First impressions do count. Make sure potential buyers fall in love with your house as soon as they see it. Always remember, most people find it hard to imagine things completed – so don’t leave anything to the potential purchaser’s mind. So, what can you do to improve your returns? Here is a list of suggestions: Street Appeal Fence: - If necessary replace slats, repair and repaint
Yard:
In the garden, ensure that:
- All lawns are mowed & fertilised
- All hedges are trimmed & edges are whipper-snipped
- Tree branches and plants are pruned as they may be blocking your best views and remove any dead foliage
- You use as much colour as possible during spring and summer; even the disinterested will be subconsciously impressed with a colourful garden.
- Drought resistant plants are installed in drier regions.
- Weed garden beds
- If you have a pool, it must be immaculately clean.
- Store away any gardening or pool equipment
Garage/Carport/Driveway - Clean any grease spots
- Make sure garage doors open freely
- Clean out any rubbish
Front Entrance - Repair or upgrade letterbox
- Make sure the front light works
- Ensure the doorbell and door locks are in working order
- Polish door handles and knocker
- Paint the front door if needed
- Replace mat
Roof and Trim - Clear the roof line and gutters of debris
- Consider painting even just the gutters, shutters, downpipes and railings
Inside Out On the inside, a house becomes a home and little things can mean a lot. To increase the house warming appeal of your home, it needs to be clean, clutter free and it needs to smell good. Consider storing away items not in everyday use to create more space. Windows & Doors - Oil hinges if they squeak
- Repair or replace damaged screens and windows
- Clean windows and blinds and make sure they are in working order
Floors & Carpets - Repair, replace or steam clean carpets and/or floor coverings
- Consider using rugs for problem areas
- Be aware of odours caused by dampness, pets or cigarette smoke
Bedrooms & Living Areas - Space will make your home easier to see and appear larger – get rid of clutter
- Arrange furniture, cushions and throws for maximum appeal
- Ensure any cracked walls or other surfaces are repaired – purchasers are likely to over-emphasise the cost of any minor repairs that could be attended to by you inexpensively.
Kitchen & Bathrooms - Clear bench tops and cupboards of clutter
- Clean taps, mirrors and appliances
- Hang fresh, colour co-ordinated towels
- Be aware of odours of dampness and garbage
Lighting - Bright lights can make a room appear larger
- Soft lights can fill the empty spaces for a cosy feel
- Repair all light switches. Consider dimmers in appropriate rooms such as dining room
Plumbing - Repair noisy or faulty toilets or leaking taps.
Equipment - Ensure all electrical or mechanical equipment is in working order. Stoves, heaters, air conditioners, security systems and smoke detectors.
Appeal to the senses - Buying is an emotional decision - your home will be purchased on look and feel. Once you have prepared your property visually, you could consider some additional touches.
- Use light to accentuate. Natural light can bring the outside in
- Play soft background music during inspections but turn off televisions or loud music
- If you are on a busy road, schedule inspections accordingly
- Grind a lemon in the garbage disposal unit
- Place fragrant fresh flowers around the house or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen
- Grind or brew some coffee, or bake a cake just before inspections
- If possible warm when it’s cool, and cool when it’s warm!
- Pets: you love them, but some buyers won't. Keep pets outside during open inspections. Some buyers may be afraid of animals and some will be allergic to them.
Open Home Ideas
In preparing for your open home inspection, consider the following: - Hold a garage sale and get rid of anything you don't need
- Always clean and tidy the dog area and take dog out during open times.
- Buy new towels for the bathroom and only display them at open times.
- Don’t forget the laundry – make sure your laundry baskets are tidy.
- If you are burning incense, make sure it is subtle.
- Turn on every light in the house.
- Make sure your property is appealing from the gate right through to the back yard.
- At the very least, make sure your property is tidy – inside and out. Consider hiring professional cleaners or gardeners.
- Fix Obvious Faults - Faults encourage buyers to look for more.
- Ensure all door surfaces are very clean – especially front doors and garage doors.
- Always keep the garage door shut during your selling campaign.
- Prune trees and shrubs if they are blocking your best views. Clean windows and screens add to the view.
Final Quick Tips - Remember to tell people you know that your home is for sale!
- Remember buyers can be timid so try not to be around during inspections, or if you are, try to be as inconspicuous as possible. Let our salesperson handle it all, they have lots of experience and that's what you are paying for.
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