Preparing the Home for Sale

First impressions are lasting so the presentation of your property is critical in creating strong initial interest from potential purchasers. A good guide to styling your home is to remove everything that is not absolutely essential. Your agent will be able to advise you of any changes that should be made to your home that could add value or increase the attractiveness of your property.

Below are some simple suggestions that will improve the presentation of your property and help you achieve the highest possible price.

Outdoors

A bright and cheery home invites inspection.

Keep your lawn trimmed and edged and the flowerbeds cultivated.

Remove leaves from paths and verandas. Be sure that the windows are sparkling.

De-clutter

The most important task you can perform is to clear away clutter, clean surfaces and ensure all fixtures are operational. Remove any objects from the floor such as children’s toys which might cause accidents. Keep the front entrance and stairways clear.

Sparkling interior

Clean the walls, floors, skirting, and marks on the carpet or around light switches. Put clutter away neatly in cupboards, clear table and counter tops. A thorough house cleaning will give your home that well-kept look.

Flowers

Introducing fresh flowers throughout your home is a beautiful and attractive way to enliven the appearance of a room.

Odours

Refresh your house and remove any bad or strong odours.

Storage and closet space

Storage is an important feature. Remove all unnecessary articles that have accumulated.

Fix faults

Repair defects that can annoy buyers such as dripping taps, sticking doors, loose tiles etc.

Bedrooms

Neat orderly rooms look larger. Tidy up the bedroom for a spacious appearance. Keep all drawers and wardrobe doors closed and keep bedside tables free of bric-a-brac. It is essential that you have fresh sheets and avoid busy patterns on duvet covers.

Bathroom

Check and double-check your bathroom. Bright and clean bathrooms sell many houses. Ensure the bathroom is free of mildew, remove personal items and use a light scented room atomiser to make sure the bathroom smells fresh and inviting.

Lounge room

A minimal approach will always look cleaner and more importantly, spacious. Make sure the entire room is spotless and free from clutter. Particularly look at the top of the entertainment area and bookshelves. Make sure everything is free from dust and cords are neat and out of sight.

Kitchen

Clean the entire kitchen with special attention given to food preparation areas; the sink, oven, grill, and extractor fan. Make sure all food products are away from sight, clean shelves thoroughly and arrange stored goods attractively.

Colour

Solid light tones on the walls brought to life with just a couple of styled prints or wall hangings will look elegant.

Leave the house

Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The prospect will feel crowded and uncomfortable. Do not accompany the prospect or the sales agent during inspections of the property.

Remove animals from the house

Animals can get in the way and some people are allergic to, or don’t like animals.