50 top tips to sell or improve your home - daily post

2 March 30, 2010 DAILY POST

DAILY POST March 30, 2010 3

FIRSTGLANCE01

L IKE so many things in life,when it comes to selling yourhome, timing is everything.The housing market

fluctuates seasonally, as buyers canbe less interested in looking for anew home when they have otherthings to think about.

Summer and the festive seasoncan be some of the worst times ofyear to put your house on themarket, as would-be buyers have awealth of other things to do.

Now, however, is one of the besttimes of year to sell your home.Traditionally, activity levels surge inthe housing market during the newyear and spring, as many peoplethink about moving to a new homeand starting afresh.

Indeed, the National Associationof Estate Agents market report forJanuary shows that not only arehouse sales rising month on month;but more people are looking fortheir next home, as the number ofhouse-hunters registering withestate agents also increased inJanuary. All of which is great newsfor those looking to sell their homein 2010.

Consumer confidence and houseprices are also both on the up. Sodespite 2009 being a difficult timefor the housing market, 2010 looksset to be a better year for thoselooking to buy or sell property.

If you’re thinking about puttingyour home on the market, take alook through the following 50 tips tosee how you can improve yourchances of selling sooner rather thanlater.

Spring into actionand follow our tips

Give a warm welcomeIF you want your house to make a good first impression itis essential that buyers not only like the house but feelcomfortable in the property, too.

It might sound obvious, but it’s the basics that mostpeople forget when they’re selling their home, so beforeany potential purchaser arrives for a viewing make sureyou thoroughly clean the house, hide any pets, take thekids round to your mum’s and put out fresh flowers.

When potential purchasers arrive, be warm andfriendly – but not overly familiar, as this too can putbuyers off.

Greet buyers when they arrive, offer them a drink andbe willing to answer any questions they may have, butresist the urge to go into each and every room withthem. In order for them to be able to get a feel for thehouse, they need to have the freedom to view it alone.

Last but not least, don’t forget to put the heating on!Even if you normally worry about utility bills, turning thethermostat up a few notches before a viewing isn’t goingto affect your heating bill too dramatically, but it couldchange how a buyer feels when they walk into yourhouse – you don’t want them to feel it’s uninviting.

Putting out fresh flowers can help buyers feelwelcome in your home Picture: Interflora

Spring is traditionally a good time to consider selling your home

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CHOOSEANAGENT03

MANY potential buyers will havea list of questions ready to ask,and researching the answers maywell increase their interest.

If your home happens to be ina good school catchment area,then mention this to viewers.

They may not have thought toask now, but if they’re thinkingof starting a family then it couldbe a plus-point.

Do your research and checkout information about theschools nearby and how goodthey are, including Oftstedratings.

Are they within walkingdistance, or is there a school busthat goes there?

Don’t forget about nurseries,too.

If your property is located in aconvenient area then make surethis is included in your salesparticulars.

Also mention what transportlinks are nearby – many peoplecommute to work and need toknow how long it will take totravel.

Whether it’s train stations, busstops or motorway links towardsother cities and towns, it’s bestto know the local information.Remember, some viewers may befrom outside the are.

Knowing the good local barsand restaurants is also apositive, especially if the peoplelooking to buy lead an activesocial life; it may be just whatthey’re after!

Is your homea good catchfor parents?

It’s all in the arrangement

S PACE is high on mostbuyer’s priority lists, soif you’re selling, one ofthe simplest ways to

instantly create the illusion ofmore space and improve yourhome’s saleability is torearrange the furniture.

Moving your furniturearound can instantly refreshthe look and feel of any roomand maximise the sense ofspace. Before you start, drawout a floorplan to visualisewhat works best where,consider how each room willbe used and identify what thefocal points should be.

To ensure buyers get a senseof space in each room, thinkabout how people will walkaround the rooms and howeach space will be used,remembering to keep door-ways and entries clear of anyobstructions and keep floorspaces as open as possible.

Consider what furniture isessential to showcase eachroom to its full potential andwhat you can live without

while you’re selling your home.Limit the furniture in each

room to what’s absolutelyessential to its primary use; forexample, in the lounge try tohave just a sofa and a TVstand, and remove anyunnecessary items such asbookcases, so that each roomappears bigger when buyersview the property.

Bear in mind thatsymmetrical furniturearrangements work best informal rooms, whileasymmetrical furniture layoutswork better in rooms whereyou want a more informal feel.

If your home is small, followthe lead of interior designersand look for downsizedfurniture to create the illusionof space.

Whether your home is largeor small, with a bit ofingenuity and cleverlyrearranged furniture, you canrevitalise the appearance ofany room in minutes andboost your home’s appeal tobuyers. Symmetrical furniture layouts can help improve the sense of space Picture: Sheerhome.co.uk

T HERE’S a lot to think aboutwhen selling your home, andchoosing the right estate agentis crucial.

It’s important to make an informeddecision and not feel obliged to sellyour house through the same estateagent who you are buying from.

Likewise, when you first put yourhouse on the market, it can be

tempting to opt for the estate agentwho values your home the highest, butit’s essential to do your research first –find out what their terms are, whatfees you can expect to pay and whatother services they offer. An estateagent who can complete your Home

Information Pack (HIP) and survey aswell as marketing your property, forexample, could save you valuable time,money and stress.

Ask people for recommendationsand always check an agent is a memberof a professional body, such as the

National Association of Estate Agents(NAEA), as this gives peace of mindthat the agent will adhere to stringentcodes of conduct and practice.

Whichever estate agent you chooseto sell your home, you should alwaystake care to read the contract and smallprint carefully so that you can becertain you’re not tied in for longperiods.

Do your research to pick the best

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DRESSTOIMPRESS05

How to dress for selling successA S every fashionista

worth her Manolosknows, the rightaccessories can

transform any outfit and,when it comes to decoratingyour house, the same rulesapply.

Just as the right ear-rings,shoes and bag can bring asimple black outfit rightup-to-date, a few well chosendecorative accessories, such asthrows, cushions, candles,prints and vases, can instantlyrefresh your home’s décor andboost your property’s stylecredentials.

Likewise, if you’re sellingyour home and haveredecorated in a neutral colourscheme to help your propertyappear bigger, brighter andcleaner, accessories are afantastic way to inject a splashof warmth and colour into thedécor for minimal cost andeffort. Best of all – if you selectyour accessories carefully, youcan take them with you toyour new home!

This season there’s atantalising array of interiordesign trends to choose from,with something to suit allhomes, tastes and budgets.

Some of the main trends for2010 include country-houseglamour; big blooms and floralprints on everything fromcushions to curtains, bed linenand bath mats; vintage-inspired furniture andaccessories; natural materialsand folk-inspired pieces –think quirky, crafty, woodlandand animal motifs.

If you are unsure aboutwhich accessories to choose,try visiting a new homes’development and take a tour

of the showhome to see howprofessional interior designersdress a property to highlighthow the space can be used andshowcase its features.

Some tricks of the tradeinclude arranging decorativeitems in groups of one, threeor five; using tactile fabricslike silk, cashmere and velvetto create a sense of warmthand luxury; and hanging longcurtains with simple, cleanlines to create a feeling ofheight in each room.

Whether you’re selling yourhome or simply keen totransform your décor, when

dressing any home, the devil isin the detail. So don’t forgetthose all-important finishingtouches, such as placingcushions and throws onfreshly made beds; setting thedining table with statementcrockery and tableware andaccessorising the bathroomwith colour-coordinatedcandles, hand-wash dispensers,towels and the like.

As well as making yourhome more attractive andstylish, the right accessoriescan also help you to sell yourhome. Much more than justputting up a few paintings,dressing a house, or homestaging to give it its propername, is about creating theright mood or ambience ineach room.

A technique that interiordesigners often use inshowhomes, home staging isabout using accessories andfinishing touches to portraythe sort of lifestyle that buyerscould enjoy in the property.

A house aimed at families,for example, might featurefunky cookie jars and cookbooks strategically placed onthe kitchen counter and neatlyorganised toys in one of thechildren’s bedrooms.

While a property aimed atyoung professionals might beaccessorised with vibrantcontemporary wall art, trendybooks on the coffee table anddesigner hand-wash in thebathrooms.

With a bit of thought andsome well-chosen accessories,you can revitalise theappearance of any room. Colour coordinating accessories gives a chic, stylish look Picture: Dunelm Mill

Chic vases are an easy way toput the finishing touches toyour home Picture: Asda

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SCENTOFSUCCESS07

How to create theperfect ambience

O FTEN overlooked, theway a property smellsis crucial to creatingthe right ambience

and can greatly affect howwell viewings go.

Just as you mighthave spent hoursdeciding how todress your home sothat buyers canvisualise themselvesliving there, the rightaroma can help buyersto feel at home as soonas they walk throughthe door.

We’ve all got fondchildhood memoriesof freshly baked breadand cakes atgrandma’s house,which perhapsexplains why thearoma of ajust-cooked loaf isone of the best ways to createa warm, homely feeling duringviewings.

To make sure your homeappeals to buyers, a few tricksof the trade include brewingfilter coffee or baking fresh

bread or sweet treats rightbefore a viewing, placing avanilla pod in the oven andputting out fresh flowers.

Stale smoke and pet aromasare some of the biggest

turn-offs forpotentialpurchasers. So,if you smoke,try to do sooutside from assoon as you put

the house on themarket. Steam

cleaning carpetsand other soft

furnishings can alsohelp to remove

lingering smells.Remember, you

may have gotused to certainaromas in yourhouse and maynot even

notice that something smellsparticularly strongly. So,before any viewing, make sureyou thoroughly clean and airthe property to ensure it notonly looks great but smellsgood too.

KERBAPPEAL06

Freshly bakedbread is one of thebest ways tocreate a homelyfeeling on viewingsPicture: AssociatedBritish Foods

Coffee is another scentthat will appeal tobuyers Picture: House of Fraser

First impressionsmake a differenceE VEN before most

people set footinside a propertytheir mind is

already formingconclusions, if theoutside looks bad itcould be the sign ofthings to come.

Your home may beneat and tidy on theinside, but don’t forgetthe first thing potentialbuyers see when thecome to your home isthe outside.

People want to driveup to a home that looksappealing, they want tobe proud of where theylive, and if that’s not thefirst impression they getthen you may havealready ruined yourchances of a sale.

It’s not aboutspending a fortune, butsimply tidying and afresh coat of paint canwork wonders.

Polish up the doornumber, make sure thepaint isn’t chipped onthe front door or, if it’sUPVC, make sure it’swiped clean, and thesame goes for yourwindows.

If your actual house islooking a little dull ordirty then paint it, it

may seem like quite abit of work but it’ll allbe worth it if you cansell your home quicker.

Think of all the thingsthat need freshening upoutside your home,whether that’s windowsills, cleaning the path,cutting back a fewbushes or ensuring yourgarden is free fromlitter.

These are simplethings that can make agood impressionwithout you spendingtoo much.

Also, if you can placeyour wheelie bins in therear garden it’ll makethat initial first viewingmore pleasant.

Look at your gardenfences or walls too,could they do with a jetwash or coat of paint?

Try and think of allthe little extras that mayjust entice people intoyour home.

If you do want tospend a little more youcan get either hangingbaskets or evergreensmall planters to placeeither side of your frontdoor and it’ll just addthat extra touch towelcome potentialbuyers.

Make sure your property entices people in with trimmed-back bushes and aclean pathway

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ESTATEAGENTINTERVIEW08

Get the basics right for a saleY OU’LL be getting

plenty of tips andadvice flying at younow you’ve decided to

sell.From friends and family

offering conflictinginformation on whether toopt for the homely lived-inlook or the moderncontemporary option, it canall be a bit confusing.

So, we caught up withestate agent Sutton Kersh’sPhilip Lawton to get advicefrom someone who makes aliving out of selling homes.

