Property Presentation
by Ron Hastings

As a general rule it is said that you will only get out what you are prepared to put in. From academic achievement to success in sport or business that has been an accepted fact of life. So it is no surprise that the same applies in the property market with sellers who put in the effort achieving best prices. It is a matter of finding where you market lies, having a clear idea of what you are seeking to achieve, putting in the required effort and carrying this through.

The attractions of living in the Borders have created an influx of buyers from outwith the area resulting in a surge in Borders house prices. This trend is an opportunity for sellers to benefit from the increasing interest in moving here and if the property is of the type that is likely attract buyers from high equity areas it makes sense to target the presentation and marketing of the property to appeal to that market. However as with most things in life it is a question of getting the balance right. "Improvements" undertaken in anticipation of putting the house on the market may be a waste of time and effort if the buyer is simply going to come along and do it all again. It is therefore sensible to concentrate on key areas and past experience shows that kitchens, bathrooms and the garden are main selling features worth concentrating on. However a further word of caution as a cheap makeover is unlikely to impress the knowledgeable buyer and indeed may put them off. The best asset is generally the location and the nature of the property and where these can work to your favour they should be promoted. A run down property with a good location and potential will excite and often sell for dramatic prices putting "off the peg" properties in the shade.

Appreciate what you have
It is often the case that we take what is closest to us for granted. That also applies with the place we live and it is only when it is gone that we realise what we had. Visitors to an area see it with fresh eyes and initial impressions are all important. Just think of the time you returned from a spell away from home. It is always good to get back and you see things with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm-at least for a few days until you slip into the old routine. So when selling you should think of viewers as visitors that you are wanting to impress and you need to present your property and attract them to view your house rather than the others. This is best achieved with quality targeted marketing. Once you get viewers there is still work to be done ensuring the house is attractively presented, clean, clear of clutter and generally welcoming and encouraging them to take the next step and pursue their interest but the first hurdle is to be seen and get them across the door.

Quality internet marketing
The age of the internet has opened up the market and contributed in a huge way to the numbers coming to the area. No matter how remote a potential buyer may be from your property they can find you by means of a properly promoted website with internal and external photographs showing the property and the location at it's best. Quality is the key word as poor presentation can have the opposite effect resulting in fewer potential buyers viewing your property. First impressions can be key. The same applies to the sales particulars and economies in the form of presentation can lose the seller money as the correct level of interest is not forthcoming and the ultimate selling price falls short of what could otherwise have been achieved.