Increasing the sale value of your property
First impressions do count. Make sure potential purchasers fall in love with your house as soon as they see it.
Street Appeal
Fence:
- Replace slats, repair and repaint
Yard:
- Mow, trim and fertilise the lawn
- Plant flowers for colour and appeal
- Weed
- Replace dead trees or plants with fast growing native shrubs to attract birds
- Store away any gardening or pool equipment
Garage/Carport/Driveway:
- Clean up any grease spots
- Ensure garage doors open freely
- Clean out any rubbish
Front Entrance:
- Repair or upgrade letterbox
- Make sure front light works
- Ensure doorbell is in working order
- Ensure lock is in good working order
- Polish door handles and knocker
- Paint front door
- Replace mat and add a pot of flowers
Roof and Trim:
- Clear the roof line and gutters of debris
- Repair shingles, tiles or cracks
- Consider painting even just the gutters, shutters, downpipes and railings
Inside Out
On the inside, a house becomes a home and little things can mean a lot. To increase the house warming appeal of your home, it needs to be clean, clutter free and it needs to smell good. Consider storing items not in everyday use for more space.
Doors and windows:
- Oil hinges if they squeak
- Repair or replace damaged screens and windows
- Increase natural light by cutting back trees and shrubs from windows
- Clean windows and blinds and make sure they are in working order
Floors & Carpets:
- Repair, replace or clean carpets and/or floor coverings
- Consider rugs for problem areas
- Be aware of odours caused by dampness, pets or cigarette smoke
Storage:
- Good clear storage areas appeal to people
- Remove clutter and keep closets and cupboards tidy
Living Areas & Bedrooms:
- Space will make your home appear larger – get rid of clutter
- Arrange furniture, cushions and throws for maximum appeal
- Add candles and flowers
Kitchen & Bathrooms:
- Clear bench tops and cupboards of clutter
- Polish faucets, mirrors and appliances
- Hang fresh, colour co-ordinated towels
- Be aware of odours of dampness and garbage
Lighting:
- Bright lights can make a room appear larger
- Soft lights can fill the empty spaces for a cosy feel
- Repair all light switches. Consider dimmers in appropriate rooms such as dining room
Plumbing:
- Re-enamel or replace badly chipped or stained features
- Repair noisy or faulty toilets or leaking taps. Repair sprinkler system
Equipment:
- Ensure all electrical or mechanical equipment is in working order. Stoves, heaters, air conditioners, security systems and smoke detectors.
Appealing to the senses
Your home will be purchased on look and feel. Once you have prepared your property visually, consider some additional touches.
- Use light to accentuate. Natural light to bring the outside in and lamps can light dark areas
- If you have a fireplace, build a fire and in winter have a log burning
- Play soft background music during inspections
- If you are on a busy road, schedule inspections accordingly
- Grind a lemon in the garbage disposal unit
- Place fragrant fresh flowers all around the house
- Grind or brew some coffee, or bake a cake just before inspections
- Light soft candles or essential oil vaporizers
Remember - warm when it’s cool, cool when it’s warm (if you can) and sparkle wherever you can!
Good luck with your sale!
Selling Tips
