Expert tips to secure a magical move

Fri, May 11th 2007, 11:00

With summer just around the corner, now is the time for home owners to start planning for the property market’s annual sales rush.

Those looking to move up to a brand new home may be turning their thoughts to selling their existing property and now, more than ever, it’s important to make sure your home is dressed to kill if you want to sell it quickly and at the right price.

Elaine Mounsey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (North West), says: “For home buyers with a house to sell, who want to increase their chances of moving up the property ladder, they should use the annual spring clean as an opportunity to de-clutter their homes and fashion a property that will entice potential owners.”

Would-be vendors would also do well to take a leaf out of the professionals’ book by employing some tricks of the trade to inject a little show home magic to the property they are trying to sell.

Redrow uses interior design consultancy, Connections in Design,  to dress its show homes around the UK and they’ve provided their ‘top tips’ for how existing home owners can increase their chances of a quick sale, thus prompting a move up to a brand new Redrow home.

Dawn Kitchener, managing director for Connections in Design, says: “The main thing to remember when trying to sell a home is that less (really) is more, so de-clutter all rooms – pack away personal clutter and ornaments, leaving just the best items to dress the house. Make sure that cupboards and kitchen units aren’t bursting at the seams as this gives the impression that the house is short of space. If necessary put excess items into storage.

“Cleanliness is also vital. If carpets look grubby get them cleaned or, if they are really bad, replace them - even if it’s just with a cheap neutral one. Ideally have cats and dogs out of the house when viewings are taking place and vacuum away any dog hairs! Remove any children’s toys from lounges, dining rooms, etc and make sure they are stored in bedrooms neatly. Give the garden a good tidy up and remove any overgrown weeds.”

However, Dawn does caution against making the whole property too clinical: “Paint any rooms that have shabby or garish walls in a neutral colour, but this doesn’t have to be magnolia - it could be a soft green. Lighter colours will help to give the illusion of space, but white can be too harsh in the UK as our natural light is far greyer than in sunnier climates. A house painted entirely white to refresh it can look too cold and have an adverse effect.”
She continues: “Other ways to create a good impression include making the most of any period features that exist and perhaps hanging a large mirror in a dark or cramped space. Lastly, good lighting is really important to create that ‘show home magic’. Use lighting to create different zones, including task lighting in areas such as the kitchen or over a desk, while spotlights in a hallway can be very effective at bouncing back light into the room.” 

While vendors do their bit to get their house in order, Redrow can also help them to sell quickly and trade up to a brand new home through its hugely successful  Mastermove service, which has already helped thousands of home buyers all over the UK to move smoothly and swiftly.

This helpful scheme allows customers to ‘hold’ their dream Redrow home for up to four weeks, while Redrow pursues a targeted action plan – and all for a minimal fee of £50. Once their house has been sold, Redrow will then pay all of the estate agent’s fees, and refund the £50 Mastermove fee.

Elaine Mounsey continues: “We will appoint a carefully chosen local estate agent to manage the sale of our customer’s existing property, including a free valuation. Once appointed, a member of the local Redrow team will chase the agent up on a weekly basis and deal with any ‘red tape’ – leaving the customer with more time to concentrate on planning their move to a brand new Redrow home. And the fact that we will pay the estate agent’s fees at the end of the day is a massive saving.”

The Mastermove option is currently available at all of Redrow’s developments, including Poulton Manor in Spital. Inspired by tradition yet full of contemporary design, this unique collection of apartments sits within a tree-lined estate and includes landscaped gardens and a captivating water feature, all within a picturesque village location.

The properties currently available at Poulton Manor include a collection of two-bedroom Amherst apartments which can be purchased now for just £159,000.

For details call 0845 676 0369.