“I’ve seen a lot of surprisesover the years,” said Philip.“Some people will just sit onthe sofa watching TV andeating their tea, and tell me tojust take a look around whenI’m valuing, which makes methink this is how they will bewith viewers – and that’s notthe way to sell your home!”

He added: “There are quite afew basic things people cando. It’s all obvious, but youwould be surprised at howmany people don’t even dothose things.

“Firstly, keep pets out of theway. Over-friendly dogs canbe off-putting and distract theviewer from seeing the houseproperly. I’m not a big petlover and it can sometimesmake you feel on your guard,especially if the dogs arejumping all over you.

“You need your potentialbuyer to feel relaxed – offerthem a cup of tea and it’llmake your viewing go a littlesmoother if you haven’t gotpets to think about too.”

Philip continued: “It hasbeen said many times, butde-clutter as much as you can.

I know it’s easier said thandone, especially if you have 10years’ worth of belongingsthat have built up, but it’sreally worth trying to findsomewhere to store things.

“Maybe a friend with agarage, or someone with aspare room that you knowisn’t used, can help. It can behard to de-clutter if you’velived there a long time andyou’re busy, but it’s important

and it’s the easiest way tomake a big difference to yourproperty.”

Talking about homeimprovements, Philip said: “Iwould recommend limitingany big expense to yourproperty, and don’t try toanticipate what the surveyorwill find – you might replaceor repair something that theywouldn’t mention but thenhave to repair even more

when the surveyor does comearound.

“I’d say stick to cosmeticthings, and make good anydecor. If you have bits ofchipped paint, touch them up,or, if you have big boldcolours, I’d recommendedtoning them down to a moreneutral shade.

“If you have any faulty/broken taps, now’s the time torepair them – all the littlethings soon add up. Plus makesure you have working lightbulbs in all the fittings, andhave them all turned on whenviewers visit – don’t opt foratmospheric lighting; peoplewant to see what they’rebuying.”

Another tip from Philip isto make sure your TV isturned off, or at least turneddown when viewers arecoming around – anotherdistraction.

He added: “Make surenewspapers and letters arecleared away in drawers, andclean the house, especially thekitchen and bathroom, as it’sthese areas that will still bethere when you’ve moved out.

“Check seals around thebath and grouting. It doesn’tcost much to buy moresealant, and your home needsto look cared for rather thanneglected.

“Finally, tend to the gardens– you only have one chance ata good first impression. Makesure any bins are out of sightif you can, and make it aclean, tidy and cheerfulentrance to your property.”

Kerb appeal is one of Philip Lawton's, of Sutton Kersh, top tips soensure your home looks good on the outside

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GETREAL11

Do the research andask a realistic priceOPTIMISM is a marvellous thing to have in lifebut, when it comes to selling your house, it’stime to take off those rose-tinted glasses andget realistic.

One of the biggest mistakes made by sellersis to overprice their home, with many opting toput it on the market for what they would like toget from the sale – not what the property isactually worth.

So, if you’re home has been on the market fora while and you’ve not had any offers, look atwhat else is available for sale in your local areaand reassess whether your asking price isrealistic or not.

As well as doing your research you need tobear in mind that the housing market doesfluctuate - so make sure you take currentmarket conditions into consideration whenpricing your property.

Trust in the professional advice from yourestate agent and allow them to guide you onprice as they have expert insight into currentprices and market conditions in your area.

Alternatively, if you are having trouble sellingyour home but need to sell for financial reasons,you may want to consider a sell-and-rent-backscheme.

Offered by specialist firms, such schemesallow you to unlock the value of your homewithout having to move as you continue to livein the property as a tenant.

Do your homework and make sure yourproperty is priced competitively

Ensure your accounts are in order

I T’S not essential ofcourse, but it’ll makemany things clearer ifyou get all your finances

in order, especially if you’replanning to buy a home aswell.

It’s time to start doingyour calculations.

You’ll need to find outhow much the estate agents’costs will be and, if you’regetting your HomeInformation Pack doneseparately, how much thatwill be, along with any

solicitor fees.As well as your selling

costs, if you’re planning tobuy a new property thenthere will be additionalexpense to think about theretoo.

But it’s not just the sellingand buying costs you shouldbe looking at.

If you can clear any creditcard or loans you have then

it will help you in the longrun with paying mortgagefees and the rising cost ofday to day bills such as gasand electricity.

It can be a lot easier saidthan done, but make a list ofeverything you need to payeither on a weekly ormonthly basis, rememberselling isn’t likely to be aninstant thing unless you’re

lucky, so you can startbringing down thebalance of your billseach month.

Once you’ve got yourlist, work out how muchyou can afford to pay. Itall adds up and you’llsoon see the amountgoing down.

Remember though, ifyou’re only paying offthe interest each monthit’ll feel like an endlesscycle that you’reconstantly paying.

FINANCECHECK10

Picture perfect salesA S the saying goes ‘a picture

says a thousand words’ sowhy is it that so manyvendors pay little credence

to the importance of qualityphotography when selling theirhome?

Photographs play a pivotal rolein marketing your property and, inan age when buyers routinely scanestate agent’s websites for theirdream home, it’s vital that youinvest time and money in havinggood quality, professionalphotographs taken.

Too often sellers discount themerits of good photography andopt instead to take photosthemselves or have the estate agentdo it for them, which often resultsin grainy or out-of-focus images,that fail to do the property justiceor make an impression on buyers.

The photographs on your salesparticulars or on your estateagent’s website are the first everglimpse that a buyer will get ofyour property – and bad images

can make the difference betweenwhether or not a they decide toview your property.

As a general rule of thumb,photographs need to be highresolution jpegs in order to get thebest results when reproduced inprinted sales particulars.

In order to prevent images frombeing so dark that buyers can’tmake out what’s in the room, makesure photographs are taken whennatural light is at its brightest –ideally in the morning – and switchall interior lights on.

A common mistake on propertyphotographs is when thephotographer’s reflection can beseen in glass-fronted cupboards,mirrors or windows, so if you aretaking the photographs yourself,take care where you stand so as notto inadvertently end up in thephoto yourself.

Interiors can be tricky tophotograph well, as it can be hardto get all of the room into just oneshot. For the best results, try

setting your digital camera to wideangles.

You should also pay greatattention to what is actually in theroom, what do you want buyers tosee? Tidy away everyday items toensure worktops, tables and

window sills are clear of day-to-dayclutter and ensure every room is aspristine as you would have it for aviewing. And, if at first you don’tsucceed, it’s worth perseveringuntil you get a photograph of eachroom that you’re happy with.

FOCUSONSELLING09

High quality pictures can really help sell your home


RECIPEFORSUCCESS12

Sizzling style for kitchen chicL ONG gone are the days

when we simply usedour kitchens to cook –from feeding the family

to entertaining friends,showing off our culinary skillsand relaxing in family livingareas, these days, kitchenstruly are the heart of anyhome.

So if you’re planning to sellyour home, a kitchen refit is awise improvement to make.

As the hub of the home,kitchens are naturally one ofthe rooms that buyers paymost attention to. Indeed, asurvey by Nationwide foundthat some 54% of buyersbelieve the kitchen is the mostimportant room of the house.

According to the RoyalInstitution of CharteredSurveyors (RICS), kitchenimprovements can add up to4% to the value of a property.

However, as you’re looking

to sell, you should be carefulto stick to a budget, in order toget a good return on yourinvestment.

To have all the ingredientsfor a quick sale, before youstart any work you should alsothink about what features willbe essential to your targetmarket. A family, for example,will consider a dining areaessential, whilst includingkitchen appliances will boostyour property’s appeal toyoung couples and first-timebuyers who may not yet ownany white goods.

As the way we use ourkitchens has changed,open-plan layouts, whichinclude family living areas,breakfast bars and familydining areas have becomeincreasingly popular.

Other current kitchentrends include quartzwork-surfaces, which are ideal

for those who want a high-endlook without a hefty graniteprice tag; painted units;high-gloss units; andinnovative storagesolutions, such as larderunits and bi-foldcupboards.

When it comes tocolour, there’s awhole spectrum ofoptions to consider –from white,Shaker-style kitchensfor those keen tocreate a cosy countryfeel; to rich shades ofaubergine, plum andred for those lookingfor something boldand contemporary.

With such a widearray of styles, you’resure to find a kitchen thatsuits your personal taste,budget and target market.However, as you’re looking to

sell, you should be careful notto make your design choicestoo personal, instead opt formore classic kitchen styles, like

cream, white orwood-fronted units, that

will appeal to a broadrange of buyers.

Alternatively, if youfeel a full kitchen refitis not necessary andyour kitchen units arestill in good condition,you could considerreplacing existingcupboard doors,worktops and handleswith new ones as thiscan dramaticallyrefresh the look of atired kitchen for afraction of a cost of afull refit.

Reflecting the way that wenow use our kitchens, thelatest must-have gadgetsinclude wine coolers, sleek

black satin-finish ‘white’ goodsand integrated multimediaproducts, such as TVs andmusic systems.

The kitchen is a great placeto experiment with gadgetsand new technology, however,if you’re selling the propertyit’s essential not to get carriedaway – stick to appliances thatwill be valued by most buyers,such as a fridge, freezer andwashing machine.

Well-chosen accessoriescan also help to rejuvenateyour kitchen’s appearanceand provide a moremodern feel at very littlecost.

From simply colourcoordinating your kitchenbin, bread bin and storagetins, to embellishing yourworktops with eclectic,vintage-style biscuit tins,designer utensils and coolcookbooks to show off your

culinary knowledge, the rightaccessories can really help totransform your kitchen andgive it showhome style.

However you plan to updatethe hub of your home, with alittle imagination and a dollopof the latest trends, yourkitchen willsizzlein notime.

A splash of vibrantcolour adds realwarmth to anykitchen Picture: Taskers

A hand-made,hand-painted, solidwood kitchen willappeal to a broadrange of buyers

Picture: Kit Stone

The future is orange for kitchenchic, above and left Picture: Very.co.uk

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CHECKTHECOMPETITION13

Knowing what yourcustomer wantsEVERYBODY loves their house – you wouldn’tlive there otherwise, but it’s no good thinkingthat the right buyer will just come along andappreciate the property as you do.

In order to sell your property, you need toidentify your target market and then make sureyour home has all of the features that your idealbuyer will want.

Just as businesses thoroughly research theirtarget demographic and then tailor theirservices to their customers’ needs, to sell yourhome you need to know your customers andconsider what they will be looking for in theirdream home. A growing family, for example,may value outside space, a downstairs wc and aspacious kitchen.

When identifying your target market, it’s alsoworth considering what facilities are in yourlocal area as this can affect the type of buyerwho’ll be interested in your home. City centreproperties, for example, are likely to appeal toyoung professionals; whilst properties insemi-rural areas may prove desirable to retirees,with houses in suburban areas close to popularschools likely to be sought-after by families.

Once you know and understand your targetmarket you need to dress your home so that itpresents the type of lifestyle that they wouldfind desirable. You should also make sure thatkey features which you think will appeal to yourtarget demographic are highlighted in your salesparticulars and during viewings.

TARGET IN15

GETFEEDBACK14

Finding out what you’re upagainst in the marketplace

Act on any criticismI T can be hard to view your

own home objectively as manyof the little things that can putbuyers off, you may not even

notice anymore.So, if you’re looking to put your

home on the market, make sureyou keep your eyes peeled forminor flaws, like a cracked tile onthe kitchen floor or a bedroomdoor that doesn’t close properly,that could give a bad firstimpression on viewings.

It’s essential to get feedbackfrom viewings and address anyissues that could potentially putbuyers off.

It may help to ask your friendsand family to walk around yourhome, as if they were on a viewing,and give you constructive criticismon what they think needsimproving.

As well as making minor tweaksprior to viewings, after anypotential purchaser has visited

your home, make sure you speak toyour estate agent and get as muchfeedback as you can.

