'An interested buyer will notice immediately!' Britons warned a property flaw could reduce their home's value
Homeowners looking to sell have been issued some advice
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Homeowners looking to sell will want to ensure they get the most for their property. For this reason, it's crucial to get it right when showing potential buyers around.
The experts at estate agents DB Roberts shared a very "common mistake" that can "reduce the value of your property". Carpet stains are a no-no.
A major faux pas homeowners make when trying to get an offer on their property is neglecting to do a deep clean before a viewing.
The experts said: "Nobody wants to view a home that is dirty for two main reasons: one, it’s definitely not appealing, and two, it invariably means that the new homeowner will eventually need to spend time, money and effort cleaning it themselves.
If you're trying to sell your property, ensure you do a thorough deep clean before a viewing
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"Major issues like carpet stains and grubby or mouldy tile grout can leave a poor impression on potential buyers when they view your home."
Homeowners were advised to see to any problem areas they may overlook. While you may have got used to the odd carpet stain in your lounge over the months and years, an interested buyer might not feel the same way.
Indeed, the expert said: "In terms of carpet stains, you may be used to ignoring them every day, but an interested buyer will notice them immediately."
A carpet stain or two may deter a potential buyer - but even if it doesn't, there's a chance they won't offer as much as you're asking for your home.
The estate agents said: "If an offer is forthcoming, your buyer may then look to negotiate on the asking price to cover the cost of replacing the carpet or having it professionally cleaned before moving in."
Homeowners were also told not to ignore their tile grout. According to the experts, doing this can be "detrimental".
The experts said: "It’s one of the most tedious chores, yes, but leaving dirt along your tile grout can create permanent discolouration, ruining the look of your tiles forever.
"Even worse, if the area is humid, mould and mildew can build up and become a major problem.
"When it comes to cleaning, being proactive is the best course of action. Make sure you regularly clean your home and deal with any spills before they are set, which makes them much more difficult to remove later on."
As well as doing a deep clean before a viewing, the experts also recommended that homeowners update their decor.
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A fresh lick of paint can work wonders when it comes to boosting property value
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They said: "Old, outdated design trends will make your home look dated, which can lower the value of your home simply because potential buyers know they will need to spend money to update the decor once they move in.
"Wood panelling is a major culprit in this regard, even if it’s restricted to small areas. Viewers will be a little more inclined to offer on your property if the decor is modern and fresh."
A fresh lick of paint could also work wonders when it comes to boosting property value. According to an estate agent, the easiest way to do so is with one paint colour.