Seller’s Guide

Here’s your sellers guide to how to get your home ready for market. First impressions aren’t everything… or are they?

1.     How to Get Your Home Ready for Market

First impressions aren’t everything… but let’s be honest, they’re pretty close.

Declutter

Less is more. Clear surfaces, tidy rooms and remove bulky furniture if possible.

Deep clean

Especially:

  • kitchens
  • bathrooms
  • carpets
  • windows

Fix the small stuff

It’s the little things buyers notice:

  • squeaky doors
  • cracked tiles
  • tired sealant
  • peeling paint
  • loose handles

These give an impression of good maintenance (or not).

Boost kerb appeal

Buyers decide how they feel before they walk inside:

  • Tidy the garden
  • Jet wash paths/drive
  • Freshen the front door
  • Add some plants or flowers

Neutral but homely

You don’t need to redecorate the whole house — but:

  • Touch up marked walls
  • Replace overly bold colours
  • Add soft lighting, fresh bedding, nice scents

You’re aiming for “welcoming” not “clinical”.

2.     Choosing the Right Estate Agent

This decision matters more than people think.

What to look for:

  • Local market knowledge
  • Strong marketing strategy
  • Quality photography & video
  • Great communication
  • Fair, transparent fees
  • Genuine enthusiasm for your property

Don’t just choose based on the highest valuation — choose who will deliver the best sale.

3.     Marketing Your Property

Good marketing is what gets people through the door.

Your agent should be offering:

  • Professional photography (including drone footage if it would benefit from this)
  • Floorplans
  • Social media exposure
  • Email campaigns
  • For Sale board
  • Portal listings (e.g., Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market)
  • Video walkthrough (ideally)

Ask your agent how they plan to make your property stand out.

4.     Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes inexpensive tweaks deliver maximum impact:

Big wins for small money

  • Fresh white paint = instant uplift
  • New lightbulbs for brighter rooms
  • Modern handles on cupboards
  • New bedding & cushions for staging
  • Add a mirror to make small spaces feel bigger

Outdoor improvements

  • Trim hedges
  • Fresh gravel
  • Clean patio
  • Add pots/planters

Kitchen refresh ideas

  • Replace tired grout
  • New worktop accessories
  • Update outdated blinds

5.     Once You Accept an Offer

The journey isn’t over — but good communication keeps things smooth.

Your next steps:

  1. Provide your solicitor’s details
  2. Complete property information forms
  3. Complete fixtures & fittings forms
  4. Respond quickly to solicitor enquiries
  5. Review the draft contract

 

Exchanging contracts

A completion date is set, money is lined up, and everything becomes legally binding.

 

Completion

Keys released. Sale completed. You move on to your next chapter.