However, to make sure this happens, there are a whole host of potential factors and problems that could affect the outcome.

To help, we have put together a mini guide of some potential issues that may devalue your home that you need to be aware of.

Clutter and presentation

Decluttering your house ahead of any viewings is often seen as one of the most effective ways to help sell your house quickly.

If your house is cluttered throughout, not only will it potentially be a big turn off for homebuyers, but also give them less of an opportunity to visualise themselves living there.

Another aspect that might be worth considering ahead of viewings is to reduce the amount of personalisation in different rooms, such as removing personal pictures or photographs of you and your family so it makes the house feel more of a blank canvas for the viewers.

Poor decoration

We all have our own personal tastes when it comes to decorating houses. However, when you’re selling your house, you will need to consider this as a potential factor, as the colour palette mightn’t appeal to the homebuyer. Along with this, any extreme decoration you have throughout the house may also leave a negative reaction on the viewers, if for example, the living room, bedroom and bathroom are all decorated in loud colours. That’s why neutral colours are considered a popular option, as it gives viewers a blank canvas to envisage how they’d look to decorate each room.

Another factor that may put off viewers when it comes to decoration is if there is any damage on show, such as ripped wallpaper, paint flaking away, mould stains on the walls or plaster cracks on show.

Before putting your house on the market, it is definitely worth taking some time to check each room to ensure it is looking the best it possibly can, otherwise it might put off buyers or give then an opportunity to negotiate a lower offer on the house.

Local schools have a poor reputation

Although this is something that is out of your own hands, one of the main factors that needs to be considered when purchasing property is the standards of the local schools in and around the surrounding areas.

Catchment areas of high-performing primary and secondary schools will instantly give your house more appeal, especially to young families or couples looking to settle down and start a family.

Lack of kerb appeal

A major turn off for homebuyers is the lack of care the property has been given.

Whether it’s an overgrown front or back garden or paintwork that is peeling away and in desperate need of TLC, kerb appeal is a massive factor that plays a big role in any decision made by buyers.

Alongside making an immediate bad impression on people viewing the property, it will also leave the sellers in a bad situation as buyers are unlikely to agree to paying the full asking price for the property that has had little to no care put into it.

Poor cleanliness

Poor cleanliness is a big no-no when it comes to selling your house. If people who view the house are immediately greeted with bad odors or stained walls and carpets, it will instantly put them off making an offer.

Another well-known fact is that smoking indoors makes your house less desirable and will significantly devalue it. There are several reasons for this such as; cigarette smoke, ash can stain the walls or floor and also create an unpleasant smell throughout the house.

How we can help

We can help you sell your property today with our experienced property team on hand, ready to provide our brilliant conveyancing services, including our combined sale and purchase deal.

For more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact conveyancing manager, Kerry Walker, on Kerry.walker@gw.legal, Teresa Abols on Teresa.abols@gw.legal, or Helen Bond on Helen.bond@gw.legal. Alternatively, you can call them directly on 0345 373 6130.

Who are GWlegal?

GWlegal are a property solicitors based in Liverpool, specialising in buying or selling, remortgage, declaration of trust, bridging and buy-to-let landlords.

If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0345 373 3737 email us hello@gw.legal with your question.

Who are GWlegal? We’re a national firm with local values.

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Content correct at time of publication.