guide our vendors to help them maximise the value of their home.

If you are considering a move and would like some guidance, call for a free valuation on 01453 542395.