1. In the Zone:

Get to know your buyer and their individual needs. While you can’t magically teleport your house to a potential buyer’s ideal area, you can certainly build a case to interested parties for the area in question. Let your property agent know in advance the amenities in your local area: schools, parks, restaurants, nightlife, community enterprises and transport.

Pearl (34) recently bought her first house with her husband in Celbridge. Although they don’t have children, she says that future possibility was a key decider. They looked at trendy new-builds on the outskirts of Dublin but eventually opted for a more mature neighbourhood close to the commuter belt in Celbridge, as the pair both work in Dublin city centre. A garden was an all-important factor for Pearl, and being a freelance photographer, the lighting in the house was also a huge consideration. Some buyers will be attracted to the action of the city and be willing to pay a slightly higher price tag, while others will be repelled by the thought. Know the unique selling points of your location and identify a wide-range of potential suitors with your agent.

2. Tech Neck

It’s no good for most buyers these days to have a beautiful cottage nestled on rolling hills if those hills also happen to be an internet black spot. Most savvy buyers will hone in on these necessities. Put simply, wireless service and internet bandwidth are non-negotiable. Make sure you have this information readily available to provide for potential buyers. Perhaps there is an alternative broadband provider in the area that would offer higher speed or a lower price. Investigate and relay the specifics to the property agent. It could very well set your property apart from the rest.

3. Green is the New Black

People are becoming much more aware of their carbon footprint and as such, having an energy efficient house is becoming more of a priority to buyers. Insulation is often the first port of call, so: walls, windows, doors, and the attic. If your house has solar or geothermal energy: bonus points. Not only is green energy more desirable in terms of environmental impact, it also saves money in the long run. Ventilation is absolutely imperative – if there is any damp or backdrafting, the increasingly educated buyer will know the warning signs. Sort it out, and fast.

4. Living Space

We’re not necessarily talking about a marble-filled Hygge heaven, but there are certain essentials that appeal to potential buyers, especially in the millennial bracket. Light is imperative, for one. Brush up on the Instagram trends – open-plan kitchens are very much in vogue, for example. While a south-facing house or garden has also been, and remains, a massive draw to any demographic.

Buyers have so much information at their fingertips now. There are a myriad of apps they can use to instantaneously check faults in a property. Anyone who has done their homework will know what to look out for: damp in the ceilings, plaster or skirting boards; cracks in the structures; faulty wiring or plumbing; insulation and drainage. Have a checklist before you put your house on the market and tick it off as you go. Show it to the buyer – this will build up trust and credibility.

buyers

5. Office Space

The potential for a dedicated working space in a home is also a factor worth considering. Jobs are not necessarily for life anymore and in this digital age, many people (the young and less young alike) are working from home these days. A space for Skype/conference calls is ideal for the freelance agent so acoustics are important, well-insulated walls can account for a lot. Point out to your potential buyer the flexibility of the living space. What is currently used as a bedroom could make a great office – keep shelving, storage space and lighting in mind.

Home office space freelance

6. Pet Needs

Your beloved pooch or kitty may have their own Instagram account, but check with the potential buyers that they don’t have any allergic reactions to pets. Plenty of people will be delighted to make friends with your cherished pet so let your potential buyer know that your house and the neighbourhood is pet-friendly. Having a pet-friendly house might just give your property the edge on other sellers and be exactly what you need to secure that proceed-to-checkout transaction you’re aiming for.

Ready to sell? Head over to Moovingo.com for more information on getting the ball rolling.