Whether the comments youreceive are good or bad, they areworth their weight in gold as they

are completely objective and, evenif you don’t necessarily agree withthe comments being made, you canstill get an insight into how yourhome is being perceived bypotential buyers.

Any negative feedback should beaddressed – particularly if buyerskeep commenting on the samething after viewings – as this willhelp you to boost your property’ssaleability.

WHEN you’re selling yourhome, it pays to check outyour rivals and see whatother properties in thesame price bracket have tooffer – after all, they will becompeting against yourhome for potential buyers’interest.

Do your homework andsee what’s included in theprice at similar propertiesto your own.

Consider whether or notyour house is comparableand try to identify whatsets your home apart fromthe competition.

As well as other resalehomes, you should alsomake yourself aware of anynew-build developments inyour area and lookcarefully at what they offeras these will also becompeting against yourproperty for buyer interest.

Understanding the sort of lifestyle yourtarget buyers want will help to sell yourpropertyCheck out your rivals in the property market

It’s important to getfeedback afterviewings and reactpositively to anycriticism by fixingthe problem

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MAKEASPLASH16

Come clean on styleT HERE’S nothing much

worse than viewing yourpotential dream home toreach the bathroom and be

met with hazardous smells and adiscoloured rim around the bath!

When selling, your bathroomshould be inviting, a place whereyou can relax and unwind and – ifnothing else – spotlessly clean andtidy.

Of course, we’re not suggestingyou spend thousands on yourperfect bathroom only to movehome, but fitting a new, simplewhite suite may be worthconsidering if your old one is anunflattering shade from the 80sand past its ‘use by’ date.

If you have the luxury of spacefor a free-standing roll-top bath,

these beautiful additions create theperfect bathroom haven, giving afeeling of elegance and opulence.

Don’t fret if your room is moreof the standard variety, there isstill an excellent range of suitesavailable that can make an impactwithout breaking the bank, justshop around and you’re sure tofind the perfect one.

One key thing to remember isthat the majority of people expecta shower, whether that’s over thebath or a separate cubicle. So, ifyou don’t have the cash to splashon a new suite then it’s worthinvesting in a shower if you don’talready have one.

Putting in an electric showerover the bath, with a new-styleglass shower screen, is a great way

to attract buyers without the hassleof getting an whole new suite.

Of course, your bathroom maynot need any work at all, but justensure those little extras are takencare of.

Matching towels, bath mats andaccessories can all help to createthe ‘showhome style’ people oftenwant and, with a few tweaks, youcould have the perfect bathroom.

Do remember to stay away fromgarish colours, bright yellows orgreens can be a turn off for somepeople, so stick to subtle yetstylish.

This season, the chic yet elegantclassic of black and white is stillpopular, along with the naturalshades that work so well in abathroom.

Ensure any discolouredgrouting is taken care of, if youcan’t get it beautifully whiteafter a touch of bleach andelbow grease then you can getgrouting pens which can whitenbetween the tiles to create aclean fresh look.

Flooring can make all thedifference too, no onewants to see a grimycarpet. The new-stylecushion vinyl flooringgives you the option ofmany colours and styles,plus it’s relativelyinexpensive.

Lastly make sure yourbathroom smells fresh andodour free – now welcome inthose potential buyers.

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PROFESSIONALHELP17

GETACTIVE18

Time to call the professionalsW HETHER you’re

selling a twobedroom city centreflat or a luxury

detached house in the suburbs,an estate agent’s expertise,experience and understandingof the local property market isinvaluable.

Selling houses day in, dayout in your area, estate agentshave an unrivalled knowledgeof the local market and canprovide you with indicationsof how the market is lookingand advice on getting the bestpossible price.

As they’re tuned into currentconditions in the local market,estate agents know what’sselling and what’s not, so theywill also be able to give you arealistic and honest valuation.

Homeowners who use anestate agent to help them selltheir property have to sign a

legally-binding contract – andit’s important, before signing,to read this carefully and makesure you understand the termsand fees clearly.

Your property will then bevalued, photographed and salesparticulars drawn up.

Every property must nowhave a Home Information Pack(HIP) from the first day it ismarketed for sale. Some estateagents can help you to compilethe pack, or they mayrecommend a specialist HIPprovider who can do it foryou.

Once your HIP has beencompleted, the process ofmarketing your property canbegin. Estate agents maydisplay your property’s sales

particulars in their officewindow, on their website andalso advertise the property inlocal, regional and specialistmedia and on the internet.

Many estate agents alsoutilise the latest technology tomarket properties to adatabase of suitable potentialpurchasers and seek topromote your propertythrough local press editorialswhere possible.

Your estate agent will thenarrange and accompany buyerson viewings; negotiate the saleand complete the relevantpaperwork when a sale isagreed.

So relax, and let the expertstake the hassle out of sellingyour home. Estate agents will advertise your property in suitable media

O NCE your home is on themarket, don’t just sit backand wait for it to sell itself.The estate agent you choose

is likely to be advertising yourproperty on a number of websites,as well as in local newspapers, butyou also have to interact with themand be open to ideas.

Open house days are a great wayto generate new interest in yourproperty, and often bring morepeople though your doors at onetime, which is also more convenientfor you to have everything in yourhouse clean and tidy ready for

numerous viewers.Make sure your agent is doing as

much as they can, too – is yourproperty in their window in aprominent position? Is it beingadvertised in the local pressregularly? Is it easy to find on thewebsite?

If you haven’t had any viewers fora while, don’t just sit back and wait,go and speak to the estate agents andsee what else you can do. Is it worthchanging your images on the

brochure, re-evaluating the price, ormaybe changing estate agents?

Look out for other ways, too;some newspapers and magazineshave special features focusing onpeople’s homes, and if your house issomething special it may be worthcontacting them to see if it’ssomething you could do. Anypublicity for your home is a greatway to get it noticed by people inthe area who will often be looking tobuy nearby.

Shout it out: ‘House for sale’

Let yourproperty beseen inprint,online andin personwith openhouse days


GOGREEN19

HIPSTIPS20

Don’t waste yourenergy – save it!R ECYCLING, energy efficiency and

carbon footprints have all becomebuzz words in recent years, asmore and more of us become

aware of environmental issues.Being green could also help make your

home more attractive to potential buyers –especially since the introduction of EnergyPerformance Certificates (EPCs) and HomeInformation Packs (HIPs), which givebuyers energy efficiency information at aglance. According to the Energy SavingTrust, the average UK household couldsave as much as £340 and 1.5 tonnes ofcarbon dioxide per year by making theirhome more energy efficient.

These days we’re all looking for ways tomake our cash go further, so if you’re keento make your house stand out in acompetitive sales market, it’s vital toensure your property has low runningcosts.

Some of the simplest ways to boostyour property’s green credentials includefitting energy-efficient light bulbs andappliances, which will help save money onfuel bills, installing double glazing to allwindows and doors to prevent heat loss,and ensuring the property is properlyinsulated.

According to the Energy Saving Trust,about a third of all heat lost in un-insulated homes is through the walls, so ifyou want to appeal to potentialpurchasers, it’s worth making sure yourproperty has cavity wall insulation.

Insulating pipes and water tanks,draught proofing and topping loftinsulation up to at least 270mm can alsohelp to improve household running costs,

boost your home’s green credentials and,ultimately, make it more attractive topotential buyers.

If you want to go a little further, thenyou could even think about installingdomestic wind turbines – which work bestin exposed areas –or solar panels.

A quality solar heating system canprovide up to 70% of your home’s annualhot water or electric requirement,reducing energy bills, which is appealingto buyers. The solar panels take over fromyour boiler to heat your hot water; atnight your boiler regains control.

You don’t need to turn your home intoan eco-palace, but remember, a few ‘green’changes could make your property moreattractive to buyers.

A few energy-saving touches could make your home moreappealing to buyers

Get a handle on the HIPs issue

I F you’re selling your home, it’snow a legal requirement tohave a Home Information Pack(HIP) from the first day that

your property is marketed for sale.Before HIPs were launched in

2007, house sales sometimes fellthrough because informationemerged at a late stage in thebuying process. By equippingbuyers with all the facts from thestart, HIPs aim to prevent housingtransactions from falling through.

HIPs contain a HomeInformation Pack index; an Energy

Performance Certificate (EPC);evidence of title; a Sale Statementdetailing the terms of the sale;standard searches; a copy of thelease (where appropriate),commonhold documents (whereappropriate) and a PropertyInformation Questionnaire (PIQ).

Introduced in April 2009, PIQscontain details of any parkingarrangements, flood risk, leaseholdinformation (where applicable),

service charges and more to helpbuyers see at a glance whether theyshould view a property or not.

HIPs for newly-built homes mustalso contain sustainabilityinformation.

On average, basic HIPs take fivedays to compile.

Some estate agents can help youto compile the pack. Alternatively,you can use a solicitor, a specialistHIP provider or do it yourself.

HIPs aim topreventhousingtransactionsfrom fallingthrough


SAYNOTODIY22

NOTHINGPERSONAL21

O F course it’s a great way to save a few extrapounds when decorating your home, but if DIY isnot your forte then it could end up costing youmore.

Whether it’s wonky shelving, badly tiled bathrooms orlaminate flooring that doesn’t quite reach the walls, we allknow it can be fixed – but your buyers may not want to dothe extra work.

Plus, if it’s a big jobsuch as painting fasciasor clearing out thegutters, thenprofessionals can haveit done a lot quickerthan you – and havethe correct safetyequipment and ladderswith which to do thejob.

Only carry out thoseodd jobs around thehouse if you can besure you can do themwell.

If it’s somethingyou’re good at, thenobviously don’t holdback in getting yourhome up to scratch,but getting in aprofessional may wellbe worth the cash ifyou’re not quite up tothe standard of theexperts.

If you do decide to call in the professionals, thenremember to try and find someone who’s recommended bya friend or family member. The last thing you want is topay out good money for work, only to find it’s been donebadly.

Make sure you call around, and get at least three quotesso you get the best price.

Do not trythis at home

T OO much personal clutter, familyphotographs and sentimental itemscan make it hard for buyers tovisualise themselves living in the

property, so if you’re looking to sell, it’sessential to depersonalise your home.

You don’t have to remove all traces offamily life in your home – after all, youwant it to have a warm and friendlyambience – but seeing your face inphotographs all over the house isn’tconducive to buyers being able to step

through the door and imagine theproperty is their home straight away.

Try to pack away family photographsand other sentimental personal items, andleave only accessories such as candles,artwork and vases on display.

You want buyers to be able to see yourhome as a blank canvas, full of potentialand not ‘your’ home. The golden rule here

is to ensure the house is well decorated, sothat buyers find the property an appealingprospect, but don’t make too personaldecor choices.

After all, your daughter’s bright pinkBarbie room might look fab, but if theroom is full of your daughter’s personality,potential buyers may not be able toimagine themselves living there.

Create a blank canvasToo much personal clutter can put buyers off

Don't try your hand at DIY if it'ssomething you're not good at!


GOING,GOING...GONE?23

CHARACTERBUILDING24

Has your home a ‘lot’ of potential?I F you’re looking for a quick way

to sell your home, selling atauction could be the solution foryou.

We caught up with James Kersh,director of auctions at Sutton Kersh,to find out the benefits of selling atauction. He said: “One of the keythings for most people is it’s a muchfaster completion time. Most of theconveyancing is completed by thebuyer's solicitor before the auctiontakes place, so payment for theproperty is usually received within 28days.”

Sutton Kersh have auctionsthroughout the year and have plentyof experience, so are able to provideyou with all the information youneed to sell your home at auction.

James added: “Another advantage isyou could end up receiving a muchhigher price for your property thanyou expected, if there is a lot ofinterest. A bidding war may beginwhere the price is pushed beyond theasking price. This means you get more

money for your property than youwould perhaps have got throughselling on the open market.”

