Selling a home is often one of the largest transactions in a person’s life, and making the most out of it requires a strategic approach. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Claire Bennett, a seasoned real estate consultant with over 15 years of experience in helping homeowners sell their properties at top value. Claire shared her insights and personal experiences, providing a treasure trove of practical tips on how to maximise a property’s value when selling. Here’s what she had to say.
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Claire began by emphasising the importance of first impressions. “Boosting curb appeal is crucial,” she stated. “The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it sets the tone for the rest of their viewing experience.” Claire recounted a story of a client who had a beautiful home but was struggling to get traction. The issue? An overgrown garden and faded paint on the front door. “With a few simple updates like tidying up the garden, repainting the door, and adding some potted plants, we transformed the exterior. It made a world of difference, and the house quickly attracted more interest.”
Moving inside, Claire highlighted the importance of decluttering and depersonalising. “Buyers need to envision themselves living in the space. Personal items and clutter can be distracting and make the home feel smaller,” she explained. One of her recent projects involved a family home brimming with personal memorabilia. “We worked with the homeowners to pack away personal photos and excess items. By opening up the space, we made it feel more inviting and spacious, which helped potential buyers imagine their own lives there.”
Claire also stressed the necessity of making repairs before listing a property. “Even minor issues like leaky taps or cracked tiles can give the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained,” she said. “Buyers often look for reasons to negotiate down the price, so addressing these issues upfront can make a big difference.” She described a scenario where a seller was hesitant to fix a few cosmetic issues. However, after addressing these concerns, the property not only sold faster but also closer to the asking price.
Considering small upgrades can also add significant value, according to Claire. “You don’t need to break the bank with a complete renovation. Simple updates like modernising light fixtures, updating kitchen hardware, or repainting walls in neutral colours can have a huge impact.” She shared an example of a home with outdated brass fixtures. “We replaced them with modern, brushed nickel ones, and it completely transformed the space. It’s those little details that can elevate a home’s appeal.”
Staging your home is another powerful tool in Claire’s arsenal. “Staging helps highlight the home’s potential and functionality,” she explained. “It’s all about showing the buyer how they can utilise the space.” Claire recalled working with an empty home that had been on the market for months. “Once we staged it with furniture and decor, the interest surged. Buyers could finally see how the rooms could be used, and we received multiple offers shortly after.”
Highlighting energy efficiency is increasingly important, Claire noted, especially with the growing awareness of environmental issues. “Energy-efficient homes are attractive to buyers as they can mean lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint,” she said. “If your home has features like solar panels, energy-efficient windows, or a smart thermostat, be sure to highlight these in your listing.” Claire shared a success story of a client who installed energy-efficient appliances before selling. “It was a major selling point that set the property apart from others in the area.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, Claire offered a final piece of advice: “Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Think about what you would want in a new home and make those adjustments to your property. It’s about showcasing the best version of your home to the world.”
Claire Bennett’s insights provide a comprehensive guide for homeowners looking to sell their properties. By focusing on curb appeal, decluttering, making necessary repairs, considering small upgrades, staging, and highlighting energy efficiency, sellers can position their homes to stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just exploring your options, these expert tips are invaluable for anyone looking to maximise their property’s value.
Salena Ripley
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