Homes have a funny way of speaking to us. They speak to us in a way like the hall floor creaks when you walk in from the shops, or how the morning light hits the corner of the kitchen you always seem to ignore.

We become used to what is around us after a while, so we end up no longer taking notice of subtle details. Those subtle little details, however, could be deciding what others value your home at. If you ever hope to sell someday in the future or you simply want to know what your space is worth, it can be helpful to take a look with new eyes.

The Parts We Learn To Disregard

That little crack in the paint right up top of the radiator, or the creaky but still “good enough” cupboard door, those kinds of details are difficult to notice after a period of time when you live with them. Someone else will point them out and assume there must be more to it. Keeping on top of the little repairs can get your home to look well-maintained, though not necessarily show-home perfect.

Natural Lighting Speaks For Itself

You know those rooms that feel wonderful to walk into. And more often than not, it isn’t due to the particular colour or furniture, but the light is at play. Natural lighting can create a cosy room, regardless of its size. Shadowy or dark corners (especially those that are hidden in front of heavy curtains or blocked with furniture) can create a room that feels stifling. Rearranging or a change to sheer curtains can be a complete game-changer.

The Flow Of A House

We acclimate to our home’s minor imperfections, like a door that knocks into the clothes basket or a short corridor you know instinctively how to sidestep. But when a stranger arrives, those eccentric arrangements become apparent. And though not all “solutions” are a grand endeavour, even slight substitutions like moving a piece of furniture or installing a flexible handle can improve a room’s sense as well as its usability.

Loved Doesn’t Mean Perfect

There’s some appeal in a home that’s clearly been lived in, but there’s a big gap between that and a home that’s been taken care of. Scuffed skirting board, lopsided lawn edges or a slumping sofa don’t sound very much, but they can instil an atmosphere of fatigue. Some discreet updates (a lick of polish, a new rug, a neater garden corner) can transform that.

Don’t Overlook Both Fronts

The first impression counts, on the inside and on the outside. Your approach to your front door, your fence’s condition, even your bin alignment, all subtly define what your home looks like to another human being. A boost to your approach doesn’t have to be a mountainous endeavour. A general once-over and a new doormat can go a significant distance.

Just Saying Hi

Every now and then, it’s a good idea to get a feel for where you are, even if you don’t want to do something extreme. If you’ve ever been curious about your home’s value as of today, it’s a great time to book a property valuation. No agendas. Just informative insight, saved in your back pocket for when you might need it.

After all, your home has been quietly telling its story all along.