'Personal touches' can make a home more attractive

'Personal touches' can make a home more attractive

3rd May 2012

Whether they're framed photos of the family in your bedroom, cute paintings by the kids tacked to the fridge or funny tea towels hung up in the kitchen, there are certain features of a house that turn it into a home.

And not only will these quirky personal touches create a warm, family atmosphere but, according to Jason Orme, the editor at Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, they could also give your property the edge if you're looking to sell.

While some estate agents and property experts will urge you to make your home as neutral as possible when you put it on the market, Jason suggests that a dash of character can go a long way.

He says: "I think people like to see a bit of character rather than, to an extent, the bland approach that is obviously favoured by show homes and commercial house builders."

However, it's important to remember that "character" doesn't mean clutter as there's nothing more off-putting to prospective buyers than a cramped looking or untidy interior.

But a home that displays some of those family touches such as quirky fridge magnets, knitted tea cosies or even some pottery done by the kids can often appear warm and welcoming and will help a buyer imagine their own brood settled in the property.

"It is often quite nice to see something that is relatively personal if that can be universally applied," Jason added.

"For example, if any young family completely phased out a nursery, then I think that would be a bit of a mistake. Personal touches actually work pretty well."

Even if you're not planning on moving anytime soon, taking steps to make your house feel more homely can be a great idea and will help you put your own stamp on a property.

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