House prices are often difficult to determine. While you can use the Rightmove House Price
Index to monitor the average house prices in your area, this will only give you an indication of what your property may be worth.
It's always worth remembering that, in essence, the true value of your home is dictated by what other people are willing to pay for it.
Although many of the factors that influence this - such as interest rates, the local housing market and the overall state of the economy - might be out of your hands, there are a number of relatively simple things you can do to boost the perceived value of your home.
These tips might not send the value of your property soaring, but they will certainly help to ensure that you get the best price possible for your home and boost your chances of securing a speedy sale.
While it's only common sense to make sure that your house is clean and tidy when preparing for viewings by potential buyers, many people neglect the so-called "kerb appeal" of their property, First impressions are vitally important when it comes to showing your home in the best possible light, so a little time spent sprucing up the exterior can really pay dividends.
If you have a lawn or garden, ensure that it is in tip-top shape before putting your home on the market. A freshly mown lawn and well trimmed hedges will help to make a positive impact on prospective buyers, and a few flowers can add an appealing splash of colour to the outside of your home.
Add a fresh coat of paint to your front door if needed, and ensure any fittings are polished and in good order.
When it comes to the interior of your home, take a little time to think about the kind of people your home is likely to appeal to in terms of the general demographics of your area and the nearby amenities.
For example, if you feel that young professionals are liable to be interested in your property, you could perhaps consider turning a second bedroom into a study to better suit their needs.
While you may have worked hard over the years to turn your house into a home, ensuring that it reflects your own personality and tastes, remember that those tastes are your own and will not necessarily be shared by a potential buyer.
Before you put your house on the market, it is important that you de-clutter and de-personalise it as much as you can. Store away as many of your possessions as is practically possible - even remove as much furniture as you can, as this will make your rooms look bigger.
Put your personal preferences aside and try to offer viewers a blank canvas.
Ensuring that your property smells invitingly of freshly baked bread may be something of a cliché, but do make sure that your home is free of any odours that might put buyers off, particularly if you are a smoker or pet owner. Air your property fully before any viewing, and consider using fresh flowers or air fresheners to mask any lingering odours.
House prices can vary significantly even for very similar properties, so anything you can do to boost the perceived value of your home will be well worth the effort in the long run. With Rightmove's help, you can maximise the value of your property and sell with the minimum of fuss.