PREPARING  YOUR  HOME  FOR  SALE

Your Property’s Exterior

“Increase Your Property’s External Appearance and Value”

First impressions are important and the first thing a potential purchaser sees when visiting your property is its exterior. The following tips will help you increase your property’s kerb side appeal and assist in creating that significant and lasting “First impression”.

Fence

• Replace any missing slats, stakes or posts.
• Ensure the fence is stable and if necessary re-paint or stain.

Yard

• Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn.
• Remove weeds and replace any dead plants or trees.
• Plant some flowers to add colour, fragrance and appeal.
• Remove any garbage or unnecessary items.

Garage, Carport, Driveway

• Preferably the view of your home should not be obstructed by parked cars, boats or other vehicles in the driveway.
• Ensure that the garage door opens freely and any automatic controls are functioning properly.
• Clean any surfaces that have been stained by grease or oil spats.

 Front Entrance

• Ensure porch lights are working.
• Make sure the house number is easy to see, cut back bushes etc.
• Replace worn or broken items egg: rusty doorbell or an unsightly mailbox.

 Roof and Gutters

• Remove any debris such as tree branches and leaves.
• Consider painting the highlight features of your home such as shutters, gutters, down pipes and railings.

Your Property’s Interior

“Creating a Homely Feel”

Experience has shown that creating a homely atmosphere inside your property increases its desirability. You need to view your home with a critical eye. Clean, complete minor repairs and add finishing touches.

Doors and Windows

• Consider a fresh coat of paint or stain to your front door.
• Ensure door locks work properly and polish any fittings.
• Repair /replace bent or damaged screens and window glass.
• Increase natural light by cutting back outdoor plants & trees.
• Clean windows and curtains/drapes/blinds and ensure they are in working order.

Floors and Carpets

• Repair, replace or clean any floor coverings.
• Be conscious of odours caused by dampness or pets.
• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

• Ensure living areas are clean and free of clutter.
• Situate your furniture to provide a spacious atmosphere.
• Make beds, dust shelves and touch up walls with paint where necessary.
• Finish off the living areas with flowers or candles to add to the appeal.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Clean mirrors, faucets, soap dishes and appliances.
• Clean bench tops, drawers and cabinets of any clutter.
• Hang freshly washed towels in the bathroom.
• Be aware of odours caused by dampness, garbage and various goods.

Garage

• Store items neatly in shelving or wall units.
• Allow appropriate space for the buyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench.
• Consider moving excess or larger items into mini-storage.
• Ensure garage floor is clean and free of grease.

Tips For Showing Your Home

“Appeal to the purchasers senses”

Remember your home will be judged not only on its external appearance, but also on the feelings it evokes in those who view it. Once you have prepared your home for sale, keep a check list of items to help showcase your property.

Sight

• Use ample light to show case your home.
• Open curtains, drapes and blinds to allow outside light along with internal lighting accentuate an auspicious atmosphere.
• Remove any potentially offensive posters or signs.

Sound

• Consider playing soft background music while people tour your home.
• If there is any exterior noise, such as heavy traffic or nearby construction, work with your sales agent to schedule viewings around noisy times of the day.

Smell

• Fresh flowers not only look great but can add a pleasant fragrance.
• Soft-scented candles and potpourri can also smell agreeable.
• Brewing some coffee before each inspection (freshly ground is the best).  The aroma creates pleasant associations for the buyer.

Touch

• Your home should appear livable.
• Make sure the house is a comfortable temperature.

Taste

• Baking cakes, cookies or bread before showing the home adds a wonderful scent to the home.

General

• To ensure your safety, remember to remove any keys, jewellery and other valuables from sight during inspections.
• Be sure to share necessary information with your sales agent and potential home buyers.
• If your property is to be sold by auction, don’t discuss with friends or neighbours what you will accept as an offer to purchase.
• Make a list of items to be excluded from the sale of your property and wherever possible, remove them from the property prior to showing.