To sell your home at auction, firstlyyou need to pick an auctioneer whooffers property similar to yourswithin the same price range.Choosing an unsuitable auctionhouse greatly diminishes yourchances of getting a favourable deal.

Your chosen auctioneer will valueyour property, before you decide onthe reserve price in order to protectyourself against an unfavourable sale.

As with a normal sale of a propertythere are a number of costs involved,so before signing any agreement findout about the expenses you will haveto cover, even if your house isn’t sold.

The auctioneer will charge you forthe advertisement in brochures andcatalogues, a cost that you will haveto cover regardless of whether yourproperty is sold or not. You will also

have to pay a commission of around2.5 per cent of the sales price.

Instruct your solicitor to prepare acontract which contains the termsand conditions of the sale. This willbe included in the auctioneer’sbrochure.

Remember potential buyers willstill want to have a look at yourhouse, and some will even want theirsurveyor to inspect it.

At auction, when the hammer fallsthe sale is official and legally binding.The buyer will have to pay you 10% ofthe agreed sale price straight awayand the outstanding balance within28 days. Remember though, by sellingat auction you can never know howmuch your property will sell for. Anauction is a highly volatile marketplace – if there is no demand for theproperty on the day of the auction,you might end up selling it below itsmarket value.

Speak to Sutton Kersh and see if your home is ideal for auction and you'll soonbe watching Andrew Binstock, Sutton Kersh auctioneer sell your home

I N a competitive market,whatever your home has thatsets it apart will help it to sell.One thing which is always high

on buyers’ wish lists is originalfeatures – they not only give theproperty a sense of individuality,but add charm and all-importantcharacter buyers will fall for.

So, if you live in a periodproperty it’s crucial you make themost of these sought-after featuresand show them to their fullpotential. If you have a beautifuloriginal floor hidden beneath amodern carpet, for example, take itup to make sure this stunning

feature is emphasised.Likewise, if you have a period

fireplace or radiator, why notrearrange your furniture to make itthe focal point of the room?

Treat period features with theupmost care, as authenticity is partof their appeal to buyers. If anyrepair or restoration work isrequired, make sure it is done by aspecialist and not just replaced witha modern replica, as this will detractfrom the feature’s charm.

If possible, try to find out which

era the period features are from andmake sure this is mentioned notonly in your sales particulars but onviewings.

Above all, when it comes tooriginal features, if your house hasgot it, flaunt it! Whether it’s periodcornicing, sash windows, fireplacesor flooring, make sure thesemuch-loved features are shown totheir full potential as they arealways highly desirable to buyersand could help your property standout from the crowd.

Originality is key to selling

Make sure original features like sash windows are shown to their full potential

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LOFTYAMBITIONS25

Time to reach for the skiesI F you’re selling your

home, a loft conversionnot only creates somemuch-needed extra space

but is also a great way to addvalue to your property.

A loft conversion can unlockthe hidden space in yourproperty and give it an edgeover other similar propertiesfor sale in your area, with theaddition of a further bedroomor family bathroom, a lounge,a home office, a games roomor a luxurious master bedroomcomplete with en-suitebathroom – all of which will behighly prized by potentialpurchasers.

According to the RoyalInstitute of CharteredSurveyors (RICS), transformingyour loft into useable spacecould increase the value ofyour home by as much as 25%.So if you’re selling yourproperty this is one homeimprovement that is wellworth the investment.

If you’re consideringcreating a loft conversion inyour home, first things first,grab a torch and tape measureand see how much space isactually up there. Next youshould consult an architect ora specialist loft conversionscompany to talk through howyou imagine the finalconversion and have plansdrawn up.

You will also need to seekplanning permission fromyour local council and fromyour neighbours if you live ina semi-detached or terracehouse, and find a reputablebuilder. Ask friends and family

to see if they can personallyrecommend any suitabletradesmen and always obtainquotes from two or threebuilders for the work required.

Remember, not every loft issuitable for conversion andcosts can vary significantlydepending on the property.

Once you have an idea ofthe costs involved, before youstart any work it’s essential towork out a timescale for theproject, set a budget for theconversion including the costof all contractors, materialsrequired and finishing touchesto present the loft conversionin the best possible way topotential buyers.

John Hall, from ArchitectYour Home, advises putting arealistic and practicalprogramme in place for theproject and budgetingproperly. He says: “Have a veryfirm idea of the amount of

money you can afford tospend and discuss this withyour architect and builderright at the outset. You’d beamazed at how many peopledon’t really consider a budget.It is also good practice to havecontingency fund for thoseissues that crop upunannounced.”

Once you have decided onthe style and purpose of yourloft conversion, in order toensure you get maximumreturn on your investmentwhen you sell the property, it’simportant to stick to the plan.

As well as considering thedesign of your loft conversion,you should also think aboutwhere the electrical socketswill be and what type ofwindows the conversion willhave. Skylight windows are themost popular choice for manypeople, as this style of windowprovides essential light

without taking up any space.Dormer windows are

another option to consider,however, as this type ofwindow extends out of theproperty you should be carefulto make sure it does not createan eyesore on your home’sexterior that may put off somepotential buyers.

It is also advisable to speakto your estate agent and findout what similar properties inthe local area have sold for andget a rough idea of how muchthe loft conversion is likely toadd to the value of yourproperty once it is complete.

However you decide toconvert your loft – be it intoan extra bedroom, bathroom,reception room or study – it’sessential to do your researchand your sums first beforedeciding whether this homeimprovement will help you sellyour home.

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AHELPINGHAND26

STAYSECURE27

Lax security sets alarm bells ringing

I T may not be the firstthing you think of – thenumber of bedroomsand living space is

obviously key when buyersare looking – but having asecure home can give peoplethe reassurance they need.

If you have an alarmfitted, then point it out topeople. If all your windowscan lock then mention thattoo, they’re little extras that

just might help to secure thedeal.

If you live in a purpose-built apartment, many placeshave intercom systems, andsome of the more recentlybuilt include CCTV as well,so it’s always worth giving ita mention.

Go around your home andensure all your windows caneasily open and close andlock properly.

If they’re a bit stiff then alittle WD40 will make thingsgo a touch more smoothly ifpotential buyers do decide tocheck them out.

It’s not just inside thehome that counts, either –make sure your back gatelooks sturdy and secure, aswell as your fencing or walls.Viewers will want to feelsafe when buying a newproperty and if there’s a hole

in the fence or the gatewon’t lock properly then itmay put a touch of doubt inpeople’s minds.

Also, if you have secureparking, whether it’s in agated parking area that manyapartment buildings have, ora private garage facility,again these are certainlyworth pointing out toviewers. People want toknow their car is secure, too.

If you have anysecurity featuresfitted in yourhome, point themout to potentialbuyers

The call of the newN EW build properties

have a whole hostof advantagescompared to older

homes and, for many people,the prospect of being thefirst-ever owner of a houseand everything being new,unused is highly appealing.

As well as the obviousbenefits of improved energyefficiency and lowerrunning costs; all-newfixtures and fittings and theadded peace of mind of aNational House BuildingCouncil (NHBC) Buildmarkwarranty; new buildproperties also have manyfinancial advantages asdevelopers often haveincentives available.

Ideal for those who mightnot want the hassle ofselling their own home, suchschemes are designed to helpyou move.

Incentives vary dependingupon the developer and canoften include things likepart-exchange; sharedequity; the developer payingyour deposit, legal fees orstamp duty; or the developer

may sell your home for youeither themselves or througha recommended local estateagent.

Such schemes varydepending on the developer,site and type of property

which you’re buying but,with so many incentivesavailable, you’re sure to beable to find a little extra helpto make the whole processof moving and selling yourhome easier.

You can often choose all the fixtures and fittings in a new build home. Picture: ALNO

Many developers have schemes available to give you a helping handwhen moving into a new-build home

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HISTORYLESSON29

Smile costs nothingand may seal a dealSTATISTICS suggest that nearly seven out of 10buyers would be put off by a rude seller orestate agent.

It sounds simple enough – be nice topotential buyers when they come to view yourhome – but, surprisingly, this elementary rule ofsales is often forgotten.

Whether you like the idea of them buyingyour house or not, it’s absolutely essential thatyou smile, greet potential purchasers politelyand warmly welcome them into your home.

No matter how rushed you might have beento get your home ready for a viewing, alwaysshow potential buyers the courtesy of beingpolite and answer any questions they have asfully as you can.

Never underestimate the power of goodmanners, “please” and “thank you” can go along way.

A house is the biggest purchase most of uswill ever make, so, even if you think a buyerisn’t serious, or they’re not polite to you, treatthem with the same respect that you wouldexpect to receive on a viewing.

Another common mistake made by sellers isto react defensively when buyers notice flaws inthe property – don’t take negative commentspersonally and be as open and informative aspossible.

Whatever the reasons for the house being onthe market, it’s pivotal that buyers are made tofeel welcome.

Always remember that when you’re selling ahouse, you’re selling the lifestyle that it offersand if potential purchasers pick up negativevibes from you, they’re not going to warm tothe house or see its true potential.

BEPOLITE30THEPRICE ISRIGHT28

Discover itstrue worthO NCE you’ve

decided to sell,one of the keythings you need

to find out is the currentvalue of your home.

Check out similar styleproperties in your area andsee the prices they havebeen sold for.

Remember, you have tobe realistic and these localprices will often give you agood indication of whatprice your property maysell for.

A lot of things are takeninto account when yourhome is being valued, fromthe location and size of theproperty to the standard ofcare your home has beengiven over the years.

If it’s in immaculatecondition then you’remore likely to get a bettervaluation than if yourproperty is tatty aroundthe edges.

Ask different estateagents for their valuations,as well as their opinions onhow you can improve thesaleability of your house.

Remember, don’t taketheir comments personallyif they advise packing awaya few ornaments or givinga certain room a lick ofpaint. They’re seeing it as aviewer would.

Estate agents understandyour home has been livedin often for many yearsand is unikely to look likea show home, but keeping

things fairly neutral forpotential buyers oftengives you a better chanceof a quick sale.

Don’t just go with theestate agent who gives thehighest valuation, if itseems a lot more than youwere expecting then youmay struggle to sell in thelong run, even though thehigher price may seemmore attractive initially.

Along the same lines– ifyou’re not in a hurry to sell– when it comes toaccepting an offer, don’ttake the first one if it’s alot under what you wereexpecting.

Don’t feel rushed intotaking an amount you’renot comfortable with.

Delve into your home’s past

M ANY propertieshold plenty ofhistory, so now’sthe time to brush

up on your lessons and findout about your house.

You may not think itimportant, but many peoplewill ask about the property:when it was built; whetherany of the original features

have been changed; how manypeople have owned it, and soon.

Viewers may ask a wholerange of questions about thehistory of the house, and ifyou don’t know the answerssome may lose interest.

Whether you own acity-style terrace, countrycottage or a large Victorian

family home, it is worthfinding out about its past.

Of course, it’s notsomething everyone will beinterested in but, if someoneis serious about buying,maybe show them oldphotographs of the house –it’s a great talking point andyour chance to increase someextra interest.

A little knowledge of the history of yourhome may help a sale

Smile and be polite – it may just help yousell your house

Get a number of valuations to ensure your property ison at the right price

Local Authorities and Housing Associations in the North Wales area are working together todevelop Affordable Housing. If you are able to obtain a mortgage or have capital to invest into

an affordable home, you need to register your details on the Affordable Home OwnershipRegister for Shared Ownership, Homebuy and Low Cost Home Ownership opportunities.

