Perry Beebe
20 Nov 14
When any home owner lists their property for sale, they want the best price possible subject to market conditions. Many achieve this, even in a poor market, while others struggle to get any interest. Some of this is attributable to market demand for the style of property and location but, in many instances, poor presentation is the culprit.
First impressions are vital. Some buyers will not even get out of the car if the outside of the property is shabby and unkempt. Overgrown gardens, fences needing repair, rubbish strewn around and torn or broken window coverings obvious from the street will see them drive past to the next inspection. The good news is that unless your property is a total renovator, some hard work will bring immediate dividends.
At All Residential Real Estate we advise our clients when they list their property with us to present a neat, tidy and uncluttered home for all inspections. We discuss the importance of first impressions, and we know that keeping a home spotless during the sale process is difficult for busy people, especially if they have children. However, to get a quick sale at the best price, here are the essentials.
Cobwebs anywhere must be removed. Hire a water blaster and clean tiled roofs, concrete paths or driveways, pool surrounds, timber decking, stucco or brickwork. Use a more gentle pressure to clean the rest of the outside, including any sheds. Weed the gardens, remove dead plants, replace broken garden edgings and do other general maintenance. Keep the lawns mowed and weed free.
De-clutter the entire inside of the home. Most of us have non-essential furniture and personal items that can be placed into secure storage. Buyers want to see the amount of space available, so they can imagine their possessions fitting in. Simple, clean lines in furniture with just a few accessories here and there allow them to do that.
Now that there is plenty of space, look for any paint chips on the walls. Paint is the cheapest way of making a property look fresh and new, so if the colours are old-fashioned or just shabby, grab some brushes and rollers and start painting. Choose neutral colours as strong colours do not appeal to everyone. Thoroughly clean the bathrooms and toilets, making sure there is no evidence of mould, discoloured grouting or unpleasant odours.
The state of the kitchen can make or break the sale. At the very least, it must be clean and uncluttered. Remove all the appliances from the bench tops, and make sure the sink, stove, range hood and refrigerator are all spotless and shiny. If the splashbacks look shabby, consider either re-grouting the tiles or replacing them completely.
On open day, hide pet bowls and take pets to visit a friend or relative for the duration. Open the windows to air the home several hours before, or if the weather does not permit, burn scented candles, but not during the inspection. Turn on lights to lift dark areas then leave it all in the hands of the professional agents from All Residential Real Estate.