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

First-time buyer enquiries fall 27% as borrowing costs rise

First-time buyer enquiries a quarter lower than last year as higher borrowing costs put moving plans on ice   The gap between housing supply and demand continues to widen as sales slow First-time buyer enquiries are a quarter (27 per cent)  lower than last year in the wake of the the Bank of England’s decision…
Read More →
Breaking News

Homes completing on Friday the 13th sell for less

With Friday the 13th fast approaching, new research from Homebuyer.Agency has revealed that homes completing on the supposedly unlucky date have sold for as much as £24,950 below the wider market median, while properties bearing the number 13 have also consistently commanded lower prices. Homebuyer.Agency analysed Land Registry price paid data across England and Wales…
Read More →
Breaking News

Surrey, Herts & Bucks named most exclusive markets

Surrey, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire have been named England’s most exclusive new-build property markets outside London, according to new research from UK Property Development (UKPD), with these counties boasting the highest proportions of new homes commanding asking prices of £1 million or more. UKPD analysed current new-build property listings across England using Rightmove data, before looking…
Read More →
Breaking News

Friday the 13th spooks home-movers

Rightmove analysis reveals that people avoid moving on Friday the 13th, despite Friday usually being the busiest day for home moves Analysis of Land Registry data going back to 1995 shows that Friday the 13th is the quietest Friday for home moves The 13th is also the quietest day of the month for home moves,…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Section 21 reform divides landlords and tenants

Five months after Section 21 was abolished, landlords and tenants remain sharply divided over whether the reform was necessary, but both sides agree that good relationships and clear communication have the greatest influence on how secure a renter feels, according to new research from LRG. The Autumn 2026 Lettings Report, based on responses from 405…
Read More →
to let sign 2025
Breaking News

70% of landlords anticipate rent rise due to Autumn Budget

As landlord exodus threatens rental supply The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that 70% of UK landlords are considering increasing rents following the Government’s latest property income tax changes, while almost half are considering selling properties or reducing their portfolios, raising concerns about the future availability and affordability of privately rented homes. LegalforLandlords commissioned…
Read More →