Homeowners are being warned of ways they could be “devaluing” their home “without realising”. (Image: Getty)
Before selling a it’s important to make changes to help increase the value of the property overall.
Whilst many people do this, they often forget about the smaller touches which can make a huge difference.
Nic Shacklock from said: “When selling your home you’ll want to do whatever you can to make sure you get the most from your property.
“But there are some small things you may not think about that could be devaluing your home without you even realising.
“Some of these may not be an issue if you plan on staying in your home for a long time. But if you’re looking to sell up soon you might want to consider doing things like updating old fixtures and thoroughly cleaning or replacing your carpets if you have pets.”
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1. Pet smells
Those with both carpets and beloved pets may want to consider changing their floors before opening up the house to buyers.
Homes with pets often come with smells which owners aren’t even aware of and these can linger in carpets.
If changing the carpet completely is too much, it’s recommended to look into getting it professionally cleaned.
2. Lack of storage space
The expert said: “Having a lack of storage space can also devalue a home so it’s worth investing in cupboards and fitted wardrobes to maximise the house.
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Pets can make a home smell (Image: Getty)
“The reason these things devalue a home is because they give buyers the chance to put in a lower offer by claiming they’ll have to spend extra money making changes.
“To avoid having this problem, look at your home from a buyer’s perspective and make some changes if needed.
“This is what is going to help you attract higher offers and sell the home.”
3. An old kitchen
The kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home and is a key interest for buyers.
Having to redo the kitchen is a huge expense, and many buyers will take this into consideration when they place an offer.
The expert noted: “You don’t need to invest thousands in a top kitchen but consider putting in a new yet basic version that could act as a blank canvas for new homeowners.”
4. Over personalisation
Nic continued: “Personalising your home is completely normal but having quirky colours and fixtures may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
“If you have features or areas of your home that you think might not be suited to everyone’s taste, try to change them before showing the home to buyers.”