Have an ice-cream on us!

First impressions last when selling your home - Smith Property

Smith Property is inviting the people of Cavan out this weekend to enjoy a sweet treat as a way of saying 'thank you for your support'.

Since first established in 1984, the auctioneers have been leaders in the property sector of Cavan and the surrounding regions. The late Padraig Smith opened his first office in Ballyjamesduff and later expanded to Cavan Town in 1996.

In his time as lead auctioneer with Smith's Property, the second generation in the business, son Raymond Smith has amassed a wealth of experience in how to make homes attractive to buyers.

Raymond recommends casting a critical eye over the property to see what cosmetic improvements can enhance the attractiveness of the house to the buyer: “First impressions last when it comes to selling a property,” the auctioneer advises. “The presentation of your home is vital, bear in mind that less is more.”

On that point, the property professional says “decluttering” the home is important, but warns that, in doing so, be careful not to remove the property’s character.

The property agent says houses that present well create competitive interest and bidding: “I'm often asked by the vendor 'what do we need to do to sell this home?' It's the simple things - cutting the grass, powerwashing the driveway, keeping the outside of the house tidy. Then, on the inside, make sure that worktops and surfaces are not cluttered, make the place look as roomy as possible, don't have unwanted items lying about.”

There are many considerations the seller must take into account: “If there is a property with a 'For Sale' sign outside the door, viewers may do a speculative viewing themselves. That may be just a drive by observation. For this reason, it's important that once that sign goes up you are always selling the house. Be conscious that a prospective buyer may drive past at any time of the day to get an understanding of the property.”

Some agents recommend a coat of paint on the walls, ceilings and woodwork, but Raymond advises a degree of prudence in this: “Don't go to major expense unless it is completely necessary to do so.” The lead auctioneer with Smith Property stresses the importance of preparing the legal aspect of the sale: “Make sure your solicitor has your title documents in place. This means all the certificates that come with the property; Local Property Tax certs, BER certs, planning certs or any necessary mapping considerations. We supply a seller's guide to all of our vendors that gives a step by step guide to selling a property.”

This weekend Smith's Property are holding a novel way of saying thank you to their customers. They are inviting the people of Ballyjamesduff and Cavan Town to come along to the officer to enjoy an ice cream: “This is just a way of expressing our thanks to all our vendors and buyers, to all the friends, colleagues and clients of Smith's Property. An ice cream van will be at each office and we hope as many people as possible come out and say hello.”

For more information contact Smith Property at Stradone Street, Ballyjamesduff, 049-8544283, email bjd@smithproperty.ie or alternatively the offices at Farnham Street, Cavan, 049-4362244 or email cavan@smithproperty.ie