Selling a home ranks among life's most stressful yet significant milestones. Numerous factors can influence how much a property ultimately sells for — from its size and amenities to whether it has a garden, off-street parking, or even the time of year it goes on the market.
The Power of Décor
However, there is one thing every homeowner can do before listing that could give their property's value a real boost. Interior designer Rocío Palomar claims that the standard of décor in a home could see it fetch up to 15 percent more, reports the Express. Speaking to Cope, he explained: "Good decor can increase a home's value by up to 15 percent; it's one of the smartest investments we can make before putting it on the market."
Perception and Emotional Response
Rocío highlighted that two crucial elements are perception and the emotional response a buyer experiences when they first step inside a property. This is because, he argues, it's not merely a building being sold, but also "a way of life". Rocío went on to say that buyers often prioritise "light, order, and a neutral yet warm aesthetic". He also suggested that another goal should be making a prospective buyer feel as though their future home could serve as a safe space. They said: "The key is that the buyer can project themselves there."
Warning Against Overpricing
Rocío is far from the only expert to have offered guidance on what homeowners can do to make their property more appealing to potential buyers. Mortgage expert Shaun Sturgess of Sturgess Mortgage Solutions has cautioned sellers against overpricing their homes — a situation that arises when a property is listed above its market value. He outlined why it was crucial for sellers to be mindful of the asking price they were advertising. He told the Express: "Overpricing rarely gets you more. More often, it gets you stuck. A home listed above market value tends to sit there while sensibly priced properties around it sell. The longer it lingers, the more buyers start assuming something is wrong with it."
Critical Initial Weeks
Mr Sturgess also pointed out that while a property may spend some time on the market, the most critical period is actually within the opening two to three weeks. He explained: "The first two to three weeks are everything. That is when you get the most views and the most genuine interest. If you pitch too high and waste that initial momentum, it can be very difficult to recover later."
