New year, new house? Get ready with our top tips

Is moving house one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, check out our list of do’s and don’ts to get your home ready for viewing and see if you can get the best possible price. DON’T forget to make repairs – you don’t want to do a full renovation, but if your home needs a lick of paint or there are issues that will arise in the survey you’ll want to get them sorted out beforehand. DO tidy up the exterior – that’s your potential buyer’s first impression, don’t put them off! An untidy lawn, paint that‘s peeling or a gate that’s falling off its hinges could all make a viewer think twice before even stepping inside the front door. DON’T let your windows let you down – make sure they’re sparkling so you can get as much natural light in as possible. DO de-clutter – reducing your clutter can make your home look much more spacious. You might also want to consider what you want visible on the internet when the estate agent uploads the photos to their website!DON’T forget to use the Febreeze or even get the place professionally cleaned if there’s a smoker in the house or you have pets – all the bread baking in the world isn’t going to cover that. DO make it a neutral space; think of it as a blank canvas – potential buyers may be put off by your collection of taxidermy or Jackson Pollock-esque wall paintings. Off-white is always a winner. You can also dress the space for your desired demographic. For example, if you’re hoping to sell to young urban professionals then chintz and doilies might not be their cup of tea – try minimalism instead. You’ll want to be mortgage ready as soon as you’ve found a buyer to ensure a smooth move to your next home. We’re the UK’s leading fee free mortgage broker and our expert advisers will search across the market to find you the best deal. Give us a call on 0808 292 0724 or start your mortgage journey online now