Our Branches
Ashford
5 Kings Parade,
Ashford, Kent
TN24 8SQ
New Romney
55 High Street,
New Romney, Kent
TN28 8BY
Cheriton/Folkestone
30 High Street,
Cheriton, Kent
CT19 4ET
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Stand at the entrance to your property, check the driveway is swept, de-weeded & that the bins are hidden.
See that boundary fences/gates are fixed & freely opening. Leave the driveway clear for the viewer to park, this adds to the experience confirming the convenience of your property.
Does the front door need a lick of paint? Itās also worth brushing away any dirt or cobwebs and making sure the doorbell or knocker is working.
Start by removing cobwebs from ceilings, walls, and light fixturesāsmall details that potential buyers notice immediately. A thorough clean before listing your home will save you time before viewings. Ensure all light bulbs work, and replace dim low-energy bulbs with brighter ones to create a more inviting atmosphere. Fix any creaky doors with WD-40 and check that everything looks well-maintained.
Create a welcoming first impression by keeping the entrance hall clutter-freeāstore coats and shoes out of sight. Fresh flowers on the dining table or in the hallway add warmth. A plug-in air freshener on the lowest setting ensures a pleasant scent. In the kitchen, keep countertops clear and give them a quick wipe before viewings. Turn off televisions, radios, and dishwashers to maintain a quiet and distraction-free environment.
Make sure each room serves its intended purposeāif a bedroom is used as an office or storage, re-stage it as a bedroom, especially if itās small. In the bathroom, store away personal toiletries to keep surfaces clutter-free, and open a window if needed for fresh air. Arrange furniture to maximize space, keeping walkways clear to avoid making rooms feel cramped. Wherever possible, push furniture against walls and into corners to create a more open feel.
By following these steps, youāll present your home in the best possible light, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Curtains and carpets deserve their own attention because they can make such a difference to your property. Now is the time to get the carpets shampooed and the curtains dry cleaned. In an ideal world, light coloured curtains should be hung at the windows; dark curtains and those with the pelmets can often make a room seem smaller and restrict the light. Take a look at the carpet in the hallway and up the stairs; itās often these areas that are affected by wear and tear the most. Sometimes itās worth laying some affordable neutral coloured carpet if yours has been badly worn by foot traffic. It may present a cost but it is worth it!
For some viewers, the thought of animals is a huge turn off, so hide away any litter trays, bowls, bedding and toys.
Try not to leave drying laundry laying visible about the house as it can distract viewers from more important features.
Keeping childrenās toys out of sight can be difficult, but it is a necessity. It is important everything is tucked away.
If itās possible, keep the grass mown and hedges trim to allow the viewer to mentally picture their own use of the space.
Overgrown bushes can be off putting to some; it then becomes a garden needing to be ātackledā. Cutting back thick hedges will optimise the look of your outside space.
How much is your property worth? Stop wondering and find out, with a property valuation from Andrew & Co.