Ten useful tips for preparing your garden when selling
Before selling, we will all try to make minor repairs around the home, perhaps add a new lick of paint here and there and a have thorough clean but, a lot of people neglect their garden which can make a big improvement to the overall impression a buyer gets of your property.
Here are 10 useful tips to help prepare your garden when selling.
1 Clean & De Clutter
Just like the inside of your home, you want buyers to be able to look at a space as a blank canvas and imagine how they will use it. They might want the garden to entertain guests, they may have or want a pet, perhaps they have children and are looking for a place for them to run and play. Your garden needs to be tidy enough for viewers to imagine all these different scenarios.
Start with a mowed lawn, keeping the borders nice and tidy. If the lawn is not looking its best, then consider having it relayed or installing artificial grass for a quick fix. Next, cut away any dead plants, remove any weeds, rake up leaves and fix any broken fencing.
Pay just as much attention to cleaning and maintenance in the garden as you would inside your home.
2 Privacy
If other homes' gardens can look into yours, consider how you can add some privacy. Hedges and trees are a great way to block views in a discreet way.
3 Colour
Add some colourful flowers to your garden, whether it’s in the soil, hanging baskets or in pots if you would like to take them with you when you leave. This is especially important in the spring and summer months when you want to show your garden at its fullest potential!
In winter, fill any gaps in your garden with greenery to still maintain a full, healthy, vibrant space.
4 Security
If anyone viewing has pets, they could be put off from your property if the garden isn't secure and their pets are at risk of leaving the property.
This is even more true when it comes to families with young children. They want to feel secure that when their children are in the garden, they are as safe as if they were inside the house.
Before you come to sell, ensure all fences and gates are secure and well maintained.
5 First Impressions
If you’re short on time or budget, focus on your kerb appeal and what your potential buyer might see in the first 8 seconds of arriving to your home.
Jet wash drives or patios, present a well mowed lawn, consider colourful hanging baskets or planters, and place any bins out of sight, these are all good tips.
6 Furniture
Most people like to see a garden with defined spaces, such as a place for entertaining or a place to sit and relax.
If you have garden furniture, ensure it is clean and well presented. If you don't have any, consider borrowing a table and some chairs to stage a cozy spot for morning tea or afternoon wine.
7 Sheds
Sheds and outbuildings are a great place to store things for the garden, but they can also be viewed as potential alternatives, such as a Summer House or an office space.
Declutter and tidy the space so viewers can see the full potential on offer. Ensure any outbuildings have had a fresh lick of paint and if an option, consider staging you space as a summer house with a small table and chairs.
8 Paint
As always, don’t underestimate how much of an impact it can make to paint your fences, shed or any other part of your garden. It makes everything look instantly new and clean!
9 Another Room
A stunning garden could be the feature that makes your garden stand out from all the other properties they might have viewed!
Think of your garden as another room in your house. It needs to be clean, maintained, look and smell appealing and if possible staged with furniture so that viewers can imagine spending time in the space.
10 Patio
If you have a patio or paving stones, it’s important to remove any moss or dirt clinging to the surface . This should be easy enough with a pressure washer, which can be hired if you do not have one.
You could also add lighting to your patio and around your garden. It is after all, another living space that buyers will want to imagine themselves spending time in, and lighting can create an ambiance and something magical to look at.
If you are contemplating putting your house on the market and want to speak to one of our local property experts for a free, no obligation valuation then call our Sales Director, Chris Thew on 07513 825107.