Nicky Vallender Real Estate

  Buying a Home? Here’s What Most People Overlook at a Viewing When you think about it, buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most of us will ever make. And yet, we often make that decision after just one or two short visits. Crazy, right? That’s why it’s so important to make the absolute most of every viewing—because those few walkthroughs might be your only real chance to spot the things that could make or break your experience living there. Here are 6 smart things to check when you're viewing a property that many buyers forget to consider: 1. Follow the Sun Natural light can completely transform how a home feels. Where does the sun rise and set in relation to the home? Is the living area getting good afternoon sun? Even on a cloudy day, try to get a feel for the light—or ask the agent if you’re unsure. 2. Storage is Key Look beyond the obvious. Are there wardrobes in every bedroom? Is there attic space or room for extra storage in the ga...

  The First Impression Fix: Easy Ways to Add Value Before You Sell When it comes to selling your home, first impressions really do count . Buyers start forming opinions the moment they pull up to the curb—and those first few moments can shape the entire way they feel about your property. The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands on a full renovation to boost appeal. A few simple tweaks can make a huge difference to how your home is perceived—and how it performs on the market. Here are some easy, budget-friendly ways to add value before you list: 🧹 1. Start With a Serious Declutter Less is more when it comes to styling for sale. You want buyers to imagine their things in the space—not get distracted by yours. Clear kitchen benches Pack away most personal photos Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel bigger Tidy wardrobes (yes, buyers will peek inside!) Box up toys, sports gear, or anything that feels “busy” If you’re short on time, just start wit...

  🏡 What to Look for at an Open Home (That Most People Miss) It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of open homes—especially when you're on the hunt for the one . You walk in, the place smells like fresh baking, the cushions are fluffed just right, and there’s a soft soundtrack playing in the background. It’s all very welcoming… but it’s also designed to make you fall in love quickly. While staging creates a lovely vibe, it can also distract you from noticing the things that truly matter. Here’s a list of often-overlooked checks to help you get the most from each open home visit: 🔌 1. Test the Water Pressure (and Temperature) Yes, really! Turn on taps, flush the toilet, and run the shower for a moment. Weak water pressure or fluctuating hot water can be a sign of plumbing issues or an outdated system. These are things you’ll live with daily—so it’s worth checking early. 📶 2. Check Your Phone Signal It’s easy to overlook, but imagine moving in only to realise you ca...

  It’s a big decision—don’t rush it Isn’t it a bit wild that we often decide to buy a home after just one or two short visits? That’s such a huge commitment, and yet, we sometimes make it in under an hour! That’s why it’s so important to really make the most of each viewing. Use the time to get a feel for how the home flows, notice the little details, and weigh up both the positives and any potential red flags. That way, when it comes time to make an offer, you’re doing it with confidence. If you’re heading to an open home, it’s easy to get distracted by other buyers walking around. Before you know it, you’ve spent more time scoping out your competition than you have checking the kitchen or bedrooms properly. To help you stay focused and get the most out of your visits, here are six handy tips to keep in mind: 1. Take note of the sun This is something people often forget—especially on a cloudy day. You might spend time checking the paintwork and peeking behind curtains, but ...