Making the decision to sell your property is a private and can be a (dare it be said)…even stressful’ journey at times. With perhaps years of family memories, this isn’t just any house that you’ve decided to part with, but your home. In fact they say that the top three most stressful events in life are, planning a wedding, attending a funeral and yes you guessed it…moving house. This may sound a tad dramatic, none the less it’s entirely true.
With this in mind, what can you do to make it as painless a process as possible?
Well first and foremost is to partner up with a professional – there are numerous agents out there making endless promises to gain a listing. So how do you choose the right business partner for what could possibly be one of the biggest transactions you ever make?
If you truly want ‘the edge’ in real estate know-how and experience then your first and only call should be to us. After which there are several other things that can be done to improve your home…read on and learn some great inexpensive ideas, leading to a speedier and perhaps even more profitable sale.
Clean Home – this is your number one priority
For some unknown reason other people’s mess always looks worse than your own. From the moment prospects arrive they are making an internal commentary on everything they see.
It may not seem fair, but a peek in the oven may be the hallmark by which a buyer judges how well you have maintained your home. Consider how your home smells. Smokers and dog owners beware; nothing makes a buyer want to get out of a property quicker than stale air. Room deodorisers, a bowl of potpourri and open windows will all help. Keep your pets out of the way, preferably out of the house. Let the agent and buyer talk undisturbed.
Ensure that your storage areas are tidy and remove materials that may be offensive to others who may not share your same views, beliefs or sense of humour. Most importantly don’t take this last point to heart, it isn’t personal. We’re all different and remember the main goal here is to sell your property so you can move onto the next stage.
Make sure all doors operate quietly and smoothly and that all latches and locks work. Ceilings can make a room look small and shabby. Ensure cornices and ceilings are clean and not cracked, if necessary give them a fresh coat of paint. Check the plumbing and replace any leaking tap washers.
Gardens and lawns should be well presented; rubbish should be disposed of, paths kept clean, toys and garden tools stored away. Make sure the garbage and recycling bins are unobtrusive and tidy. Clean the barbeque and outside entertainment areas. Make them look attractive and potential buyers will picture their own family and friends enjoying spending time here.
Clean and tidy your garage and storage areas. Remove any oil stains from the garage floor and the driveway. This is a great opportunity to get rid of any unwanted items. Why not have a garage sale and make a bit of money, or perhaps donate them to your favourite charity. Check your pool and its surrounds. Make sure there are no cracks and that it meets the legal requirements for safety fencing. Young families with kids will especially be taking note here.
Create a vision – allow the buyer to visualise themselves living here
Too much clutter can be a distraction, making it harder for potential buyers to achieve that concept. If you have too much furniture, consider putting some of it in storage temporarily. On the other hand, if you haven’t got enough furniture, you could always rent some.
There are a large number of businesses out there providing home furnishing rentals, so it’s a matter of doing a little research. For inspiration and ideas, you could always visit a homemaker centre or consult a professional property stager.
Let the sun shine in. Dark houses are rather gloomy, so pull back the drapes, open those blinds or switch on a few lights. A bright house could make it the right house.
Define living spaces – having a ‘living room/office/guest room’ is not a good selling point
In fact not having an obvious purpose for a room could be a negative to potential buyers as it makes the room seem less useful. Rearrange furniture to create focus areas inside of a larger room and define the spaces by presenting a good layout.
Storage space is a great bonus in any home. Try to give the impression that your home has lots of it. Neat, well organised cupboards will show the space is ample.
Power of Paint – renew the life of your home with a fresh coat
Painting is an inexpensive and easy way to give a room a makeover. You can paint a room in less than a day. If a room is in need of a fresh coat of paint, use a neutral off-white. Provide a blank canvas for them to create their vision. Light colours make rooms seem larger and definitely freshen them up.
Security – ensure your valuables are kept safe
As there will be an influx in the number of visitors to your home whilst on the market, be sure to put away any valuables. To avoid any confusion or upsetting surprises when you return, it would be wise to put these items in a safe place before showing your home.
Setting the mood – make your visitors feel welcome
On open house days, give your home a welcoming feeling by putting out some fresh flowers and fresh guest towels in the bathroom. Place scented potpourri around the house or better yet, pop a batch of ready-made biscuits into the oven for that homely aroma.
A warm, comfortable heated home on cold days adds a feeling of cosiness and welcome. On a hot day make sure your home is well ventilated and cool.
As your property consultants, our team is dedicated to secure the best selling price possible and therefore we make it our business to know potential buyers’ requirements, which places us in a better position to emphasize your homes features to them. We will also avoid having too many people present during inspections, allowing prospective purchasers a real opportunity to explore what could be their new home.