To make your house look good for viewings, focus on maximum cleanliness, deep decluttering, and boosting "curb appeal" by tidying the front exterior. Key actions include neutralizing decor, maximizing light by opening curtains, fixing minor repairs, and creating a welcoming, fragrant atmosphere with fresh flowers or, if necessary,, removing pets and their odors.
The 3-5-7 rule in decorating is a guideline to group items in odd numbers (three, five, or seven) to create visually appealing, balanced, and dynamic displays, making spaces feel more curated and less rigid than even-numbered groupings. It's used for styling shelves, coffee tables, and mantels, and involves mixing heights, textures, and shapes within the odd-numbered clusters for added interest and a natural flow that guides the eye.
Damp stains, stained ceilings and crumbling plaster work are all red flags, signalling a problem that could be expensive to sort out. Nobody enjoys living or even sitting in dark and dingy rooms, so you might want to consider getting brighter light bulbs or position lamps in strategic spots for viewings.
Older appliances that are visibly worn, dirty, or have outdated finishes and colors can detract from a home and possibly decrease its value. Colors such as harvest gold, turquoise, and avocado green can be dead giveaways that the home hasn't been updated in decades.
How quickly should you get viewings on your house?
You'll see the majority of viewings in the first week your property is on the market as eager buyers flock to see a new property. A good estate agent will often have a list of buyers lined up to view your property before it's widely advertised.
The "6-month rule" in property finance (mainly UK) is an industry guideline from UK Finance (formerly CML) where most mainstream lenders won't offer a new mortgage or remortgage on a property owned by the seller for less than six months, to prevent fraud and risky "back-to-back" transactions. Ownership starts from the Land Registry registration date, not completion. While not law, it stops quick flips, but specialist lenders or bridge-to-let products can offer solutions for those needing to refinance sooner, like after cash purchases or renovations.
Keep your emotions in check. It's easier said than done, but when you're viewing a house try to do it objectively. If you fall in love with a house, you may overlook issues that could end up being major problems that impact your ability to enjoy it, like damp.
What are the foundational principles of interior design often termed as the 3 F's? The 3 F's of interior design are Function, Flow, and Feeling. These emphasize the room's purpose, the movement within the space, and the ambience, respectively.
When decorating, should every wall have something on it?
Designers are in agreement that not every wall in the home needs to be decorated. With each individual interior design, the aim is to always ensure that there is a feeling of harmonious visual balance; for some spaces this may mean adorning every wall with beautiful decor, whereas for others, empty wall space triumphs.
