Your home holds many memories but when you sell your property it is time to let go and present it in such a way that buyers can imagine themselves living there.
Make the property more attractive to the next individual or family who will call this house their home. There are many ways you can achieve this.
The following are general suggestions only – if unsure speak to us to find out which ones will be of most benefit to your property.
First impressions are crucial. If buyers don’t like the outside, they probably won’t even go inside.
External:
Mow the lawns, neatly cut the edges, trim branches, make sure the garden is tidy and attractive
Repair any damage or broken fencing
Clean up the carport and remove any unused/unwanted material from the front and rear yards
Assess your letterbox – if it has seen better days – replace it
Pressure clean driveways and paths
Internal:
1. Clean and declutter
First impressions count! Start packing now and remember less is more
Clear out all clutter and remove items you don’t regularly use
Remove personal items such as photographs and some ornaments
Donate items that you don’t use
Throw away items that are broken or damaged
Consider hiring a temporary storage unit for larger bulky furniture
Wash windows and surrounds
Clean and dust blinds
Wash or dry clean curtains
Clean and dust skirting boards
Clean appliances and store what you aren’t using
Straighten contents of your closets
2. Do a thorough maintenance check and repair problems
Any issues will be raised by a pest and building inspector which could affect your final sale price
Inspect your walls and floors for water damage
Check for plumbing leaks
Inspect windows for broken seals or cracks
Eradicate any signs of pests or insects
3. Eliminate odours
Place fresh flowers around or burn neutral scented candles. Avoid strong cooking odors or spraying
deodourisers around inspection times
4. Paint
The larger buyer demographic prefers neutral colours or a blank canvas – most buyers will not be fond of your treasured or bright coloured feature wall/s
When you paint remember to patch or repair any fixing holes
5. Finish projects & repairs
Complete any unfinished projects or necessary repairs to your home
Buyers like to move in without having to attend to any emergency or necessary repairs
If you have any small projects in the pipeline make sure you finish them in a short period of time
6. Flooring
Clean and scrub tiles
Shampoo carpets
Polish floorboards
Repair or replace damaged or worn areas
7. Replace and or repair broken fixtures and door/window hardware
Light fittings, replace globes, door handles, bathroom and laundry taps, cracked mirrors, repair or replace grout or sealant, shower screens, polish bathroom fittings – sparkling bathrooms make a big difference!
8. Create a welcoming entrance – remember first impressions will count on entry
Make sure the entrance door is in good state of repair – paint door and jamb – replace door hardware if needed
De-clutter the entrance and add an inviting welcoming mat
Clean and sweep away any leaves
9. Staging your home
This can be done by professionals or yourself with a little foresight
De-clutter and arrange your furnishings to give a more spacious feeling as buyers like to freely walk around your home and visualise their belongings in your home
Professional companies can offer several different rental staging options with the sale price outcome generally outweighing the fees
10. Open homes
Keep bench tops clear
Open all blinds and curtains to allow natural light inside
Keep pets away on open home days
Consider the temperature – leave a heater on in winter or the air conditioner on in summer
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