There’s so much we might sneakily look for when viewing a new property, whether that’s a tiny bit of mould in the bathroom or any suspicious-looking cracks in the walls.

But what happens when you’re on the other side of it and selling up?

The reality is much more brutal than meets the eye. Think your maximalist interiors and beloved trinkets might convince buyers to put in their offer? Convinced they won’t notice that teeny detail you hadn’t quite got around to fixing? It could be time to reassess.

According to data from Zoopla, the average home now takes 185 days to shift from when it’s first marketed – which equates to around 25 weeks, or just under six months.

And if you’re underestimating the power your viewer’s red flags might hold, you could find yourself waiting a hot minute.

So, Metro chatted to Phil Spencer, founder of the property advice website Move iQ and host of Location, Location, Location, about the brutal truths that homeowners need to know if they actually want their four walls to sell.

Clear the cutter

It might sound simple, but it’s true: you really do need to clear up your clutter. It’s time for an April refresh, even if that’s not music to your ears.

‘Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for the property market. Many would-be buyers come out of hibernation and begin househunting in earnest as the cold winter months give way to warmer, sunnier days,’ Phil explains.

‘But this year, there are more homes on the market than buyers. So if you’ve decided to sell, get ready to face a lot of competition and accept that you may have work to do to make your place more attractive to potential buyers.’

With that in mind, it’s time to get rid of those excessive trinkets – even including photographs and various personal items that, as Phil says, make the home look ‘cluttered.’

‘When potential buyers view your home, they want to imagine themselves living there, and it’s hard to do that if the property looks a little too lived in,’ he suggests.

‘That’s not to say you need to depersonalise, but removing clutter and making everywhere tidy will get every viewing off to the best possible start.’

Paint means prizes

Get the paintbrushes out: it’s officially time to stop ignoring those little marks on the wall. You don’t need to completely try out a new colour scheme to make a difference, but a little touch-up is always welcome.

‘Daily life leaves scratches and marks on walls and painted surfaces,’ Phil acknowledges.

‘But taking the time to fill any cracks in the plaster and give the walls a fresh coat of paint will pay big dividends when you’re selling – it’s an effective way to make your home look well cared for, more inviting and more vibrant.’

Make any necessary repairs

It’s true: that dodgy door handle or pesky plumbing issue needs addressing, rather than sweeping under the carpet.

As Phil notes, you might’ve been putting off these odd jobs for years, but now is the time to put them back on your to-do list.

‘Get on and sort any minor maintenance issues or make any repairs that need doing. This could mean fixing a dripping tap or oiling a door’s hinges to stop it squeaking,’ he shares.

‘Buying a home is stressful, and you want prospective buyers to feel reassured that if they choose yours, they won’t have a lot of problems to fix right away.’

It’s a hard truth to swallow, we know – but there’s no harm in getting the tool kit out, right?

Clean like your life depends on it

It’s time for a deep clean, and not just for the estate agent’s photos. A home that’s completely free of dirt goes a long way at the point of viewing, too – so it’s time to be reunited with your rubber gloves.

‘Deep clean your home, so it looks and feels fresh. Most buyers decide whether or not to make an offer after only spending around 10 minutes in the property,’ Phil reminds us.

‘You need to make that time count, and ensuring your home is sparkling clean is the first step to impressing potential buyers.’

Remember, not all estate agents are created equal

Returned to reality yet? Phil’s final tip is to remember that your choice of estate agent can mean the difference between selling your home quickly and weeks or even months’ worth of anxiously waiting by the phone, waiting for them (no, not your ex) to call.

‘When looking for an estate agent, make sure to read reviews, research their qualifications and experience, and ask anyone you know who has used their services for their impressions,’ Phil concludes, adding that it also helps if they’re a member of a professional organisation like Propertymark, as this means they’ll ‘follow a code of conduct.’

‘Don’t judge agents solely on how much commission they charge or what valuation they give for your home. Agents who are proactive and can demonstrate clearly all the steps they’ll take to sell your home are the most likely to provide a good service and get you the best price.’

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