House Doctor

Doctor in the house can help sell

Some free, impartial advice could help some homeowners sell their property more quickly.

Martel Maides launched the Guernsey House Doctor service in 2004.   It identifies problems that could put potential purchasers off, and offers advice on how best to present the property. The Service has given many vendors advice on how to achieve a sale at a top price.

Local Market Director Keith Enevoldsen said that with most people, first impressions are a major factor in the decision on whether or not to buy a property. Minor presentation details can make the difference between a house selling quickly or remaining on the market for some months.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so it is important to get it right. If a prospective buyer viewing your house is greeted by a dark, cluttered hallway, and a pile of shoes, this impression remains with them throughout the viewing and clouds their assessment of the rest of the property", he said, adding that "many people struggle with a lack of 'vision' and see only what is presented to them, rather than how it could be once their own furnishings are arranged".

The Guernsey House Doctor service is free, and available to anyone who is looking to sell or who already has their property on the market. It is designed to provide constructive, and effective advice on making your property more attractive to potential purchasers, without the need to spend a lot of money.

The company's experienced negotiators will make a brief visit and identify any potential problems, whilst at the same time hi-lighting any particular features that could prove attractive.

Mr Enevoldsen said this could certainly help speed up the selling process.

"We will look at how to create the best impression, and identify any features that should be emphasised. It is simply showing the best of what your house has to offer, and making sure people notice the finer points, rather than the negative."

"The outside is one area that is often overlooked, but it can be the most important as most people like to drive past a property before viewing to assess its suitability. The exterior appearance is therefore extremely important and needs to reflect that the property is properly cared for," he said.

One recent property seen by the Guernsey House Doctors had been on the market for twelve months, within two weeks of our visit an offer had been made and within six weeks an unconditional agreement had been obtained. The vendors were of course delighted.

Anyone interested in the Guernsey House Doctor service can contact Keith Enevoldsen or Caroline Nickolls on Guernsey 713463.