Paul Cooke - SELLING AN INHERITED HOUSE

soda over the problem area, which will help soak up moisture and defuse the smell. It is preferable to leave on overnight and vacuum in the morning.

LANDSCAPING

'First impressions are paramount in homes sales. Statistics show that a good first impression of the outside greatly increases buyers viewing the inside. Give prospects a warm welcome by ensuring you keep the outside looking neat and tidy. Trim

the hedges, keep the lawn mowed, and, depending on the season, keep on top of fallen leaves (we get lots of that) and snow removal (but not so much of this). You want your house to look like you just moved out that morning and the building is still alive. Allowing anything to become unkempt and derelict is going to give the impression that the house has been abandoned and neglected, which does not help the sale or sale price.

OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

You must also pay attention to the finer details of the exterior of your inherited house. Clean and maintain the gutters to avoid mess and check on the paint, roofing, and brickwork. Walkways should not be cracked or broken. A frequent turn-off for a potential buyer is to arrive at a property and to have their first thought of everything they would need to attend to. In appropriate seasons, you also want to create the impression that your house can withstand the different weather elements. If your house is still in great shape in harsh weather when other properties are looking tired and shabby, that will increase your chances of a sale.

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