Presentation is one of the most important factors in selling your home and achieving the highest price. The following ten tips are a guide to attract prospective buyers and maximise your homes sale price when preparing for professional photography and home viewings.
De-clutter
Ruthlessly remove unnecessary items from your home so that it presents like a new display home. Clutter will make it harder for potential buyers to look beyond your furniture and trinkets and at the home.
Spring Clean
No matter what season it is, give your home a thorough spring clean. Ensure the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle, wash walls, clean door and window tracts and clean windowpanes inside and out. Consider also having your carpets professionally shampooed, as every little bit of sparkle will certainly help sell your property.
Sparkling Bathrooms
A sparkling bathroom that looks like it has never been used is the key to attract potential buyers. Remove everyday items such as shampoo bottles, used soap cakes, loofahs and toothbrushes etc. Instead set out fresh towels, new pretty soaps and brand new toilet paper rolls.
First Impressions
Create a positive first impression by delighting prospective buyers senses. You can even go so far as to have a pot of coffee brewing in the kitchen, have something sweet baking in the oven or spray a subtle home fragrance. It is critical to make sure the house is cool in summer and warm in winter. Switch on all lamps and lights so your home shines.
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can make a huge difference to the overall appeal of a room. Choose fresh flowers that compliment the colour and style of the room and don’t over do it, two or three vases strategically placed throughout your home will create a sweet smelling and inviting atmosphere.
Pets
While a valued part of the family, pets may deter potential buyers. During home viewings take pets away from your home. Hide litter trays and pet bowls and make sure there is no trace of fur on carpets and furniture.
Banish Bad Smells
Animal, cigarette and strong food odours are well-known turn offs to potential buyers. Plan ahead to rid these smells from your home while it is on the market.
Flourishing Gardens
For some buyers the garden is just as important as the home. Get lawns into shape by applying a good fertiliser several weeks before going to market and ensure lawns are regularly mowed and edged. Apply black mulch to garden beds that are empty or tired and add some colourful annuals to fill in any gaps and create instant life. Ensure swimming pools are crystal clear and weeds are removed from paved areas. A light spray of water just before a viewing will give a garden a fresh appeal.
Organised Cupboards
Don’t be surprised that some buyers will open cupboards during inspections. Organised cupboards and storage will show potential buyers that your home has a place for everything and avoids items tumbling out onto them.
Last Minute Checklist
Even organised sellers will be frantic right before a home viewing and may forget the little things. Don’t forgot to remove washing from the line, empty rubbish bins, empty the dishwasher and to secure your valuables. The car is the perfect spot to hide last minute items.
