12 steps to successful selling
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Street appeal is priceless
As they say in the classics, you only get one chance at a first impression. Make an honest appraisal of your home’s street appeal (or get a friend’s opinion) and make a list of what needs doing. Those first glances can make all the difference. Weed the path, mow the lawn, paint the front fence or get a new letterbox. Little things can add up to a big sale price.
Consider professional property styling
Potential buyers like to imagine themselves living in your home. A property stylist knows the real estate market and how to bring out the best features of your property.
A fresh coat
A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most economical way to make your place look a million dollars. It may just be a feature wall or the front fence. Don’t rush though, sometimes a bad paint job is worse than none at all.
Put your place in the best light
You can’t beat natural light. It makes for a more upbeat and positive atmosphere. Plus, it’s free! Make sure you open the curtains and raise the blinds.
Declutter
It’s easy to get used to clutter. Cast a fresh eye over every room and remove clutter from rooms and arrange furniture to add to spaciousness.
Clean, clean and clean again
Remember, your house can’t be too clean for an inspection. That includes windows and floors. Make sure you leave plenty of time for the floors to dry before inspection time.
Make all those minor repairs
Whether you can make the repairs yourself or get a handyman in, it’s worth every cent to fix loose guttering, replace missing door handles or chipped tiles. It’s often the little things that put a buyer off.
There’s something in the air
Close your eyes and smell the coffee. On inspection day, brew fresh coffee, buy some fresh flowers or bake some bread to unleash the power of smell.
Not everyone’s a cat/dog person
Of course you love your pet, but the safest thing to do on inspection day is to have a friend look after them. Put their beds, toys, bowls away too.
Nothing personal, but…
Everyone’s tastes are different and that’s great, but if you have a room full of stuffed animals or a full Star Wars collection on display, you may want to pack those items away for the day.
The kitchen is the heartbeat
The kitchen is the heart of every home so be sure to make it as warm and welcoming as possible. Put a full bowl of fruit on display, some stools under the bench and make sure your stainless steel appliances are gleaming.
Make the bathroom beautiful
A clean, airy bathroom with fresh towels on the rack and a scented candle burning send a great message. Like the kitchen, it’s a room that comes under a lot of scrutiny. Any dampness or signs of mould can be a contract killer.
Make a splash with an amazing pool
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, make sure it’s crystal clear and presented in its best light with pool toys and leaf scoopers put away.
