For most of us our home is our greatest asset, so it makes very good sense to care for and nurture it. Ongoing upkeep and regular maintenance over the years will pay off in spades when the time comes to sell.
But maybe you’re like many of us whose intentions of regular home maintenance are genuine, but LIFE just gets in the way! And now you’re thinking about selling! So, what should you do next?
A PROPERTY THAT PRESENTS AS BEING LOVED AND RESPECTED BY ITS OWNERS CAN BE VERY APPEALING TO BUYERS, OFTEN IMPROVING THE SELLING PRICE AND ITS TIME ON THE MARKET!
So your job now is to create an extremely well presented home to attract the best possible buyer so that you can achieve the best possible price.
Firstly, DO YOUR RESEARCH on what is currently selling in your area and at what price. If you’re unsure, ask a trusted real estate agent to help you with this. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the market you’re selling in, and to have a good idea of what your home is really worth, before you list it for sale.
START THINKING LIKE YOUR BUYER
Buyers are often busy and pushed to their financial limits and can be inspired by the idea that all the hard work is already done. These buyers will often pay more – provided the work is WELL DONE.
A home that is completed, inviting, effortlessly livable, and well maintained, is a great foundation for optimising your return.
AUDIT & ACTION
Get started by auditing, recording and crossing off the jobs to be done – front & back, inside & out.
Sellers often overlook the huge importance of the EXTERNAL APPEARANCE of their home. It is the very first impression your buyers will get, so having a well-maintained and well-presented exterior will encourage enthusiasm for what’s to come. So, let’s start our audit checklist outside.
- FRONT: lawn, garden, weeds, cobwebs, driveway, paving (pressure clean if necessary), walls, fences, front door, etc
- REAR & SIDE: lawn, garden, weeds, cobwebs, decks, paving (pressure clean if necessary) pergola, BBQ, walls, fences, rubbish bin storage, etc
- ROOF: does it require any repairs? check gutters, eaves and down-pipes – are they rust & debris free? check solar panels are secure and working effectively, etc
- POOL: is the surrounding fence compliant? (If unsure engage the services of a professional), is the equipment working efficiently, are there any broken tiles to be repaired, etc
- GARAGE: clear out rubbish, furniture & chattels, clean cupboards, clean (paint) floor, etc
- ELECTRICAL: get an electrician to check tired wiring &/or fittings
Next you need to build on your home’s personality and show off the INTERNAL SPACES in a way that will emotionally connect with potential buyers –
- Repair and paint INTERNAL WALLS, CEILINGS, WOODWORK AND DOORS where needed. Also consider neutralising any bold internal feature walls
- Check & repair FLOORING, check for audible squeaks, replace carpets if needed
- DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER! If your home is cluttered it won’t look well maintained and will also distract buyers
- DEPERSONALISE! This can be a tough one, but buyers need to imagine themselves in this home, not be side-tracked by your memories and personal items
- REARRANGE FURNITURE to open-up spaces and provide ease of access throughout the home. Think about storing extra large pieces of furniture in a storage facilty.
- Clear unnecessary clutter in KITCHEN CUPBOARDS, ROBES & BATHROOMS
- Check and thoroughly clean APPLIANCES (replace if necessary)
- Clear BENCH TOPS AND TABLES
- MAXIMISE LIGHT: consider removing heavy curtains, ensure light from windows is not concealed by large pieces of furniture, clean windows, clean skylights, clean light fittings and lamps, ensure all light fittings are operating to full effect
- Check PLUMBING in kitchen and bathrooms (and garden if applicable)
- Check that SMOKE ALARMS are operating and compliant
- Order a TERMITE INSPECTION (forewarned is forearmed!)
- At this stage you might also consider having a BUILDING INSPECTION Although this may feel like you’re asking for trouble, chances are that your buyer will want to get one done anyway so, to be able to produce your own demonstrates that you have nothing to hide and will quite likely boost potential buyers’ confidence
STYLING A PROPERTY FOR SALE
Styling needs to be done in a way that appeals to a broad market, providing an inviting, harmonious feel throughout. If you’re confident enough to do it yourself, hats off to you! But if not, there are several property styling specialists who are trained and experienced in presenting your home at its absolute best – expect cost to be in the $2500 to $4500 range depending on needs and the size of the property (and time on market).
IT’S SHOW TIME!
Your home now looks as you’ve always wished it would! But, don’t despair, all the recent hard work has been for an even greater cause – improving your asset. The first open inspection is imminent so all you need to do is ensure –
- The house is SPARKLING CLEAN inside and out and appearing well maintained
- Bathroom tiles are free of mould, shower screens are translucent
- Windows sparkle, hard floors shine, carpets and soft furnishings are clean
- Any overpowering odours are long gone
- Lawns are mowed, gardens are manicured
- Outdoor paving and decking are weed free and spotless
- ALL lights and lamps are turned on
- Scented candles are lit
BEST OF LUCK – YOU DESERVE IT!