Mae Awdurdodau Lleol a Chymdeithasau Tai yn ardal Gogledd Cymru yn gweithio gyda’igilydd i ddatblygu Tai Fforddiadwy. Os ydych chi’n medru cael morgais neu fod gennych

gyfalaf i’w fuddsoddi mewn cartref fforddiadwy, mae angen i chi gofrestru eich manylion ar yGofrestr Perchnogaeth Tai Fforddiadwy i gael cyfleoedd o ran Rhan Berchenogaeth,

Cymorth Prynu a Perchnogaeth Cost Isel.Am ragor o wybodaeth cysylltwch ag un o’r sefydliadau sy’n cymryd rhan:For more information contact one of the participating organisations:

PerchnogaethTai Cost Isel

Low CostHome

Ownership

Housing StrategyConwy County Borough Council

26 Castle Street,Conwy, LL32 8AY

01492 574000www.conwy.gov.uk

Denbighshire64 Brighton Road,

Rhyl, Denbighshire,LL18 3HN

01824 712800www.denbighshire.gov.uk

Tai Clwyd54 Vale Street,

Denbigh, Denbighshire,LL16 3BW

0345 230 3140www.taiclwyd.com

Wrexham County Borough CouncilHousing Services

Ruthin Road, Wrexham,LL13 7TU

01978 315300www.wrexham.gov.uk

North Wales HousingPlas Bodwel, Broad Street,

Llandudno Junction, Conwy,LL31 9HL

01492 572727www.nwha.org.uk

Flintshire County CouncilCounty Hall, Mold,

Flintshire,CH7 6NB

01352 703830www.flintshire.gov.uk

Unit 2 Acorn Business Park,Aber Road, Flint,

CH6 5YN

0800 052 2526www.wwha.net

Leasehold and MarketingPennaf Ltd,

72 Ffordd William Morgan, St. AsaphBusiness Park, St. Asaph,Denbighshire, LL17 0JD

0800 183 5757www.pennaf.co.uk


TIMETOSURF31

‘Net’ yourself a buyerEmbrace the online world and people across the country could be taking a virtual tourof your property

Keeping it simple for abold style statementFINDING the right balance in your house, which is bothinviting for potential buyers yet neutral enough so theycan visualise their own belongings in place, cansometimes be a challenge.

Of course, you don’t want to completely redecoratebefore you move but it may be worth toning downsome rooms if they’re designed in striking shades.

Maybe one of your children has decided to marktheir territory with bold colours and posters spreadacross the walls, viewers need to see this room as aplace they can use themselves so a touch ofre-decorating may be called for.

Opt for simple colours (nothing too harsh) likecreams, browns or golds. The cream gives the room anatural, simplistic look, while the browns and golds canbring a touch of warmth and character.

Alternatively, you could choose light colours such ascreams with spring green accessories, giving the rooma fresh, clean look. Lighter coloured walls create thefeeling of space and allow rooms to seem brighter.

Don’t think things are going to look cold and starkwith plain walls, use home accessories to createwarming colours and tones.

Many people have accumulated a whole range ofaccessories for their home over time, so, if you havesome extra, try to use these in the rooms you’reredecorating to save cash.

If you want to add a few extra touches then bargainstores often have a selection of scented candles – optfor light scents such as vanilla – and neutral ceramicvases that could be the homely additions you need.

If you do decide to buy extra accessories for yourhouse, whether it’s new cushions for the living room, amirror for the hallway or new bedding, be sure to makeit items you really like so you can take them with youto your new home.

REMAINNEUTRAL32

Create a homely feel with neutral walls andaccessories to give warmer tones Picture: Next

W hether we want toaccept it or not, theinternet is now oneof the first places

people turn to when looking forproperties.

You could be in Brighton andbe viewing a property in Bangorand, with just a few clicks,potential buyers could be takinga sneaky peek at your livingroom and checking out thekitchen cupboards.

Of course, websites only giveviewers an idea of your property,

you can never really get the feelfor a property and the areawithout visiting, but these days,if it looks bad online, peoplemay just dismiss it without eventaking a second look.

With this in mind, you need toensure your property looks itsbest online.

Let’s face it, you apply yourwar-paint before the lenscaptures your everyimperfection, so make sure yourproperty is spruced up too.

Depending on the estate agent

you’ve chosen and their website,you may also be able to put avirtual tour of your propertyonline, which is great for givingpeople a better idea of the sizeand layout.

When choosing an estateagent ask them about thewebsites your property will beadvertised on.

As well as their own they willoften place it on other sites suchas www.zoomf.com orwww.homes-northwales.co.uk, property search engines.

Also check how easy it is touse their website, if it’scomplicated to use then peoplemay not find your propertyadvertised before they move toanother site, there’s a lot ofcompetition out there.

So don’t be too apprehensive,embrace the technology and,before you know it, people upand down the country, not tomention around our own areawill be checking out your homeand getting ready to make youan offer you can’t refuse.


EXPOSEPOTENTIAL33

A little extra space canmake a big differenceWITH space high on most buyers’ must-have lists, gettingan extension could be a great way to add value to yourproperty.

This is something you really need to think about,though, as adding an extension is a lot of work and,obviously, depending on its size, the cost could beprohibitive. However, if you’ve got a good size garden orplenty of space to the side of your property, it could endup being a great way to add value to your home.

Get plenty of advice and really think about what yourhome would benefit from. There’s no point in adding anextra bedroom if you only have a tiny lounge or nodining room.

It needs to try and blend in seamlessly with yourexisting home, too. Depending on what you can affordand the style of your home, you can create everythingfrom a large kitchen-diner to a two-storey extensionwith a number of different rooms.

Don’t just do an extension to add value if it onlycreates a space that will never be used – you’ll end uplosing money. You should also first think about otherchanges you could make, such as knocking down walls tocreate open-plan rooms, or adding patio doors to let inmore light and allow access to the garden.

You will need to find out the current value of yourproperty, as well as its potential value once the changeshave been made.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) can provideyou with a list of registered builders in your area. This isdefinitely a job for professionals, to ensure all- importantplanning restrictions and regulations are followed, aswell as achieving a high quality of workmanship.

Also check out The Royal Institute of British Architects(RIBA) website, which has a list of registered architects.A professional architect can create a design to extendyour property to its full potential.

EXTENDYOURSELF34

Rooms fit for purposeW HEN selling you need

to maximise yourproperty’s potential,which means making

the most of your rooms andensuring each one has a purpose.

If you currently have a smallbox room, then make sure youfully expose its potential.

Turn it back into a bedroom ifit’s become more of a junk

storage room, add in a single bedand chest of drawers or awardrobe and your potentialbuyers can visualise it as theperfect room for a little one.

You don’t have to buy newfurniture either – ask around andsomeone is sure to be able tolend you a single bed to make theroom the ideal extra bedroom.

If you think it’ll be too

cramped, you can still ensure itserves a purpose by making itinto a study or home office.

Many people work from homenowadays or have children whoneed a space to study in, so it’sthe ideal solution. You have to becareful though – if you’recreating a study, you still have toclear the room around the desk,and really create a stress-free

working environment.Alternatively, you can always

add a sofa bed. This creates moreof a guest bedroom that you canuse from time to time or whenyour children have friends over.

Just remember when showingviewers around to give yourrooms a specific name and role.No one wants to hear ‘this is thejunk room’!

If you have a study, make sure it looks like a place you can work and show asmall box room’s potential by adding a single bed Picture: John Lewis

The right extension can transform your home

MACKENZIE JONES

S o l i c i t o r s

Mackenzie Jones have offices in Chester, St. Asaph and Prestatyn

FREEPHONE 0800 328 4466

We take the stress out of moving home, leaving you toconcentrate on more important things

web. macjones.com email. [email protected]

One of the most stressful things that you can ever do is to move house. Mackenzie Jones are here to makeyour conveyancing as stress-free as possible and to achieve your desired target dates for exchange ofcontracts, and ultimately the completion of your transaction.

Whether you are buying or selling or re-mortgaging your property, once you instruct Mackenzie Jones, a fullyqualified and experienced lawyer will deal with your transaction, with the care and attention it deserves. Yourproperty is perhaps your most valuable asset which should be reflected in the knowledge to be applied by yourlawyer.

We can also arrange a Home Information Pack (HIP) for you at a competitive cost which you then can use toinstruct an estate agent of your choice. For further information please contact us.

We are also on the panel of all major banks and building societies which assists in ensuring the transactionproceeds as quickly as possible.

CONVEYANCING


ACLEARCHOICE35

SPENDAPENNY36Make it much more convenient for everyone

W HEN selling your home, agood way to gain a fewbrownie points with thefamily market is by

installing a ground floor WC.Many older homes will already

have a cupboard under the stairs or astorage area for coats but in a lot ofproperties this space is not used to itsfull potential.

This is where converting this spaceinto a wc makes perfect sense.

If your potential buyers are lookingat family homes, then they more thanlikely either have children or arethinking of starting a family, andthey’ll soon discover how handy it isto have a downstairs toilet.

A ground floor bathroom ispractical for children, especially when

potty training, saving you time whenrunning around after the youngsters,not to mention making life easier forthe grandparents when they come tovisit.

It shouldn’t be too expensive toinstall either – it’s not a wholebathroom suite you require. You maynot even need to tile the room.

Although plumbing will of course

need to be installed, a wc and a smallhand basin is all you need to kit itout, and these can be had relativelycheaply from DIY stores.

Ask around for a few quotes beforeyou go ahead, to make sure you getthe best deal, but this is one changeyou can make to your house that maywell turn out to be a goodinvestment.

Many families prefer a home with aground floor WC

Windows on a brighter worldC HEAPER than extending, yet

with all the benefits of anadditional room, adding aconservatory is a great option.

A conservatory is one of the mostpopular ways of extending yourproperty and it’s usually a lot lessintrusive when the work is beingcarried out compared to a brickextension or loft conversion.

Additional family living space isalways a bonus for potential buyers,so, as long as you’re not taking up toomuch of your garden space, it’s sureto be an excellent choice.

Many people still think of aconservatory as a room you can relaxin during the summer months, butthe humble conservatory has come along way in its uses, mainly thanks tothe improvements in insulation andheating capabilities.

Whether you have a radiatorinstalled, underfloor heating or an airconditioning unit, conservatories nolonger have to be freezing in thewinter or stuffy in the summer.

If you’re appealing to the familymarket, then an extra room could bea make or break decision.

If your current dining room is onthe smaller side, then adding aconservatory on to the kitchen areacould give an ideal family and diningspace. Or, if you only have onereception room, then a conservatoryis ideal in providing another sitting

area. Although do remember not totry and squeeze too much in – forexample, don’t think about putting asix-seater dining table in if you can’tfit around it to get to your seat!

There is a large variety of sizesavailable, from standard sitting areas

to conservatories along the wholeback of your house.

Conservatories can come in aselection of materials as well,including hardwood or upvc, which isavailable in white or wood style.Additionally, there’s a wide range of

styles to choose from; whether youopt for a Victorian or Edwardianconservatory, circular or square, thereis an ideal conservatory for yourproperty that’s sure to encourageyour viewers into buying.

Before you go rushing in toanything though, remember, around60% of conservatories built willrequire planning permission.

Ask your local planning officer forany information and regulations youneed to know, and they will give youthe correct advice so no mistakes aremade, and don't forget to get it inwriting just so there are no issuesfurther down the line.

When dressing your conservatory,treat it as any other room in yourproperty.

Use matching accessories,including cushions, lamps, side tablesand rugs; plus blinds are a goodchoice as they will allow for privacyin the evening.

Before you rush to order theconservatory, think carefully aboutwhat your home needs and if it willreally benefit from the added space.

There's a range of conservatory styles available to giveextra space and allow light to stream into your home. Kitit out with some stylish furniture Pictures: B&Q/John Lewis

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OURSURVEYSAID37

Ditch that old boilerfor warm receptionTHESE days most people have central heating intheir home, but many systems are nowbecoming quite dated and may need replacing.

A new boiler and heating system is always anattractive plus-point for viewers.

