When estate agents advise sellers to avoid over-personalisation of their property, what exactly do they mean? Here’s a real-life story that illustrates this point perfectly.
A few months ago, the Daily Mail featured an article about a three-bed semi in Nottinghamshire that had been painted Barbie pink inside and out by its fun-loving owner, Kathy. Known affectionately as the Pink Lady, Kathy was a well-known figure in her village, and her home – aptly named the Pink House – was a reflection of her vibrant personality.
However, when Kathy sadly passed away and her family put the home on the market, things didn’t go as planned. Despite the property’s potential, it sat on the market for 14 months without any serious offers. Why? The likely culprit was over-personalisation.
While Kathy’s family knew the candy-coloured exterior wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste, they assumed potential buyers would look past the pink and see the home’s true value. After all, a fresh coat of paint can easily change the appearance of a home. But as time passed, it became clear that the bold personalisation was a significant barrier.
Most buyers don’t choose a home based on logic alone; emotion plays a crucial role. When buyers walked into the Pink House, the overwhelming personalisation made it difficult for them to envision themselves living there. They couldn’t see past the bright pink walls and quirky decor to imagine how they would make the space their own.
So, what happened to the ‘unsellable’ Pink House? Fortunately, after the exterior was painted white, the property finally sold. This case highlights the importance of neutralising personalisation to make your property more appealing to a broader audience.
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
To avoid the pitfalls of over-personalisation and ensure your home appeals to as many buyers as possible, here are some practical tips:
- Tone Down Bold Colours: If you have ‘statement’ walls in bright red, mustard, candy pink, or lime green, consider repainting them in neutral tones. Similarly, garish tiles can be a major turn-off for buyers.
- Store Quirky Items: While you might love your taxidermy collection, antique dolls, or model aeroplanes, these personal items could deter potential buyers. Place them in storage while your home is on the market.
- Remove Personal Items: Take down family photos, children’s artwork, birthday cards, and any paperwork on display. This helps buyers imagine the space as their own.
- Keep it Clean and Tidy: Ensure your home is spotless during viewings. Dirty dishes, yesterday’s socks, and general clutter should be out of sight.
- Consult Your Estate Agent: Don’t be offended if your estate agent suggests making changes to reduce personalisation. Their goal is to help you sell your property quickly and for the best possible price.
By minimising personalisation, you can make your property more attractive to a wider range of buyers, increasing your chances of a successful sale.
For more super-selling tips or to arrange a free valuation, contact us today.
