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EXPERT ADVICE

Taking my own advice:
A property director’s journey
Taking the Leap A Valuable Lesson
Katie McDonald, from VMH Solicitors, shares what she learnt when she found Despite my doubts, I followed through. I hired In Edinburgh’s market, where the average uplift
herself on her own property journey and having to take her own advice. a local specialist for minor DIY touch-ups to over the home report was less than 2%, our
result was outstanding. I have no doubt that
minimise negative comments in the home
report. I also hired a professional cleaning the extra effort and investment made all the
company, and a property stylist so that every difference. The suppliers I regularly recommend
cupboard, window, and appliance sparkled, to clients had once again proven their value —
transforming the space, making it look like but this time, I experienced it firsthand.
a completely different flat. My friends and
family were amazed by the results. Selling a property in a less-than-buoyant
market reinforced an important lesson:
The impact was immediate. As soon as the sometimes, you have to speculate to
listing went live, viewing requests poured in. accumulate. Although parting with thousands
The market was slow at the time, so I was of pounds upfront was difficult, the return on
pleasantly surprised by the level of interest. investment more than justified the cost.
Within three days, we had multiple offers and
ultimately accepted one that was over 10% Ultimately, I’m glad I took my own advice —
above the home report value. We were over because sometimes you just have to practice
the moon! what you preach!

aving worked in the residential Practicing What I Preach
property sector for almost 25 years, My standard recommendations to sellers
Hselling a property myself was quite are the ones we’ve all heard before:
an experience. While I’ve bought several declutter, tidy up, clear surfaces, and create
properties over the years, this was my first as much floor space as possible. The flat
time selling since entering the industry. The I was selling was slightly dated, but had
market has evolved dramatically, with its ups fantastic potential in terms of size, layout,
and downs, and for once, I found myself on the outlook, and location. If I were advising
other side of the process - experiencing exactly a client, I would have suggested a deep
what my clients go through. clean, removing old furniture, and hiring a
property styling company to present the
For decades, I’ve taken great pride in advising home at its best.
and guiding sellers. It’s always rewarding when
they follow my advice and achieve a successful But when it was my turn, I hesitated. Investing
sale. But when the time came for me to take £2,000–£3,000 with no guaranteed return
my own advice, I quickly realised - it’s easier felt daunting. Would it really be worth it?
said than done!
For more information about VMH Solicitors visit vmh.co.uk or call 0131 622 2626.
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