Here's some great tips to help get your home ready for sale
First impressions really do count and that’s why it’s important that you thoroughly prepare your home for sale. We've pulled together this handy list which points out things potential buyers are most likely to notice. Walk around your home and take an objective look at everything in it – put yourself in the buyers' shoes
1. In general
Clean everything
Flowers are a nice touch
Eliminate clutter wherever possible as this creates the impression of spaciousness
2. Kitchen
The kitchen is often considered the most important room of the house, pay particular attention to the cleanliness, layout and storage
Make sure all appliances are spotless, odour-free and in good working condition
Polish chrome surfaces
Fix any dripping taps, loose cabinet hardware, and outdated or inefficient light fittings
Tidy out drawers and cabinets
3. Living and dining areas
Make your home feel warm and cosy – consider running the heater or heat pump prior to the open home if there is a chill in the air
Consider adding additional cushions and throw rugs on your sofa
Set your table with good china – important for your photo shoot
Turn on side lamps and increase the ambience
4. Storage
De-clutter! As a general rule take out half of what’s in the wardrobes and storage areas to make them look bigger
Remove excess furniture, even if it’s only temporarily, to make rooms seem as spacious as possible
Basement, attics and garages often end up as dumping grounds
Make sure these areas are well organised and give prospective clients the impressions that there’s plenty of room for all their furniture and personal items
5. Outside
Your buyers will make their initial assessment of your property as soon as they set eyes on it so it pays to tidy up the grounds and create a neat and tidy entrance
Mow the lawns, weed the gardens, trim back overgrown trees and shrubs
Sweep up leaves and clean debris out of your gutters
6. Walls and ceilings
Repair any cracks in the walls or ceilings and repaint if necessary
Strip outdated wall paper and replace or paint
Clean finger marks off high-traffic areas and get rid of cobwebs
7. Windows
Clean windows inside and out
Replace cracked glass, broken sashes and cords
Remove and store any net curtains
Open curtains to let in as much light as possible, especially if the view is a feature
Wash or dryclean curtains or drapes if required
8. Floors
Carpeting has a major impact on the look of a home
Vacuum thoroughly or have it professionally cleaned
If it is badly worn, outdated or stained, consider having it replaced
Check if wooden floors need to be refurbished
Clean tile floors, and repair or replace cracked tiles
9. Paint
Take a good look at the paint on the inside and outside of your home. If it is cracking, peeling or chipping you need a fresh coat for your exterior. It may cost you a bit of time and money but may elevate your home from “fixer-upper” to “move in and enjoy.”
Choose colours that are appropriate to the style of your house and that blend in well with the neighbourhood
10. Roof
Buyers will pay close attention to its condition
Paint corrugated iron or clean tiles, fix leaky corroded downpipes and gutters. Inside, a watermarked ceiling is a sign to buyers that the roof has leaked - even if the cause has been repaired
11. Open homes
If you choose to have open homes, we recommend you and your pets are absent while they take place as this puts buyers at ease