Top tips: how the pros turn properties into goldmines

Selling houses is a bit like writing – everyone thinks they can do it. Most people, apart from illiterates, animals and Donald Trump, can write words, but they’ll probably never have a novel published or even manage to finish a decent short story without frying their frontal lobe.

You might have had a letter published in your local newspaper, or been praised for your narrative poem by your best friend, but lightning is unlikely to strike twice. Those are just the brokes, as they say.

In the same vein, anyone can luck out on a house sale. But being able to sell real estate consistently and well is a craft that takes years to hone.

But the first rule of real estate is simple – you can’t sell a turd of a property. You can, however, polish it.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few simple measures on how you can add some pizzazz to a crumby looking property. Give it a look.

Pests away

If you’ve snapped up a house or office complex that’s been left empty for a while, there’s every chance that it’ll have a lot of problems. Damp, dry rot and pests will inevitably have infected every room – and buyers won’t be interest in it until you’ve shifted these blights.

These are problems that won’t be remedied without expertise, especially with issues like pest control. If you’re struggling with an infestation, contact your local provider of pest control services, and give them a few days to clear out your property and make it suitable for human habitation again.

Although this might cost you a few quid, it’s a vital way to make your real estate look great.

All in the nose

Scent marketing has become big business, and no more so than in real estate. Although the strategy of filling a home with the smell of baked cookies is hackneyed by today’s standards, plenty of other smells (lavender and ginger are particular favourites) are available to set the olfactory senses alight.

Don’t make the scent you choose overpowering. Instead, fill your room with smells a few hours beforehand, letting it gently lilt around the property.

For some, a strong smell will transport them back to a childhood memory, while others might just enjoy a whiff of something fresh. Either way, prospective buyers will be impressed.

The parting gift

Every property, whether it’s an office complex or a residential building, should have a standout feature that will impress almost any viewer. But this shouldn’t be the opening of your tour. Instead, it should be left until the end, a knockout after a few effective one-two punches.

Leaving viewers with a good impression will make them more likely to snap up a property – and put profit in your pocket.

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Breaking Property News 20/10/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Rightmove’s £1.45bn forty minute lawsuit Thought leadership by Olivier Jauniaux Founder of NestLink ‘It takes about forty minutes to find a house on Rightmove according to the portal’s own disclosure. You set the filters, you scroll, you save three, you send one to your partner with the…
Read More →
Breaking News

The six shocking ways first-time buyers are being caught out

Unexpected costs hit 70% of first-time buyers, causing rising anxiety for almost a third of people Over 60% of buyers also face mortgage rejection when finding their dream home Solicitor delays and “waiting around” among the highest drivers of anxiety and stress The First Time Buyer Anxiety Index 2026 delves into the main pain points…
Read More →
Breaking News

FTBs reveal real cost of homeownership

Six in 10 first-time buyers say getting onto the property ladder came at the expense of their quality of life From holidays and hobbies to careers and starting a family, first-time buyers reveal the true cost of homeownership New research by Yopa has revealed that 61% of first-time buyers say saving for their first home had…
Read More →
Breaking News

Supply of family-suitable homes falls across the nation

England is facing a growing shortage of large family homes, according to new analysis from UK Property Development (UKPD), creating increasing challenges for buyers leaving London in search of more space, better quality of life, and access to one of the capital’s most desirable commuter regions. UKPD analysed live property listings data* and found that,…
Read More →
Breaking News

84% of agents fear Autumn Budget anti-climax

Agents welcome first-time buyer support but 84% fear Autumn Budget housing anti-climax The latest industry insight from GetAgent.co.uk has revealed that estate agents believe first-time buyers are most in need of government support and, while the recent announcement of a new first-time buyer scheme will likely be welcomed by the industry, 84% are sceptical as…
Read More →
how to present your property for sale
Estate Agent Talk

The Budget – Residential Property

Thoughts from Lisa Wilson, Partner at law firm Spencer West LLP: “Chancellor John Healey, as many Chancellors before him, has the unenviable task of achieving balance in UK taxation and spending. Whilst there have been a few property rumours in the press, they are notably quieter than in years gone by. Over the Summer months…
Read More →