Tips for selling your high value home in autumn

You only have one chance to make a good first impression, which is why curb appeal is so important. It’s all about making the exterior of your home appealing to potential buyers so that even before they’ve approached the front door, your home is already looking welcoming and attractive.

To achieve good curb appeal, start by making sure that your driveway and front garden are well-maintained by clearing away any rubbish and fallen leaves, mowing the lawn and trimming hedges. If your front or garage door looks tired, give it a fresh coat of paint. Potted plants can also create a warm, inviting atmosphere (make sure to regularly water and maintain them to keep them looking good). Also, don’t forget to keep windows clean and pathways clear so that your home looks well cared for.

Gardens are a huge bonus in today’s property market. Some potential buyers can fall in love with a property simply because of its garden. However, on the flip side, an overgrown, neglected garden can instantly put off viewers.

Make sure your garden looks its best by spending some time mowing the lawn, removing tools and rubbish, and pruning and clearing away leaves and dead plants. A tidy, well-maintained garden is more inviting and inspiring for potential buyers.

Autumn’s shorter days make it even more important to maximise the use of light to boost your home’s appeal. Before every viewing, tie back the curtains and fully open the blinds to bring as much light in as possible. Remove any accessories or furniture and cut back any plants blocking windows. Ensure all your windows are clean inside and out, as dirty windows can block out a surprising amount of light. Check all the light bulbs are working and that there’s enough lamps and lights to make your home feel light, bright and welcoming.

You can also open up any dark corners with a small table and lamp. To make your house feel even more homely during evening viewings, turn on all the lights before viewers arrive.

A golden rule that every seller should follow is to give your home a deep clean. Dust, dirt and clutter can accumulate, especially over the busy summer months. Clear away all the summer clothes, toys and garden games, put the paddling pool and barbeque away, and thoroughly clean every corner of your home. There’s nothing like the autumn sun for revealing dust, dirt and fingerprints, so make sure that the windows, floors and surfaces shine.

Autumn is also a good time to give your carpets a professional clean, and if they’re badly worn, you may even want to consider replacing them. A deep clean will leave your home feeling wonderfully fresh and give the impression of a well-maintained, cared-for home. It also eliminates any unwanted odours lingering from cooking or pets, which can be off-putting to viewers.

There’s something wonderfully cosy and inviting about autumnal colours. You can use this to your advantage when selling your home. Consider incorporating autumnal decor and scents around your home to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for potential buyers who are viewing your home.

Warm-toned cushions (shades of brown, creams and burnt orange) and cosy throws can make your home feel welcoming. Natural autumn scents such as wood, apple or cinnamon can also help to create a relaxing environment. Just a few autumnal touches can make a big difference.

One drawback of autumn is the reappearance of condensation on windows, especially if you’ve started putting the heating on. Regularly airing your home can really help to reduce the risk of wet windows, especially just before viewings. Ventilating your home also helps your home feel fresh and eliminates dampness and musty odours. It makes your home feel more welcoming and shows potential buyers that the property is well cared for.

There’s nothing quite like walking into a warm home on a cool autumnal day. A slightly heated home creates a sense of comfort while showing viewers that your home is well-insulated and ready for the winter. Perhaps, put the wood burner on, if you have one, for that extra special touch! However, be careful not to overdo it. If it’s too hot, it will feel stuffy and uncomfortable.