The spring market is well and truly gathering pace with buyers and sellers all actively looking to make that move before the summer.

Spring or early summer can be a great time of year for sellers to put their home on the market because when the schools break up for summer people are often occupied with holidays and in the winter, the majority of people are busy with family and celebrations in the run-up to Christmas.

It’s also the perfect time of year to make changes to your home before putting it on the market. So if you’re thinking of moving home it would be good to consider the following points:

A spring clean is crucial - Make sure your home has that fresh feel because it will make it more appealing to buyers. Clean behind all your furniture, get rid of any dirt in tiles and in grout and dust away any cobwebs.

Don’t forget about the garden. Have a good tidy-up of any furniture, toys or the barbecue and make sure the front and rear gardens are free from weeds. Put in some colourful bedding plants, keep the grass cut and lay out garden furniture to show its potential.

First impressions are important - buyers will be judging your home before they even get through the front door. If the front of your home has a scruffy appearance this may put buyers off from even booking a viewing.

Consider painting the building, front door and garage door. Keep the guttering, drive and windows clean, tidy and in good working order.

Take care of minor repairs in your home - It really is the little things that count.

This could include broken switches, holes in walls, broken handles or damaged kitchen cupboards. These need to be sorted before any pictures are taken or before any viewings take place.

Unclutter your home - it’s important to give the illusion of a clear space because clutter can distract the attention away from the features your home has to offer. Keep surfaces clear and store your bits and bobs neatly away.

Storage space is key - many buyers want to buy a property with plenty of storage and space so make sure you make use of the storage you have available.

Keep cupboards organised and tidy to ensure you give the impression of more space.

Remove any bulky furniture and put it into storage - consider rearranging your rooms to show maximum space and keep walkways clear. Wall mirrors can make a room feel bigger, consider putting some up especially in small rooms and hallways.

Let there be light - Show off any natural light in your home. Keep your windows clean and clutter-free and the blinds/curtains drawn so visitors can see each room at its full potential. For darker spaces, ensure you increase the wattage in your bulbs and change any light bulbs that are no longer working.

Don’t forget the finishing touches - dressing your home will make it more appealing to viewers. Decorating with neutral colours can make your property feel fresh and create the impression of a blank canvas, so the potential buyer can picture living there. It also helps to ensure windows are properly dressed with curtains or blinds.

For more advice or if you have any questions about any part of the buying or selling process, I’d be happy to chat to you - please give me a call on (01624) 645555 or email me at [email protected]