Obtaining the best price for your property is not only in YOUR interest but OURS also. Taking a little time to prepare your home for sale can make a significant difference to your sale price.

You know as well as we do that the best way to market a property is to fully communicate the best features of the home to the buying public. When people put their property on the market it is often time for a spruce-up.

First impressions are critical in decision making situations, especially when buying residential real estate. Studies have shown that potential purchasers have subconsciously reached their decision about a property within minutes of their first exposure. Bearing this in mind, it is essential that the vendor presents the property in the best possible light so that it will stand out from other available properties, thereby attracting more purchaser interest which could eventually result in greater buyer competition and a higher sale price.  Purchasing a home is a lifestyle decision, therefore vendors should endeavour to appeal to the senses of prospective buyers by creating a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring purchasers feel comfortable, encouraging them to spend more time inspecting and establishing empathy with the home. Having prepared hundreds of homes for sale, we have established that the following recommendations generally assist to achieve an inviting atmosphere.

Garden and Grounds

When it comes to preparing a property for sale, the gardens and grounds are usually considered at the last minute and only given cursory attention. But it should be remembered that first impressions are most important. The garden and surrounds are the first sight most prospective buyers will have of the property, and the garden can often set the tone of an inspection- so better make it a good one. A well presented garden should be part of the overall plan for the sale of a property. 

The Home Interior

As buyers become more discerning, the need for a comprehensive interior presentation is becoming more and more important. Selling property is very competitive and a professional interior presentation may mean the difference between a sale and no sale or a great result and an average one.

Remember, it's the little things that count.  Never apologise for the appearance of your home.  Your worry may be no concern to the prospective purchaser.

Major renovations or alterations may be unnecessary, so please consult with your agent before considering any major works.

There are many small ways of improving the overall presentation of your property that will increase appeal in the eyes of the buyer.

Inside Your Home

Clean houses make a tidy sum.  You need to remember that once your home is on the market you are living in a showroom.  Ensure it is always immaculately clean for open homes.  One unmade bed can unmake the sale.

Your home's two best selling points - the kitchen and bathroom - are the two rooms that buyers look closest at - Ensure they look their best. 

• Make sure the prospective buyers will have easy access to the entry of your home
• Remove all bills etc from the fridge door
• Clean exhaust fans, vents and rangehood
• Keep curtains and blinds open for maximum light
• Make homebuyers' faces light up - natural light is best, so open curtains to let in the light and the view.
• Remove and replace silicon that is showing mould or dirt
• Repair any cracks in plaster and repaint if necessary
• Tighten loose door knobs and oil hinges
• Un-clutter your home, create room by storing excess furniture
• Arrange furniture to give a better feeling of space and easy traffic flow from room to room
• Keep dirty washing out of sight
• Shampoo carpet if necessary
• Make sure all lights are working
• Wash walls and clean blinds
• Where there are bare globes install light fittings
• Remove dust, flies, moths from light fittings
• Have the kitchen clean and smelling fresh, no dishes on the sink
• Clear or organise clutter in cupboards
• Keep the stove sparkling and degrease the oven
• Keep bathrooms spotless, with fresh soap and neatly hung towels
• Touch up or repaint skirting boards, architraves & doorframes
• Ensure all bathroom tiles are shining
• Repair dripping taps and 'running' toilets
• Clean fireplace or  wood heater
• Open windows to ensure fresh air can flow into home
• Remove posters and photos to create a feeling of spaciousness
• Place pot plants in strategic spots - where space permits

Outside Your Home

Your first step is to walk outside.  How does the outside of your home present?

 The Test

If a buyer drives by will they stop and take a second look? 

Check the roof and guttering and prepare your garden so that it will be flourishing come time for the first open home.

• Prune any overhanging  shrubbery from paths and driveways
• Make sure all shrubs and trees are trimmed
• Clear all cobwebs
• Clean or paint gutters, fascia and down pipes
• Have the mailbox straight and in good order
• If your driveway is unsealed, spread a new layer of gravel (if viable)
• Mow the lawns and remove weeds
• Ensure the doorbell is working and/or shine the door knocker
• Fill any holes and clean off oil stains in the driveway
• Clean windows inside and out
• If any paint has  peeled, especially on windows, repaint
• Repair any broken windows/flyscreens, and ensure all open and close easily
• Lay fresh pine-bark if necessary
• Wash all weatherboards
• Wash or paint front door
• Remove any rubbish from gutters
• Straighten and repair all fences

Make sure you are not present during inspections as this may unsettle buyers.  They will feel inhibited with presence. The buyer may feel like an intruder and hurry through the house.

• Take the dog for a walk - pets may inhibit buyers, so when you have open house ensure carpets and furnishings are free of pet hair and take your pets for a walk while buyers inspect your home
• Plan any plant colour displays with annuals or shrubs to coincide with your sale
• Water the gardens and lawns a couple of hours prior to open homes
• A new coat of paint here and there can really make a difference to your sale price
• Try to maintain comfortable room temperatures throughout the house
• Have soft music playing and the fresh smell of coffee and scones or incense
• Open doors and windows and try to keep fresh flowers in the house during inspection times
• Reduce house clutter and wherever possible, maximise natural light
• Ensure all rubbish is removed from your property
• Try and brighten dull rooms with colourful accessories
• Set the scene.  Make sure the TV and radio are turned off
• Buyers will be trying to envisage themselves living in the homes they inspect and it's hard for them to do that when faced with the sellers personal items. Try to depersonalise your home as much as possible.