Preparing Your Home

Advice

Preparing Your Home.

Getting your home ready for viewings—or ‘staging’ it—is key to achieving the price you want. Presenting your property in a welcoming, attractive way makes all the difference.

Preparing Your Home from Chiddicks Homes
Little Changes, Big Impact You don’t need to completely redecorate, but spending a little time refreshing tired areas can really pay off. Using neutral tones instead of bright colours or bold patterns helps your home feel light, fresh, and spacious.

Fix and Refresh Make sure anything in need of repair is fixed—buyers want a home they can move into without immediate costs. Small maintenance tasks show that your property has been well cared for.

Create Space Remove excess furniture, pictures, books, and ornaments. This not only makes rooms feel bigger but also helps buyers imagine their own belongings in the space. Large children’s toys, personal items, or cluttered surfaces should be put away to keep areas open and inviting.

Outside Matters Too The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Keep the garden tidy, bins stored neatly, and paths clear—especially in the winter months. First impressions start before potential buyers even step through the door.

Clean and Light A clean, clutter-free home is essential—even if you’re not expecting a viewing. Passers-by or last-minute enquiries may lead to spontaneous viewings. Keep windows clean and open curtains or blinds during the day to maximise natural light.

Finishing Touches Flowers, plants, scented candles, or gentle air fresheners can make your home feel warm and inviting.

The team at Chiddicks Homes is always happy to offer advice, assist with preparation, and even visit your home before it goes on the market to ensure it’s presented at its best.

Meet the team

Talk to the people behind your move.

Scroll through the team and get to know the people who will look after your sale, letting, valuation or next appointment.

Luke Chiddicks, Managing Director at Chiddicks Homes

Luke Chiddicks

Managing Director

Luke Chiddicks began his property career in 1997, building broad sales and lettings experience with respected Southend agencies before founding Chiddicks Homes in 2016. As a landlord, homeowner and property developer, Luke understands the practical decisions clients face and leads the business with a strong focus on clear advice, local market knowledge and personal service.
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Mike Hoy, Director at Chiddicks Homes

Mike Hoy

Director

Mike Hoy has worked across residential sales, lettings and commercial property since starting as a trainee negotiator in Southend in 2003. His experience across Essex gives clients calm, practical guidance, and he enjoys supporting the team with the same enthusiasm for property and customer care that shaped his own career.
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Charlotte Barrett, Property Consultant at Chiddicks Homes

Charlotte Barrett

Property Consultant

Charlotte Barrett supports clients across sales and lettings, combining strong customer service with practical knowledge of the moving process. Having progressed through the business from an administrative role into a client-facing property consultant position, Charlotte brings energy, care and consistent follow-through to buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.
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Elizabeth, Property Consultant at Chiddicks Homes

Elizabeth Phillips

Property Consultant

Elizabeth works with clients across sales and lettings, bringing a friendly, organised approach to enquiries, viewings and day-to-day communication. Her business administration background and attention to detail help keep the process moving smoothly, while her approachable manner makes clients feel supported from the first conversation.
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Ian, Mortgage & Protection Consultant at Chiddicks Homes

Ian Clarke

Mortgage & Protection Consultant

Ian has been involved in Financial Services in one way or another for over 17 years. During that time he has worked in various development and management roles within the banking and insurance sectors. Having joined the team at Amber from a National mortgage service provider, Ian brings a wealth of experience in both the mortgage market, mortgage protection, compliance and business development.
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Founded 2016

Estate agency and lettings built on trust.

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