Homes for over 55s: Preparing for a home valuation
Are you approaching retirement and thinking of moving home? Homes for over 55s can be found at Burnham Waters retirement village in Burnham-on-Crouch. With on-site lifestyle facilities and amenities just a stone’s throw from your front door, our luxury community is the perfect place to reside if you’re looking for an independent and social retirement!
Of-course, this all sounds incredibly exciting but it’s important to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. Now you’ve made the decision to move, it’s time to prepare your home for valuation. Here’s how!
External impressions
We often worry about how the inside of our home will be perceived. However, the outside exterior is just as important. It’s the first thing anyone will see as they pull up to your home. To make a good first impression, we would recommend checking the following:
- Grass is mown
- No weeds
- Flower beds look healthy
- Clean windows
- Exterior paintwork looks presentable
- Cobwebs removed
- Pathway to home/Porch area has been swept
Declutter and clear
If you’ve lived in your house for years, it’s likely that there are a lot of belongings to sort through! Homes for over 55s tend to come with a lot of personal and sentimental items, so by sorting through and clearing away the things you no longer need, you can take time and care when packaging up the special items further down the line.
By decluttering and freshening up, the space will be clear, surfaces will be empty, and this will allow estate agents to see the potential and value in your home from the get-go. You’ll also be getting ahead of the game for when viewings begin. Potential buyers will be able to walk in and get a better idea of how the space can be used. Try and keep things to a minimal – you’ll be saving time, effort and money when it comes to move out day by doing it now and keeping on top of it.
Our advice would be to tackle a room at a time. Label some large bin bags with things to donate, things to sell and things to throw away. Begin with visible surfaces in each room, this could be the coffee table and getting rid of unnecessary magazines or paperwork, or the bathroom cabinets and clearing out the toiletries. Remember you don’t have to declutter in one weekend; don’t let it overwhelm you. Ask family to help prepare your home for valuation and this next exciting chapter!
An open book
We would recommend allowing potential buyers to imagine themselves living in this home, so before the professional pictures are taken, remove personal items, such as photographs and memorabilia. Surfaces like mantlepieces and the front of the fridge should be clear. This way, the house feels like a neutral space that can be viewed as an open book. Prospective buyers will feel less like they are stepping into someone else’s space, which could really help to make a higher value sale.
Deep clean
Once things are clear, it’s time to start the cleaning process. Having your house cleaned ready for valuation allows your estate agent to see the space at its best. Remember to go through each room meticulously before viewings start. People will go through cupboards, check skirting boards, test showers and want to see all the storage space, plus more. So, if you’re prone to hiding things in the built-in wardrobe, now is the time to clear and clean!
Homes for over 55s may need some TLC depending on how old the property is, so don’t be afraid to get the professionals in to scrub those harder to reach areas that you’ve been avoiding! If you’re home looks well maintained and cared for, it’ll speak volumes.
Additionally, it’s easy to get used to how our surroundings smell, meaning we become ‘nose blind’. Although this may not affect valuation, it could affect the offer you get from potential buyers. Here are some easy ways to ensure your house smells great:
- Give your pets a bath and wash their bedding
- Clean carpets/sofa/curtains
- Clean fridge/freezer
- Take the bins out and clean the insides
- Clean the shower/bath and sink plugs
- Clean the toilet and add a fragrance flusher
- Add fragrance plug ins around the house
Neutral surroundings
If you’re looking to maximise your profit, consider a lick of paint. Introducing neutral colours is a steadfast way to ensure your home feels palatable for everyone. If you’ve got brightly coloured walls in the spare bedrooms from the 80’s, it’s time to neutralise! Whites, beiges and soft greys offer the appeal of a blank canvas and allow your home to feel fresh, airy and spacious. Whilst you’re repainting, take a look for any dents, dinks and scuffs that may be hiding on your wall surfaces. They’ll only take moments to fill before you paint and just further instils that well cared for ethos.
Light and temperature
Natural light is a great way to showcase your property! Be sure to open blinds and draw back your curtains. Where natural light isn’t possible, switch on the main lights and be sure to utilise lamps in darker corners of your property to maximise visible space.
We would also recommend keeping the temperature comfortable. Of course, this depends on the time of year in which your home is up for sale. In the summer, a little fresh air flow is always a good idea. In the winter, having the heating on when needed can help to create the desired comfortable atmosphere.
Get in touch
Moving out is an exciting prospect, especially when your pastures new offer simply everything you could wish for in homes for over 55s! At Burnham Waters, our luxury retirement village ensures that you can maintain an independent and social lifestyle across this next chapter of life.
If you’d like to receive more information about our new build properties, or enquire about reserving a bungalow, our friendly team are on hand to help you. Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559, or request a brochure here!
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of our home page and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on our community for the 55 and overs. We look forward to hearing from you!
