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 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 & remove any unused/ unwanted material from the front & rear yards
Assess your letterbox – if it has seen better days – replace it
Pressure clean driveways & paths
Internal:
1/ Clean & declutter – first impressions count! Start packing now & remember less is more.
Clear out all clutter and remove items you don’t regularly use.
Remove personal items such as photographs& some ornamentals.
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 & surrounds
Clean & dust blinds
Wash or dry clean curtains
Clean & dust skirting boards
Clean appliances & store what you aren’t using
Straighten contents of your closets
Pressure clean driveways & paths
2. Do a thorough maintenance check & repair problems – any issues will be raised by a pest &building
inspector & 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
Wash or dry clean curtains
Clean & dust skirting boards
Clean appliances & store what you aren’t using
Straighten contents of your closets
Pressure clean driveways & paths
3. Eliminate odors
Place fresh flowers around or burn neutral scented candles. Avoid strong cooking odors or spraying
deodorizers 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 & scrub tiles,
Shampoo carpets
Polish floorboards
Repair or replace damaged or worn areas
7. Replace and or repair broken fixtures & door/window hardware
Light fittings, replace globes, door handles, bathroom & 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 & jamb – replace door hardware if needed.
Declutter the entrance & add an inviting welcoming matt
Clean & sweep away any leaves brought in by the wind
9. Staging your home
This can be done by professionals or yourself with a little foresight
Declutter & arrange your furnishings to give a more spacious feeling as buyers like to freely walk around your home & visualize their belongings in your home.
Professional companies can offer several different rental staging options with the sale price outcome usually out weighing the fees.
10. Open homes
Keep bench tops clear
Open all blinds & 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 if it its summer