Five things we notice before listing a home

Before we list a home, we walk through it as a buyer would. These are the five things we notice most often.

First, light. A room that is bright at ten in the morning may be gloomy at four. We photograph at the time of day that suits the room best, and we ask sellers to open every curtain.

Second, the entrance. The first thirty seconds shape the whole viewing. A clear hallway, a tidy porch and a front door that opens easily make a bigger difference than most people expect.

Third, paperwork. A complete file with the EPC, the soil certificate, the electrical inspection and the planning permissions speeds up every stage of the sale.

Fourth, the garden. Even a small garden is worth a short tidy, because it is often the thing a buyer remembers.

Fifth, honesty about condition. It is better to mention what needs attention than to have it discovered later. Buyers value candour.

HAVEN is fictional and this article is written for a portfolio concept. It is not real market or legal advice.