Viewing and buying a property can be a stressful time, and prospective buyers are more likely to make an offer if they see a lot of things wrong with the home. A survey by conservatory planting experts ConservatoryLand revealed that a fifth of Britons are not confident they can get past certain hurdles when looking at potential properties.
Almost half (47 percent) of those surveyed said strange smells were their biggest turn-off.
Cracked floors and visible stains were also turn-offs for homebuyers.
24 percent said they couldn’t see too much pet hair everywhere, and 24 percent said it was a messy house.
ConservatoryLand spoke to HomeHow’s property and construction expert, Natalie Mitchell, to find out what sellers can do to make sure their home is clean and tidy when they open it to viewings.
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The expert said: “Boil a solution of white vinegar and water for 15 minutes to help remove the smell. Keep some small bowls of vinegar around the house to help them smell each room while they sleep.
“Make sure your fridge is clean, as this can be one of the main sources of odours. Use an open box of non-toxic baking soda and leave it in the fridge to absorb any unpleasant odors.
“Use plug-in air fresheners to encourage positive scents in the home. Spray fabrics, rugs, and carpets with fabric freshener to ensure mustard odors are masked.
To repair hairline cracks, Natalie recommends painting over them.
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For larger cracks, Brits can use carpets or move furniture, the expert said.
“If you have small chips or cracks in the surface, nail varnish can help,” she adds. Use a small amount of nail varnish in the same color as the tile and paint into the crack or chip.
“If you have large chips or cracks, apply some ceramic filler. Simply mix the solution until you get a color that matches your tiles, then work it into the crack or hole and leave it to set.
“Wash it with soapy water to remove any dirt, dust or cobwebs to cover dirty areas.”
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Use lint rollers on your upholstery to clean pet hair stuck to things like couches, pillows, and blankets.
“Continue vacuuming at least twice a week to make sure pet hair doesn’t have a chance to build up.”
In addition to providing distractions for buyers, clutter can make them feel like there is a lack of storage.
To help hide personal clutter, the expert suggests covering a cluttered space with a curtain.
Clutter can be placed in the furniture, and items can be stored in the garage or attic.
“Also look for furniture that doubles as storage,” says Natalie.
