Present2Sell - Devon Today Nov 2008
When selling a property, you may well find that you are competing with new-builds which are being aggressively marketed by developers pinched by the credit crunch.
To get an idea of the level of presentation that buyers expect, visit showhomes closest in price and appearance to yours, and plan your campaign accordingly.
Showhome presentation sometimes lacks a certain personal warmth. You can take advantage of this by ensuring that the missing sparkle is loud and clear in your home. You'd be surprised by the emotional appeal that can be achieved by paying attention to subtle details.
Playing with light and reflection is a great way to generate interest and ambience, and this will ease potential buyers into the idea of yours being their next home.
Within the pools of light created by lamps on tables, which should always be lit during viewings, arrange small collections of reflective items - a glossy bowl filled with a few glass baubles and beads, next to a japanned photo frame, for example.
Create impact in your entrance hall by mimicking the seasonal fireworks with starburst shapes on the wall, such as IKEA's Figgjo mirror or Next's smoke mirror mantle clock, both £15. Position them so they pick up reflected light from lamps, candles and sunshine.
Punctuate this theme with occasional fiery accents in paprika, cinnamon, ginger accessories. Placing similar coloured items together in groups creates layered, textural drama that will set you apart from that shop-bought look.
