Maximizing Light and Space

Buyers have to be able to imagine living in the house that they are viewing, with their own possessions and furniture. It is your job to make it as easy as possible for them to visualize this, by making your property look as spacious and light as possible.

Maximizing Light

Try to make sure that your entrance hallway is light and bright for immediate impact when your viewers arrive. Clean the windows thoroughly, and draw the drapes well back. Install spotlights or uplighters to illuminate dark corners and switch on lights in dark areas. Painting walls and ceilings a pale neutral shade and fitting a light colored carpet will also enhance the light and space.

Maximizing Space

Thin out your belongings ruthlessly and arrange furniture to allow freedom of movement. Now, more than ever, less is more (less clutter means more money in your pocket). If a buyer cannot see a room for furniture and clutter, there is no chance of them mentally moving in. Clear out all shelves and cupboards, and put everything back in a neat, organized manner. Buyers need to feel that there is plenty of room for their belongings - they should not get the impression that you are struggling for space.

Take advantage of unused storage areas in the house, such as attics, basements, garages, under the stairs, and so on, and present them neatly as an asset, not an eyesore.

Painting walls and ceilings a pale neutral shade will enhance the feeling of space and light. Using the same shade and texture when decorating unifies the space and makes it seem larger and allows rooms to flow into one another.

Mirrors are also an excellent way to make a room look bigger and much brighter. A large mirror over a fireplace looks great and mirrors can also be skilfully used in small kitchens and bathrooms. If the living room doesn't have a fireplace, try to create a focal point with an attractive piece of furniture.