Especially during the cold weather, the lastthing a potential buyer wants to be thinkingabout is fixing a boiler if it breaks – having noheating or hot water is not ideal.

If your home has a new boiler, then peoplecan rest assured the system isn’t likely to fail,plus it’s also likely to be more efficient, savingthem money.

There are grants and schemes available, andyou may be able to qualify to get a discount onthe cost of getting a new boiler, so it’s worthchecking out what you can get.

Log on to www.warmfront.com for moreinformation, or, for details of the British Gasboiler scrappage scheme, visitwww.homeheatingguide.co.uk.

The current lifespan of a boiler is around 15years, and fitting an A-rated, high-efficiencycondensing boiler with the correct heatingcontrols can make a huge difference to yourheating bills over time.

If you replace an old G-rated boiler with anew A-rated condensing one, and upgrade yourheating controls at the same time, you can saveup to £235 a year, which is a positive you canpoint out to potential buyers.

HEATISON38

Update to a new energy-efficient boiler andyour central heating system will be a winnerwith viewers Picture: MHS Radiators

Health-check your homeF OR most people, their home

is the most significantpurchase they will evermake – so it’s wise to give

the property a thorough healthcheck before you commit tobuying.

An essential part of anyhomebuying transaction, surveysprovide detailed information abouta property’s condition and outlineany repairs that may be required sothat you can be sure you’re notgoing to have any nasty surprisesafter you’ve bought the property.

Surveys are carried out bychartered surveyors on behalf ofthe buyer. There are two maintypes of surveys – a HomebuyerSurvey and Valuation (HSV); and aBuilding Survey.

A HSV, which is also sometimesknown as a Homebuyer Report,focuses only on major or urgentmatters concerning the propertyand shouldn’t be regarded as anin-depth study of the house.

HSVs give details on the generalcondition of the property; anymajor or urgent repairs that needto be done; any damage to timbers;results of damp tests on the wallsand the condition of drainage,insulation and damp-proofing. Italso includes a valuation plus theestimated cost of rebuilding theproperty (for insurance purposes).

However, this type of surveyisn’t suitable for properties whichare either over 150 years old, inneed of renovation or that thebuyer is planning to make major

alterations to or extend.More in-depth than HSVs,

Building Surveys are suitable for allproperties but especially useful forolder properties, listed buildings,unusual constructions, propertieswhich have been substantiallyaltered or a property that you wantto do a lot of work to.

During this type of survey, asurveyor will report on allaccessible areas of the property butthey will not lift carpets, movefurniture, test the wiring or watersupply. Building Surveys includedetails of all major and minorfaults; the estimated cost ofrepairs; damage to timbers; resultsof damp testing and the conditionof drainage, damp-proofing andinsulation. Plus the location of the

property, details of what materialsare used and suggestions forfurther inspections. However,Building Surveys don’t includevaluations.

Surveys are usuallycommissioned by buyers, however,as a seller, if you’re looking tospeed up the homebuying processyou could choose to have a HomeCondition Report (HCR) completedwhen your property’s HIP iscompiled.

HCRs are an optional part ofHIPs which must be undertaken bya certified home inspector. Likesurveys, HCRs are a legal andaccurate document outlining thecondition of the property’s interiorand exterior. Unlike surveysthough, HCRs don’t include advice.

Your home isprobably thebiggest purchaseyou will ever make,so it pays to have asurvey done forpeace of mind

Jones & Son Property Improvements offers a wide range of services relating to

domestic and commercial property improvements. Although we are happy to

discuss any work that you may require, we specialise in the following areas:-

• Kitchens and bathrooms• Conservatories and replacement windows• Extensions, garages and structural alterations• Improvement work on commercial premises, schools etc.• Specialist joinery work

If you’re interested in finding out more about Jones & Son and the services

we can offer you then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Te l e p h o n e : 0 1 9 78 8 6 9 2 1 1 M o b i l e : 0 7 7 9 2 8 2 9 1 1 0 E m a i l : a n d r e w @ j o n e s t h e b u i l d e r. c o . u kW W W . J O N E S T H E B U I L D E R . C O . U K


GOPRIVATE39

LIGHTENUP40

Top tips to let the sun shine inI N the dark, dreary

depths of winter, we’reall acutely aware of thebenefits of natural

sunlight, which can not onlyboost your mood but alsohelp rooms to appear bigger,brighter and more spacious.

A home flooded withnatural light feels bright,clean and spacious and canreally boost your home’ssaleability. So, if you’relooking to sell your home, it

pays to follow the lead ofdevelopers who recognisethe value of natural light byincorporating features likeFrench doors, large picturewindows, bay windows andsky-lights into new buildproperties.

Consider installing picturewindows to fill rooms withlight and give panoramicviews of the outdoors. Incommon areas of the house,French windows are an ideal

way to bring natural lightindoors, whilst also givingeasy access to the garden.

Equally, sky-lights cantransform dark and dimrooms – like lofts or groundfloor rooms with sloping orangled walls – into bright,well-used spaces that willappeal to a range of buyers.

Other ways to create toillusion of more space andflood your home withnatural light include using

mirrors creatively to makerooms feel more light andairy; redecorating with thelatest ranges of light-reflective paint to help smallspaces appear brighter; andreplacing internal walls withglass brick partition walls.

However you plan toenhance the feeling of lightin your home, with a littleplanning and creativity, yourproperty will radiate style,light and comfort.

Sky-lights can help to transform dark and dim rooms into bright andwell-used spaces Picture: Sliderobes

Why not try to do it yourself?I F you’re confident enough, then

there’s nothing stopping youselling your home privately; it putsyou firmly in control of the whole

process.By selling privately you miss out the

estate agents, which means you won’tbe paying their fees, but it also meansyou’ve got to advertise and sell yourhome yourself.

You can advertise your home onlineon a number of websites for a one-offpayment, some for as little as £50. Takea look at www.noestateagentsplease.co.uk or www.thelittlehousecompany.co.uk, but ensure you comparedifferent websites, what they offer andwhat they’re charging.

Make sure your property is ready forviewings from the start. You need tothen find out what your property isworth. Do a little research in localpapers or online and see whatproperties in the local area are sellingfor and what condition they are in – are

they similar to yours?There are even websites on the

internet where you can find out whatprice properties in your street went forover the last few years. This may provehelpful in determining a price.

Alternatively, for a fee you can ask asurveyor for a valuation.

You will need a Home InformationPack when selling, and you may alsowant to consider getting a full buildingsurvey.

Now prepare your advert. Whetherit’s for the local newspaper or awebsite, take a look at how propertiesare listed and what details are included.Measure your rooms and garden, noteall details and highlight any features.Take plenty of photos – digital picturesare best, as they can easily be uploaded.

When enquiries start, think aboutwhat you want – how quick do youwant to sell? If a potential buyer is in achain it could cause a long delay inyour sale.

After you’ve accepted an offer,instruct your solicitor to deal with allthe legal issues. It’s important that youkeep in contact with everyone involvedso all parties are kept up to date withany development.

Your solicitor will be able to adviseyou what information they require toproceed. At this stage your property is‘under offer’.

This will keep your advert live, butlet any other potential buyers know itscurrent status. This also enables you tore-list your property quickly and at noextra cost should anything go wrong.

When you complete the sale, yoursolicitor should provide you with afixed sale date for your property. This isthe day funds should clear into youraccount.

Once this is done, you need tocontact the buyer to arrange thehanding over of the keys. You can dothis yourself or arrange for yoursolicitor to do it for you. If you're prepared to put in the work, think about selling privately


SUITE IDEA41

IF you are lucky enough to get anoffer made on your property, youneed to be flexible both in terms ofmoney and time in order to securethe deal.

Flexibility can make or break asale, so if a buyer comes along whowants to move in quickly, beprepared to move into rentedaccommodation in order to securethe sale of your house.

With mortgage finance not as easyto obtain as it used to be and thechanges in house prices over recentyears, buyers are also looking formore value for their money than everbefore. So, as a seller, it is vital tofirstly realistically price your homeand secondly, consider all offerscarefully – even if they are belowyour asking price expectations.

Don’t be rigid

FLEXIBLEFRIENDS43

ATTHEDOUBLE42

An extra ‘smallest room’ willreap big rewards with buyers

An en-suite can add value to your home Picture: Aquaplus Solutions

A N en-suite bathroom or showerroom is an essential facility inmodern houses and a must-havefor many buyers.

These days even small new-buildapartments and town-houses have at leastone bedroom with an en-suite, so if youare looking to make your home stand outin an ever-competitive market place this isa great home improvement to make.

Buyers love the convenience and senseof luxury that an en-suite bathroomprovides, and a well-designed en-suite cannot only make your home a more

appealing prospect to potential buyers butadd real value.

Indeed, according to the NationwideBuilding Society, an en-suite bathroomcan add as much as 5% to the value of yourhome.

These days prices for basic bathroomsuites can start from just a couple ofhundred pounds, so it can be aworthwhile investment to make even if

you’re selling your home.As well as traditional bathroom suites,

there’s a dazzling array of slimlinesanitaryware designs on the marketnowadays, so even the smallest home canprobably accommodate an en-suitebathroom or shower room.

As with any home improvement, thekey to ensuring a new en-suite adds valueto your home is to ensure all work iscarried out to a high standard and to stickto a budget so that you’re not spendingmore than the value the en-suite will addto your home.

Double glazing cuts the amount of heat lost and improvesthe appearance of your property, too

G ETTING new doubleglazing may notseem the obviouschoice when selling

your home, but it’ll certainlyattract buyers.

Not only does it smartenup the outside of your home,which is a must when selling,double glazing also helps toretain the heat within yourhouse, and adds moresecurity measures with thehelp of the latest lockingmechanisms.

Making sure your homelooks good from the outsideis essential, as most buyerswill go on instinct and if itdoesn’t attract them straightaway they may not looktwice!

So, with the Home

Information Packs (HIPs)giving information on howenergy efficient your homeis, it may be one area you canimprove.

Double glazing works bytrapping air between twopanes of glass, creating aninsulating barrier thatreduces heat loss, noise andcondensation.

The Energy Saving Trustsays that energy-savingrecommended double glazingcan cut heat lost throughwindows by half, as well assaving you around £135 a yearon your heating bills – whichis what your buyers will wantin this recession-hit age.

If you’re on a budget, andcannot afford to splash outon double glazing, fittingsecondary glazing could bethe answer.

It’s less expensive thanreplacement double glazingbut will still save money bycutting heat loss anddraughts.

If you do decide to get newglazing, then make sure it’sthe right style for the periodof your home, and get a fewquotes to ensure you get thebest deal.

And don’t go ahead unlessyou are sure it will add morevalue to your house than thecosts involved.

New windows are sureto be a clear winner

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FINISHINGSCHOOL44

SUITE IDEA41 GARBAGEGARAGE?45

SHOPAROUND46

WHEN selling, if you’re moving to a new home it seemsless hassle to stick with the same lender, but you could belosing hundreds of pounds over the length of yourmortgage if you don’t look around for the best deal.

It could be your current lender will offer you a good dealto ensure you stay with them, but don’t just do it forconvenience. You don’t even have to trawl the streets thesedays – websites such as www.moneysupermarket.com willuse all your details and compare a wide selection of lendersto try and find you the best deal.

A repayment mortgage is always recommended over aninterest only mortgage. The offer you’re given will dependon your personal circumstances, how much you need tolend, and how much you can afford to lend.

Devil’s in the detail

Make sure skirting boards and shelves are all finished to highstandards

I F you’ve got a period style property oran uber-contemporary design scheme,then the finishing touches in yourhome can play a big part in the overall

feel of the house.Everything from light switches to door

handles, letter boxes, lamp shades andplug sockets – it’s these little things thatoften get by-passed, but be sure to chooseappropriate finishes!

If your home is oozing period charmand style you don’t want harsh tin doorhandles; you need something in-keepingwith the character of the property, sothink carefully, could your finishingtouches be letting you down?

