The clocks went back last month, which means that from now until February it will start getting dark from 4pm – and that’s going to add a new light (or not) to your late afternoon/early evening viewings.
Presenting your property in the best light (we’ll stop with the illuminating puns soon, we promise) to prospective buyers is essential in a season where many can be reluctant to even leave home for a viewing. Here’s a few tricks to brighten the mood.
Illuminate the entrance
On a cold, dark autumn/winter late afternoon or early evening viewing a property can look cold and uninviting if it’s not properly illuminated. If you aren’t going to be home for the viewing, leave the lights on so that it looks like you are – it not only helps deter burglars it will also make your home feel more inviting.
More importantly, however, illuminate the entrance to your home so prospective buyers can walk to your front door confidently, rather than peering around nervously, and make it look like somewhere they want to go inside. Solar lights can add interest while motion-sensor lights increase security.
Use warm lighting to increase the cosy factor
Once inside, it’s not about lighting up your property like the Blackpool illuminations. Instead, opt for warm, cosy lighting and whack the heating on so it’s warm, too. Strategically placed lamps with warm white bulbs will brighten dark spots, while a mix of table and floor lamps will add layering to your lighting beyond that offered by a ceiling light. If it’s safe to do so – that is, if you are at home – lighting a few candles or using quality LED alternatives will also add extra atmosphere, and potentially scent, to the viewing.
Make use of all lighting
We’ve talked ceiling lights, lamps and candles, but consider all the lighting in your home. A lit desk lamp in your study will highlight that space as a comfortable working area, while undercabinet spotlights will showcase your kitchen work surfaces (although make sure they are clean and decluttered first!) and mirror lighting in your bathroom will show how easy that morning shave or make-up routine might be.
Replace missing or failing bulbs
A quick audit of lighting in your home can also be useful. A missing lightbulb could be due to the fact a new one keeps slipping from your mind when you’re out shopping. A flickering lightbulb could just be failing, but both issues could also suggest a bigger lighting or electrical problem to buyers which could be off-putting. Remember too that eyes will be drawn to the lighting, so if a bulb is covered in dust, it will be dimmer, while a tired or broken shade suggests neglect so it should be replaced.
Consider how you can brighten your home during the day, too
It’s not just in the late afternoon or evening that lighting can let you down. Darker days can also be depressing for daytime viewings, so maximising natural light is essential. Clean windows and open curtains fully and move anything that might be blocking the flow of natural light into your home. Lamps and candles can brighten your property during daylight hours too, but ensure it’s subtle, rather than screaming that your home gets little natural light.
If you want help brightening up your property for sale, Proctors is an independent network of individual estate agent businesses with branches in Beckenham, Bromley, Park Langley, Petts Wood, Shirley and West Wickham. We’ve been buying, selling and letting in these areas since 1946. Get in touch to find out how we can help you with your property requirements