Warning! selling your home is a security and preparation issue

Location, central heating, air conditioning, double glazing, good neighbours, good schools and a long lease these are just some of the factors that buyers consider when buying a property. So it was some surprise when we learnt that that new UK research commissioned by the Homebuyer Show revealed something completely different.

The survey reports that 72 per cent of home buyers say good security is rated as being more important when making a buying decision than a home overall condition and size.

Home buyers also ranked security above other key house buying factors such as the quality of the neighbourhood and local facilities.

Less important when deciding on a property is the state of the interior decor, 51 per cent regarded this as irrelevant.

One in three buyers are unconcerned by the provision of lack schools and a similar amount were indifferent of the size and state of a property's garden.

Security Security, Security!

The study also looked at the improvements and gadgets in a home. Security again topped the list with homebuyers regarding a state of the art security system as being more desirable than kitchen gadgets and plush designer furnishings.

Nick Clark managing director of Homebuyer Events said "Home Security has been moving up the homebuyers' agenda for a number of years but it has now become one of the main priorities."

Despite the findings of the study it is clear that to sell your house it requires a great deal of preparation. Those sellers who feel that they are wasting money improving their homes before they sell will not sell their home fast. In fact this lack of preparation could cost them thousands in price reductions. A broken fence or damaged guttering will only serve to add negotiating power to the buyer.

Price and presentation are critical to sell your home

First impressions count, buyers will have already formed an impression before they step into your property. A well-kept garden, pathway and fence, plus a freshly painted front door are immediately appealing, whereas a scruffy outdoor space with a litter bin outside the front door may turn many prospective buyers away.

De-clutter - don't underestimate the appeal of a tidy property. Throw out the junk - use moving as a good excuse to get rid of old, unwanted and unused items.

Clean - dust and clean the whole house thoroughly, from cobwebs on the ceiling to crumbs and stains on carpets and rugs. Remember to wash down paintwork and clean windows.

Natural Colours - research shows that, most buyers prefer natural, earthy colours to bright, bold shades. Although there is a wide range of paint colours available, magnolia is still the top-selling colour.

Add a bit of colour - to prevent rooms looking too bland, use strong colours for accent walls or cushions and accessories.

De-personalise - remove personal items, such as family photographs and children's drawings, which may distract potential buyers. It may sound harsh but it really helps sell property

Maintenance - Complete all minor repairs. Major Jobs- If you don't spend out on home improvements to complete major repairs it could have a disproportionate affect on the value of the property.

Lighting - the right lighting can improve the mood of a room. A room looks cosier with a few table lamps rather than bright general lighting. Create a scent - it may be a bit of a clich? to bake bread or grind coffee beans just before the arrival of a potential buyer, but scent does plays an important role in creating the right impression.

Open windows - most buyers like the smell of a freshly cleaned and aired room. Open the windows every day to let fresh air into the house. Avoid strong food odours - don't cook foods such as fish or curry before a viewing as the smell will linger.

Take pets out - ask friends or family to look after pets during viewings. Fresh flowers and fruit - flowers and a bowl of fruit will brighten up a room and provide a pleasant smell.

Define your rooms - a property will be more appealing if rooms have a specific purpose and this allows buyers to see the full potential of the property.

Seasons - the best time for selling property is spring and autumn; the market slows down during late summer and over Christmas/New Year. If a property is sold while the market is buoyant, it's much more likely to attract the asking price.

So if you want to sell your home quickly preparation is crucial and upgrading your security arrangements is a must.

Nicholas Marr is a lifetime proiperty investor. His UK based overseas property marketing company Marr international Ltd has one of Europes fastes growing property web sites at http://www.homesgofast.com