by Robyn Lines

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

1. Light
Make sure your rooms are well lit. Use any type of light that casts directional light, such as spotlights and picture lights to brighten the room and make it more interesting. You can use mirrors to increase light in the room and paint the room a light colour.

2. Space
Make as much space as possible, including for storage so that there is no clutter lying around. Consider a loft conversion and adding extra cupboards. Paint rooms light colours as this increases the illusion of space. Also use mirrors to make small rooms look larger.

3. Decor
Keep it neutral. If your decor is bright or bold it will put off buyers. Use pale, natural shades. Add a little colour in accessories like pillows and ornaments. Let a potential buyer see the potential of the house behind the decoration. Hide personal objects like photographs as a buyer may find it hard to see himself living in a house where there are pictures of another family there.

4. Colours
Make sure your colours work together. The colours you use in a room should be in a ratio of about 80%, 15%, 5%. This does not mean paint colours but also furniture and accessories. Have a look at the colour wheel if you are not sure which colours work together.

5. Period Features
Unless there is no other option never remove period features. If some are damaged most can be restored at a lower cost than replacing. Many buyers look for period features and they add a touch of charm to a house.

6. Function
Make sure everything functions properly, like central heating. Pay most attention to the bathroom and kitchen as these rooms are usually the most important for potential buyers. Make sure they are in the best condition possible and that everything looks easily usable and accessible.

7. Kitchen
The kitchen is (usually) the most used room in the house. Make sure your kitchen looks its best. A small kitchen can put buyers off so if possible consider moving it into another room or adding an extension. Having a dining area within the kitchen is a big plus.

8. Bathroom
Make sure your bathroom is spotless and if you have old, tatty looking fittings get them replaced by new white ones. If there is space add an en-suite if there is only one bathroom but several bedrooms. If you have many rooms consider turning one into another bathroom. A small cloakroom downstairs (if the bathroom is upstairs) is always a plus. There is usually plenty of space under the stairs for this.

9. Outside
Make sure the exterior of the house looks its best. Add some plants to make it more attractive. If the outside of the house is not appealing it will put off buyers before they've even stepped inside so the outside must look spotless.

10. Don't Overspend
Some improvements may not add anything onto the value of the house. A swimming pool will only add value if the house and garden is very large and the climate is warm. Don't put expensive fittings into a small house. Work out the cost of an improvement and ask your estate agent if it will add anything to the value before you go ahead.

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