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haart: Simple changes encourage house buyers

Homeowners looking to sell their property on can get a higher asking price through basic improvements, haart said yesterday.

According to the estate agents, even such simple steps as improving paintwork and furniture arrangement can add value.

Chief executive of haart Paul Smith advised: "Making your house as inviting as possible will mean you will invite much more interest and ultimately sell your property for a good price."

He added: "Make small repairs - replacing light bulbs, fixing broken appliances and mending dripping taps and replacing cracked tiles can have a huge impact on the way your home looks and feels."

This advice might seem particularly relevant in the current market conditions - with the most recent monthly surveys from Hometrack and Nationwide both registering overall falls in national house prices.

Figures from the National Association of Estate Agents have revealed that the current wait between homeowners putting their properties on the market and selling it currently stands at 20 weeks.

The credit crunch has also had an impact on the home loans sector - with lenders raising rates and becoming more selective with customers.

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