The same goes for chic, modern homes

– this style of property relies on bringingsleek contemporary designs together tocreate a stunning home, but if those littleextras scream ‘granny’s flat’ rather thanbachelor pad apartment, you may be introuble.

Have a look around, and even ask yourfriends if you’re prepared for somehonesty and ask them if there are any littleodds and ends that they think could bealtered.

If you’ve got any chipped paint work ondoor frames or skirting boards and youhaven’t got time to repaint it, touch it up,and check for any scuff marks, too.

Wash away any hand prints or marksthat may be on the walls or doors aroundthe house, especially if you have little onesor pets leaving their prints.

They’re not big changes, but all the littleones will add up to show a property that’skept in good condition.

If you have a period property, make sureyour finishing touches match the style ofyour home Picture: www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

Get a great dealG ARAGES serve amultitude of purposesand provide a safeplace to store

everything from our cars toour Christmas decorations, sowhy is it that most of ourgarages resemble a junk yardfrom the land that time forgot?

Between the boxes of stuffwe still haven’t unpacked fromthe last time we moved to toolswe don’t use and that coffeetable with the wonky leg wejust can’t bear to part with yet;most of our garages are filledwith things that have slowlybut surely migrated from the

house to the limbo land of thegarage.

Over the years things tendto migrate from the house tothe garage, where they sitgathering dust until 20 yearslater we finally throw themout. So if you’re looking to sellyour property, it’s time yourolled up your sleeves andcleared out the clutter toensure buyers see your garageas a valuable asset rather thana junk yard.

Start by throwing out all ofthe obvious rubbish – brokenfurniture, festive decorationsfrom circa 1976 and stuff youhaven’t used in the last twoyears. Next, move onto thingsyou no longer use but are stillin a good enough condition tosell second-hand.

Anything left that you needto hand until you have moved,such as lawnmowers and tools,should now be organised andarranged neatly to maximise

the sense of space.Fitting a light to your garage,

even if it is just a batterypowered light stuck to thewall, can also help transform itfrom a dark and dingy placewhere spiders live to usablestorage space.

With your garage nowclutter-free, make sure youdon’t park your car thereduring viewings, as buyers maywant to have a proper lookaround to see what storagespace is available, and maywant to take measurements tosee if their car will fit in thespace.

Is there any room for the car?

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DIGDEEP47 QUICKFIXES48

Cosmetic retouchescan boost appealIF you don’t want to invest time and money ina property that you’re looking to sell, thereare plenty of cosmetic quick fixes that canboost your home’s chances of selling.

You don’t need to install a new kitchen orbuild an extension in order to attract thebuyers – if your home is realistically pricedand in good order, someone will want to call ittheir new home.

Some of the best ways to rejuvenate yourhome and boost its saleability include:● Re-grouting tiles, or using a grout pen tomake kitchen and bathroom tiles look fresher,whiter and cleaner.● Replacing grotty, dated bathroom taps forshiny new ones.● Putting new sealant around the bath andshower cubicle.● To instantly refresh the appearance of yourkitchen, fit new cupboard doors and handlesinstead of completely refitting.● Painting dated tiles.● Fitting bright, modern new light shades.● Varnishing or painting wooden cupboards,banisters, dado rails and skirting boards.● Tidying up your garden.● Cleaning up your kitchen worktops.● Making sure taps and other stainless steelor chrome fittings are shiny and clean.● You should also make sure the property isgiven a thorough deep clean before allviewings to ensure it is seen at its best. Sodust off any cobwebs from picture rails, makesure windows are sparkling, shampoo allcarpets or have them professionally cleaned.

Re-grouting tiles can rejuvenate a kitchenor bathroom

Come into the gardenA S we’ve mentioned, getting

the inside of your homepicture perfect is essentialif you want to sell your

house – but don’t forget aboutyour garden, either.

It may still be chilly, but peoplelike to visualise themselves relaxingin the garden during the warmermonths, so although it may not bein full bloom you can still presentit to its best.

If you haven’t had time to getinto the garden since the end ofsummer, you may have quite a bitof clearing to do. Autumn broughta lot of falling leaves, so, if theseare still gathered in the corners ofyour garden, now’s the time toclear them out.

If you’ve got any fencing that’sbeen damaged over the winter,make sure it’s repaired before youhave potential buyers around –they want to feel safe, and manypeople don’t want to have to startdoing jobs around the gardenwhen they move in.

If you’re lucky, maybe it’s just atouch of sprucing up you have todo. Washing down any paths ordriveways is another easy way toimprove the appearance of youroutdoor space without having tospend too much. It may not seemtoo dirty at first glance, but a jetwash or hosing down will removeany soil and dirt build-up theremay be.

Look around your outdoorspace. If you have a pebbled orgraveled area, do you need to topup the stones? If you can start tosee the ground below, viewers maythink it’s looking a bit tatty, so justlevel out the gravel and pour on anadditional bag so it looks fresher.

Think about any water featuresyou have. Whether it’s a bird bathor fountain, check moss or deadleaves haven’t gathered in thebasin. Plus, if you have a pond,ensure it looks like an area you’dwant to enjoy a drink by in thesummer, not a swamp you’d wantto steer clear of.

It may not be the ideal time totrim back your bushes and trees,but if they’re overgrown you mayhave to – it’ll look much better ifviewers can get up the pathwithout having to dodge branches!

Make sure your path and drive isalso clear of any weeds you didn’tmanage to get rid of in the warmerweather.

It’s not just the garden area youhave to think of when making sureeverything’s in place – think aboutany outbuildings, too.

If you have a shed or workshop,people want to be able to use themfor storage or maybe even workingin, so make sure they lookwell-kept and clutter-free.

A coat of paint on a timber shedcan give it a new lease of life and

also help against any weathering.Make sure the sealants on the

roof are all still doing their job; oneof the last thing viewers want tosee is a puddle on the floor of theshed.

Also, it’s not a pleasant job, butensure any guttering, drainpipesand grids are all flowing freely.

And don’t forget about thesewhen you’re freshening up thepaintwork – once again, ifeverything seems in good order it’llcreate a more positive viewingexperience.

Make your garden a place viewers will want to relax in

Stylish metal bucket planters orquirky welly one can brightenup your garden and you cantake them with you when youmove Pictures: HomeSense.com & Asda


BOXCLEVER49

MOVINGON50

Plan the big move like a military campaign

T HE prospect of packing ourlives up into innumerableboxes can often seem aninsurmountable task that

few of us approach with relish. Soto help make the whole process ofmoving that little bit easier it’sessential to plan ahead and be asorganised as possible.

As soon as you place your homeonto the market, have a ruthlessclear-out. This will not only helpde-clutter your home it’ll also helpease the burden of moving onceyour property sells.

Whether you’ve lived in yourhouse for two or 20 years, there

are a thousand and one things toremember when you’re moving so,with all your old junk nowrelegated to the tip and an offermade on your home, gather plentyof cardboard boxes, bin liners andbubble wrap and begin packing.

Start with non-essential itemsthat you won’t need until afteryou’ve moved in. As moving daydraws nearer, progress to moreimportant items and labeleverything clearly so you knowwhat goes in which room in yournew house.

Arrange your moving dayoutside of notoriously busy times

like school holidays or Fridays.Think about how you’ll transporteverything to your new house anddecide whether you need to rent avan or hire a removals company.

Consider how you’ll get largepieces of furniture into your newhouse.

Take measurements of thefurniture and the front door, as itmay be necessary to get bulkyitems in by removing windows.

Write a list of everyone you needto inform of your new address –from banks to credit cardcompanies, insurance providers,utility companies, council tax,

doctors and dentists to name just afew. Keep hold of any householdbills and letters containing vitalinformation like account numbersand customer service phonenumbers to help you.

The week of the move, notify allof your utility companies andprovide final meter readings toensure your last bill is accurate.Send change of address cards tofriends and family, and set up apostal redirection service for thefirst few weeks after you’ve moved.

On moving day itself, relax, takea deep breath and tackle the wholeprocess as methodically as possible.

Be organised to take some of the stress out ofmoving day

If you don’t use it,put it in storage!I F you’ve lived in your home for a

number of years, then you’ll havealready discovered it’s easy toaccumulate masses of extra

furniture and accessories.So now you’ve decided to move, it’s

time to see things as your potentialbuyers would and remove anyunnecessary furniture by placingthem into storage.

That big bulky bookcase, the extrawardrobe, exercise equipment that’snever used – it all makes your roomslook smaller, so placing a few itemsinto storage could make all thedifference.

You need to create the impression

your home has plenty of space sopeople can visualise living therethemselves.

If it’s too overcrowded with yourfurniture they won’t be able to see itsfull potential.

Storage facilities come in a widerange of sizes, and many companieswill be able to recommend the bestsize for the amount you want tostore. Even putting items such as oldclothing or unused toys into storagecan create additional space.

Many storage companies can comeand collect the items as well, savingyou a journey.

Alternatively, if you can’t afford to

put larger items in storage, ask afriend or relative if they’re able tokeep hold of some items for you.

Maybe someone has a garage theydon’t use. If not, then at least ensureall your smaller items have a place inthe home – no viewer wants to bemoving around toys on the floor orshoes scattered in the hallway.

In addition, try and ensure there isa clear path into each room. Peopledon’t want to be squeezing throughdoorways or around coffee tables.

So, take a look at your homethrough a viewer’s eyes and discoverany pitfalls you may be able to easilyresolve. Remove any big or bulky items from your home to create more space

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PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1880

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We are a local, independent firm specialising inResidential Lettings and Property Management in

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LLANGEFNI AREA

23 Church Street,LlangefniIsle of AngleseyLL77 7DU

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139 High Street,BangorGwyneddLL57 1NT

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Independent Estate AgentsEstablished 1964

CONWY PLASTICSDoors, Windows, Conservatories

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Edward HughesSOLICITORS/CYFREITHWYR29/31 Kinmel Street,

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Professional Flat Roofing Contractorsmembers of the National Federation of

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for fast friendly and reliable service eitherEmail: [email protected]

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ANGLESEY ROOFING COMPANY LTD

Artexing

A.1. CeilingsARTEX CEILINGS & WALL SPECIALIST

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ARTEX CEILINGS MADE SMOOTH

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YALE & HEMMINGS LTDEstate Agents & Chartered Surveyors

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MARTIN HEMMINGS B.SC., MRICS., FAAV.

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Independent Estate AgentsSpecialising in Residential Sales and Lettings

MortgagesMortgage BuyersAdvice Centres

James HutchinsonMortgage and Protection Advisor

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Electrical Services

CambrianElectrical

Tan Y bryn,Garndolbenmaen. LL51 9UQ

Tel: 01766 530660Mob: 07774 918761• Domestic & commercial

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Gwynedd ElectricalContractors Ltd.

GW

YN

EDD ELECTRICAL

CO

NTRACTORS

LTD

EST.1979

Tel/Fax: 01248 750111Email:[email protected]

Directors: Christopher P. WattsGareth P. Roberts

PARC CEFNI, BODFFORDD, ANGLESEY, LL77 7PJ

A MEMBER OF CONSTRUCTION LINE

MEL OWENElectrical Contractor

DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIALSAME DAY SERVICE

Fire Alarms, Emergency Lighting, CCTV Installations

Freephone: 0800 824 7544T: 01492 581904 M: 07778 955396

F: 01492 581245E: [email protected]

www.melowen.co.uk15 Moelgwyn Drive, Deganwy, Conwy, LL31 9UY

Paving and Patio Cleaning

All JoineryWork

Kitchens,Bedrooms &Bathrooms

CompleteDesign andInstallation

Service

Call Darren fora FREE quote

Tel: 01492 573516Mob: 07778 607417

E-mail: [email protected]

WORCESTERBOILER BREAKDOWN, SERVICE

and REPAIR SPECIALISTOIL AND GAS BOILER REPAIR

SPECIALIST* NO CALL OUT CHARGE *

Tel: (01745) 860409Mob: 07817 446430 or

07786 664688

Boiler Breakdown ServicesDodds Auctio neers & ValuersVICTORIA AUCTION GALLERIES, 27 CHESTER STREET,

MOLD, FLINTSHIRE, CH7 1EG.

