As we enter into 2023, many of us will make some resolutions to change our lifestyle, our health and possibly how we behave. If you are thinking of moving home or selling an investment property in 2023, what about making some resolutions for your home?
Houses, just like people, can sometimes be mistreated, misunderstood and neglected, or even need a fresh pair of eyes to find that thing that’s missing. A house that looks and feels loved will help you achieve a sale in a timely manner and for a good price, which is why we have some ideas of New Year’s resolutions to help sell your home.
Sensibility to interior trends
Interior trends are often inspired by past influences, the environment and fashion. The colours on the catwalk often transpose into our homes through home furnishings or wall coverings. Some trends survive longer than others, but sometimes, a hot trend can looked dated before it has had time to age through wear and tear.
Gemma Riberti, Head of Interiors at international trend forecasting agency WGSN, said in Elle Décor: “We enter 2023 with a lot of uncertainty, and cost of living is a priority. So whatever product or space we are going to interact with will need to be meaningful to engage with, to deliver something beyond the mere item or room.”
In other words, if there is a trend, furnishing or furniture that you fall in love with and that suits your home, and you believe you will still feel the same even as the trend loses its shine, then go for it.
What you must bear in mind is the mass appeal; if your taste is too extreme you may start to turn off potential buyers. Buyers are looking for a blank canvas from which they can start to imagine their own design ideas coming to life. Therefore, try to keep the décor as neutral as possible and add colours and style through accents and accessories like cushions, rugs or towels, as these can be easily changed.
Making space for your soul
“Decluttering your life changes more than the way your home looks and feels. It makes space for your soul to discover that your happiness never was found in all that excess stuff.”
Julia Ubbenga.
Throughout the year, we accumulate more and more things that start to fill our homes to excess. Some people are great about getting rid of clutter and others struggle to get rid of things we don’t need. We all have stuff we keep hold of for a variety of reasons, some could have sentimental value, but knick-knacks make fantastic dust collectors. Making changes can be hard, yet the feeling when decluttering has been finished is like having weight lifted and your home starts to look fresh and renewed.
It is easier to reorganise rooms when they have less in them, and personalised items such as photos and mementos can often confuse buyers. One way to approach decluttering is to think of William Morris’ famous quote: " Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. ” So, is it useful and do I love it?
Keep on top of maintenance
With the extreme weather we have had over the last few weeks, we have heard many stories of burst pipes before Christmas and water getting in the smallest of places! It does make you think about the condition of your home. Although many of the incidents were outside the homeowners’ control there are many things you can do to ensure that you prevent or minimise damage in the future. We know money is tight, but what about planning to do something each month so your home is always looking loved and cared for?
Clear your gutters, unblock drains, refreshen paint work, fix broken fences, trim back trees and shrubs, and all those other little jobs that you may put off. Giving your home regular TLC will make it more attractive to potential buyers when you decide to place it on the market and prevent unexpected expenses.
Enjoy the rewards
Creating a home where the décor is timeless and gives you that ‘homely’ feeling from the minute you walk in, a house that is organised and is filled with things you want and need, and a property where you treat the elements with respect will not only reward you but will always help sell your home.
For more advice on moving home in and around Canterbury feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly team at Page & Co.
