Before you begin preparing your property for sale it’s a good idea to engage with a real estate agent. An agent can provide valuable advice on preparing your home to appeal to your target market, ensuring any time and money spent on your property adds appeal and value. A real estate agent is able to view your property with a fresh set of eyes, without the emotion of a home owner and consider what might increase buyer appeal. Spending some time preparing your home for sale can assist to get the best possible price for your property in the shortest possible time.
Presentation, cleanliness and maintenance are all very important when marketing and opening properties to potential purchasers. A buyer will be more attracted to a well presented, clean, tidy and well maintained home. Any minor maintenance evident may leave buyers thinking that these are just the sign of bigger, underlying problems. Maintenance issues or potential problems that may compromise the sale of your property should be taken care of before advertising your property for sale. A professional building inspection can help you to identify any maintenance issues that need to be taken care of, so they don’t compromise the sale of your property. It is advisable for owners of swimming pools to arrange for an inspection and safety compliance certificate, to identify and rectify any non-compliances prior to advertising the property, as this can also be an issue that might compromise a sale.
I have prepared some suggestions below which may improve the presentation and appeal of your property. If you would like a free, no obligation appraisal and/or some advice on preparing your property for sale please contact me, Kathryn on 0414 838 405. I’d be more than happy to help.
De-cluttering and Cleaning
- Remove as many items from benchtops as possible and place into cupboards or storage.
- Start packing non-essential items and furniture ready for moving and place them in storage. This will help to make spaces appear larger.
- De-personalise the home by removing photos on display, removing magnets from the fridge, and reduce ornamental display pieces to a minimum. This helps buyers to imagine the home as their own.
- Put any valuables such as jewellery away in a safe place prior to any photography or open inspections.
- Clean all surfaces including windows.
- Wash curtains and clean window coverings.
- Make the inside as light as possible prior to photography or open inspections by opening all window coverings and shades during the day, or turning on all lights for evenings.
Outside Cleaning and Gardening
- Remove weeds from gardens, paths and driveway.
- Mow the lawn.
- Consider if a few new plants will enhance the appeal of the yard.
- Prune trees and shrubs.
- Remove any rubbish and clutter around the yard.
- Remove oil stains from driveway.
- Remove spider webs and dust from external walls, window sills and under eaves.
- Check the gutters are clean and not overflowing with leaves or weeds growing in them.
- Sweep front and rear porch and mop if tiled.
Maintenance
- Fix any cracks or dents internal and external.
- Consider repainting to freshen any areas, especially if they are particularly stained or the paint is old and flaking.
- Repair any leaking taps.
- Repair or replace any damaged or worn flooring. Consider having carpet professionally cleaned to freshen it, especially if it is stained.
- Repair any loose or damaged wiring, switches or power points.
- Replace and blown globes and repair or replace any damaged light fittings.
- Oil any squeaking door hinges.
- Repair or replace any damaged or worn stairs.
- Replace any broken or cracked glass eg windows, mirrors and doors.
- Check all fixed appliances are in good working order eg oven, stove, dishwasher, air conditioning, exhaust fans.
- Repair or replace any damaged window fittings or coverings.
- Regularly open windows when you are home to air out the house and discreetly place a few air fresheners or bowls of potpourri around the house to leave it smelling fresh and clean.
- Repair or replace any damaged fencing or gates.
- Repair or remove any known safety hazards internal and external.
- Ensure there are no tripping hazards internal and external.