GENERALHOUSEHOLDAUCTIONSANTIQUE& COLLECTORSAUCTIONS

BANKRUPTCYAUCTIONSSingle items or Full House Clearance

Weekly General Household Auctions everyWednesday @ 10.30am

Entries accepted Thursdays & Fridays 9am-1pm &2pm-5pm

Enquiries Tel: 01352 755705e-mail: [email protected]. uk

FURNISHING YOUR HOME -DO IT ECONOMICALLY

COME TO OUR AUCTIONS!The Auction Rooms, 33 Abergele Road,

Colwyn Bay, North Wales LL29 7RU

01492 532176www.rogersjones.co.uk

Professional Paving and PatioCleaning at Affordable Prices.

Latest Rotary Equipment• Cleaning Specialists in• Block Paving - re-sanded

and re-sealed (optional)• Flagstones • Concrete• Decking• Anti-Slip Finish Available• Free Estimates

Call Ray on Tel: 01492 573078 Mobile: 0771 323 7474www.conwydriveclean.co.uk

GRIMY BATHSRE-SURFACED

Anti-slip treatmentSanitary Ware Restoration

CHIP REPAIRS

Call Mark On:Tel: (01745) 887464Mob: 07932 663312

Delivering Planning PermissionCheshire and North Wales

Obtaining Specialist Planning Advice CouldSave You time and Money

Contact David FitzsimonChartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Tel: 01352 740911Email: [email protected]

Phone 01745 816814 Mobile 07919155880

DAVID ENGLANDPLUMBING AND PROPERTY8 BRO AFALLONDENBIGHDENBIGHSHIRE

D & M PROPERTY SERVICESD & M PLUMBING SERVICES

PLUMBING, BUILDING, HEATING, ELECTRICAL& JOINERY SERVICES

MozBrozGeneral Building ● Repairs & Property Maintenance

A quality service for all aspects of building work:

Brickworks ❚ Plastering ❚ Roofing ❚

Floor & Wall Tiling ❚ Fencing ❚ Flagging❚ Carpentry ❚ Landscaping

No job too small * Good ratesFor your FREE estimate call: (01492) 878928 or 07834 534770

Architectural Services

ALEXANDERLOCKSMITHS LTD.

KEY REPRODUCTION OF ALL KINDSSafes Key Safes Deed boxes

Locks for Patio, uPVC and Alum DoorsEngraving machine in house -small plaques, dog discs etc

Telephone: (01492) 532065Email: [email protected] Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay,

Conwy LL29 7RU

Home Security/Locksmiths

IdealKitchensRhostrehwfa, Llangefni, LL77 7YR

Contact Trevor Jones

07712898425Supply and Installation

manufacturers of kitchen andbedroom furniture

Kitchen and Bathroom Services

For a free quotation callAmanda on 01745 856711

or 07734722024 Prestatyn

● Ironing + Cleaning Service ● Domestic Cleaning● Regular or one off cleaning

Honest, Dependable, AffordableFully Insured

RH40471 RJ

an established domestic cleaning business is now offering

Domestic Cleaning | Carpet & Upholstery CleaningWindow Cleaning | Bed SanitizationShopping Service | Ironing Service

Honest, Dependable, AffordableFully Insured

FOR A FREE QUOTATIONCALL AMANDA ON 01745 856711

OR 07734 722024 PRESTATYN

Domestic Cleaning Services

Property Maintenance

We create your dream propertywith our Quality Service

Kitchens - BathroomsDoors - Windows

Plumbing - PlasteringInterior Design

Landscaping - DeckingGarden Houses

Tel: 01407 749313Mob: 07969 649220

View our new website to seemany projects

www.powerpropertiesltd.co.uk

FENSA

A J M BUILDERS Est. 1976• Fully Insured

• Experienced WorkforceLoft and Garage Conversions,

Extensions, Drives etcAll Internal and External Building Work

and Joinery Undertaken

Call Alan on:Tel: (01745) 854925Mob: 0798 141 6566

General Home Improvements

House Clearances

HOUSE, GARAGE,BARN CLEARANCES

Immediate response,daytime. (01286) 881245

or evening (01286) 660535or 07733 409744

Over 20 years experience

PAUL GODFREYELECTRICIAN

LIGHTING, SOCKETS, SECURITYLIGHTING, ALL DOMESTIC WORKS

All work guaranteedFor a Free, Friendly, No Obligation Quote Please Call

01492 547598MOBILE: 07949 120159

79 Llandudno Rd., Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay

Kitchen and Bathroom Services

AFFORDABLEBUILDING & MAINTENANCE

SERVICES• Extensions/Alterations

• Driveways/Patios/Fencing• General BuildingWork

NO JOB TOO SMALL.

Tel: (01492) 534552Mob: 07769 896768

KITCHEN / BATHROOM FITTINGWALL / FLOOR TILING

INTERIOR DECORConcept to Completion

Tel: (01492) 545755Mobile: 07855 805549

E.mail: [email protected]: www.pthi.co.uk

cb10

364v

2/rw

Pete ThompsonHOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM/KITCHEN FITTING

WALL/FLOOR TILING

Concept to CompletionTEL: 01492 545755

MOBILE: 07855 805549Please view our work on our website

www.pthi.co.uk

50 Top Tips


FurnitureGlazing ServicesPlastering Services

RDW PLUMBINGALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBINGAND HEATING UNDERTAKEN

SERVING ANGLESEY ANDGWYNEDD AREA

RICHARD D WYATT:

Tel: 01407 740698 Mob: 07742 383 461


Heating and Plumbing

Cornice Work

Coving

Rendering

Dry Lining

Skimming

All Repair Work

Tel: 01407 810831Mob: 07879622816

e-mail: [email protected]

“GetPlastered”with

AlastairBidwell

all aspects of

24hr Emergency Call OutFree Estimates - Competitive Prices

ACS Approved

Contact Ian on:t 01745 361780 m 07939 393046

email: [email protected]

Register

TToonnyy RRoobbeerrttss && SSoonnBUILDING AND PLASTERING

CONTRACTORS

All building work undertaken.Pebble dashing and rendering specialist

Tel: (01745) 560002Mob: 07979 867711or 07799 472194

Gardening Services

RJS BUILDINGSERVICES

ALL ASPECTS OFBUILDING WORK UNDERTAKENBY TIME SERVED TRADESMAN

“From garden walls to extensionsand new builds”

Brick paving, slabbing and garden landscaping.

FOR A FREEQUOTATION

Tel: 01492 541178Mob: 07753 683845

Easter OpeningSaturday 3rd April 9am-5.30pm

Sunday 4th April 10.30am-4.30pm

Vast Selection in our extensive showroomsVisit our new Daily & Amusing Blog

Conway Road • Llandudno Junction • 01492 [email protected] • www.collinge-antiques.co.uk

PINE - still the favouriteNumber 1 choice forbeautiful bedrooms!

also view our new Oak Bedrooms

Pine Direct Of RuthinBy Ruthin Craft Centre ● Open 7 days

PHONE 01824 705037Come to the Bedroom Specialists

ALL FORONLY

£369Wardrobe+ Chest ofdrawers +

bedside chest

£369

STERMAT VAN CARTRUCK

& MINI BUS HIREBangor 01248 370107Gaerwen 01248 421674Valley 01407 741852

PP.G.S..G.S.Landscaping

BLOCK PAVINGSPECIALIST

• Slabs in all sizes• Concrete • Tarmac• Gravel slate • Edging

ALL TYPES OF FENCEWORK - MADE TO MEASURE• Soakaways • Drainage

Tel: 01407 721298 / 01492 849057Mob: 07738 938411 (Days)

SOFT FURNISHINGS, FABRICS & BLINDSFor a Personal and Professional Service

Tel: (01745) 353062 Mob: 07730 752280Shop online at

www.perfectpollycurtains.co.ukemail: perfectpollycurtains.co.uk

PERFECT POLLYCURTAINS

PERFECT POLLYCURTAINS MADE TO

MEASURE &

SERVICE

DOMESTIC,

COMMERCIAL,

CARAVANS &

HOTELS

Total BlindsUP TO 50% OFF VERTICAL BLINDS

Plus an extra 10% to OAP Wednesday and ThursdayDiscount prices that includes FREE MEASURING AND FITTING

Discounts from retail prices on selected ranges.Est. 1984

★ VERTICAL ★ ROLLER ★ VENETIAN ★ CONSERVATORY BLINDSSPECIALISTS

QUALITY PRODUCTS LOCALLY MANUFACTURED

01492 875460The real firm with car boot competitors – look for the address

Head Office and Showroom at Apex House,Builder Street West, Llandudno LL30 1HH

We Come Highly RecommendedBy Your Local AuthorityFibre Glass Flat Roofing

Windows, Doors and all uPVC RequirementsExtensions • Renovations • Loft Conversions

We Won’t Be Beaten On Any Like For LikeQuote, Quality or Service

FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL MARK01492 583180 or 07730 666913

Soft Furnishings and Blinds

Painting and Decorating

ERYRISCAFFOLDINGFor All Your Scaffolding Needs

At A Competitive Quote

Contact 07733 282996CISRS Registered.

Fron Heulog, Dinorwic, Caernarfon LL55 3EH

STEVE PARRYDECORATINGCity & Guilds, BS, AC, WJ

EmulsioningCeilings (2 coats matt white) . ................£55.00Walls (2 coats matt colour choice) ........£119.00

Paperhanging from £20.00 per rollPrices based on a room size of 12’x10’ & a height of 10’

Tel: 01745 584917 Mob: 07889 856684

Bangor

llandudno

Rhyl Chester

Ruthin

Building Services and SuppliesBuilding Services and Supplies

uPVC WINDOW & DOOR

REPAIRSWINDOWS - DOORS - PATIOS

CONSERVATORIES - CARAVANSFAILED UNITS - BROKEN LOCKSHINGES - HANDLES - CAT FLAPSFor a free quotation call Ian at

DIM PROBLEM on 01758 750 625

• Friendly, flexible and reliable• For a free quote ring or go to www.knightmovers.co.uk• Removals anywhere in the UK• Competitively priced and fully insured• Secure storage facilities• Full or part packing service• Packing materials supplied for self pack

DEREKSVAN HIRE - MINIBUS - CAR HIRE

CAR & LIGHT COMMERCIAL SALES

Tel: 01248 352288 (day)Tel: 01248 353864 (night)

Mobile: 07979 811504Gwynedd Garage StationRoad Bangor LL57 1LZ

SALE24 Dining Tables must go

Pine and Oak DirectBy Ruthin Tesco

0800 7311490

• Tables from £89

• Choice of

12 sizes of tables

• Fixed Tops• Extending• Round Tops

• 20 stylesof chairs

Removals and Storage

50 Top Tips

uPVC Caravan Windows andDoors at UNBEATABLE Prices

from

Specialising in:★★ Windows ★★ Doors ★★ Porches

★★ Conservatories ★★ Patios and French Doors

★★ Full Cut Service From Window to French Door

FULL 10 YEAR GUARANTEEOther Services include:

★★ Broken Handles and Locks ★★ Stuck Hinges

★★ Replacement Glass ★★ Replacement Cylinders

★★ uPVC Fascias & Soffits

★★ uPVC Gates and Fencing

AND GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Call Darren for a FREE, LOCAL estimate:

Tel: (01745) 888848 Mob: 07974 616669www.drsecure.co.uk

50 top tips to sell or improve your home - daily post

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