Look at your property through the eyes of potential buyers: is it fresh, clean, well-maintained and ready
to move into? People will pay more for a property that is. There are some things you can do to make
your place as attractive as possible – you can spend as little or as much as you like preparing you
home for sale.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FIRST Think about kerb appeal – how attractive your property looks from the street. Stand outside and take a good look at your property. For a few hundred dollars and a few weekend hours of work, you can increase your sales price by thousands. Mulch the front garden and plant shrubs or flowers. Clean the shutters, window frames and door and give them a fresh lick of paint. Repair and tidy any steps, railings or paths. Remove dirt and cobwebs. Sweep the verandah, oil the timber if it’s worn and put out a bench or a table with a few chairs. A shiny new house number is a great finishing touch.
FOLLOW THE NEUTRAL RULE Think of your place as a display home – a blank canvas for curious eyes. Remember that bold feature walls, overbearing décor and unusual furniture may suit your own tastes but may put people off when they’re trying to envision their own space. Aim for a neutral look. Paint your walls a neutral tone, clear away clutter to show off bare floors and bench tops and use fresh white bed linen.
REMOVE ALL MESS Prospective buyers often baulk at the sight of mess or personal items. Be ruthless: eliminate dirty dishes and clothes, chewed dog toys, bills on the fridge, holiday photos and family keepsakes. Create an open, uncluttered space by storing some furniture and décor elsewhere – even if you have to rent a storage place for a couple of months. Clear out and organise your cupboards and closets. This makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves moving in and living there. When a buyer makes an emotional connection to the property and this makes it easier for you to sell.
PAINT IT GRAND Paint is one of fastest, easiest and cheapest ways you can transform your home. If any areas of your home are looking drab, grab a brush and start painting or call in some professional help. This can add thousands to your final sale price.
CARE FOR YOUR KITCHEN You can make fairly minor, inexpensive repairs and cosmetic changes to your kitchen to transform it into a warm, inviting, modern space. Paint tired, old-fashioned cabinets white or a light neutral colour. Update the handles and knobs. Replace the taps with a simple clean set. Paint or replace splashbacks. Re-grout tiles. Scrub every centimeter of the kitchen – even the ceiling. Dress the benchtops with a bright bowl of fruit or flowers.
BRIGHTEN YOUR BATHROOM No prospective buyer will forgive a dirty bathroom. Scrub every surface. Whiten old tile grout with a grouting pen. Paint walls a white or neutral shade. Repair or replace old taps, handles and towel rails. Display clean rolled up towels. Use a fragrant candle, small vase of fresh flowers or French soap for a sophisticated look.
LET THE LIGHT IN To make your home seem bright and spacious, bring in natural light wherever you can. Clean and open blinds and curtains. Trim any greenery that’s blocking your windows and wash windows from both sides. Replace heavy drapes with lighter ones. Put up mirrors to reflect light into darker areas. Rooms seem brighter and more welcoming with lamplight, but avoid dimness by choosing 100-watt globes at least. But don’t turn on every light in your house – think about what makes the space bright and welcoming without being overly harsh.
SMELLS LIKE ROSES Often we’re so used to the smells of smoke, food or pets in our own place that we don’t notice them. Prospective buyers can turn their noses up at your place if they’re confronted by odours. Ask a friend or family member to step into your home and give you their honest opinion. Thoroughly air it out. Clean all your soft furnishings. Vacuum all pet hair and take your pets away when you have an open home. Put out fresh coffee, flowers or scented candles.
SCORE OUTDOORS Australians often see an outdoor space as another room. Pay attention to your garden. Fix fences. Hose down paths and pavers. Remove the old clothesline and any rubbish. Oil decks and outdoor furniture. Plant some new plants. Add mulch or soil to garden beds and pots so they look full and appealing.
