First Impressions
Once you have decided to sell your home we need to bring as many potential buyers through your front door as possible. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so by looking after a few simple tasks around the house you are setting the scene for as much captivating interest as possible and a forth-coming successful sale.
Street appeal
There’s nothing more important than presentation, and street appeal is the first thing potential buyers will take note of. Make sure your garden is always in pristine condition – lawns mowed, footpaths swept and gardens weeded. If you think the area is looking a little tired, mulching the garden beds and planting some fresh shrubs or flowering plants will be a small and wise investment. Some fertilizer and water on the lawn will bring it back to life while a few potted plants near the front door can also be a nice touch. Remember that your front fence is one of the first and last things a buyer will notice: does it need repairing or a splash of paint? Will your front gate greet visitors with broken or squeaking hinges that could easily be fixed?
Cheerful greetings
Once a buyer is about to enter your home, avoid greeting them with a shabby front door and dirty windows. A little paint and some window cleaner
could make all the difference. Check all your windows and screens, fixing any cracks or holes, and make sure they are all in working order. Don’t forget to also do a sweep for cobwebs and wash down any extra grime or mould and mildew on any outside walls.
Out the back
Pay the same amount of attention to your backyard, cleaning up unsightly spots or piles of garden rubbish. Make sure that any play equipment, cubby house or outdoor furniture is scrubbed down, in good repair and looks inviting for any families who may inspect your property. If you have a swimming pool, ensure it’s clean and the water is sparkling so you don’t give buyers the impression that upkeep and maintenance is too much of a chore. The garage and garden shed are other areas that are often full of clutter. Do yourself a favour and dispose of the excess junk now – not when it comes time to move.
Spring Cleaning
There’s no better time to hold a Spring Cleaning session than when you decide to place your house on the market. Well before you plan to hold your first inspection, take time to de-clutter, scrub the place and get everything in good working order.
Buyers will always look for any negatives in a property so you need to present them with as few as possible. If your floors are scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. A well placed rug can do wonders for worn carpet and a fresh coat of paint on areas like skirting boards may be all you need.
Don’t let little problems like dripping taps and burnt-out light bulbs detract from all the things a buyer will love inside your home. Buyers would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how wonderful it could be with just “a little work”.
Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms that help sell your home so make sure potential buyers go away with a good impression. In the bathroom, check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. Give everything a good scrub to leave the taps, tiles and floor sparkling. Display your best towels, mats and shower curtains and ensure there are no dirty clothes or towels in sight. It’s also a good idea to ensure the bathroom is as uncluttered as possible to make the room seem larger.
The kitchen is another room which should be kept spotless and uncluttered. Buyers will be keen to know how much storage space is available so give your cupboards a clean out if they are too full. It’s often a good idea to pack away least-used items now so that you give the impression of more room. Store any packed boxes with a friend or relative.
Colourful linen and clean curtains will make a difference in the bedrooms whilst a few well placed cushions on the bed and some fresh prints on the walls will create an inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget that buyers often look in the wardrobes and the more neatly they’re organised, the more appealing they will appear. Now’s the time to box up those unwanted clothes and shoes and donate them to a worth-while charity.
Helping the Sale
Before spending needless time and money on renovations or repairs, consult your Knobel & Davis sales specialist for their professional opinion on how their plans and ideas will improve your chances of a sale and maximise the expected selling price of your home.
Think safety. Home owners often learn to live with all kinds of self-made hazards, like extension leads, low hanging overhead lights and toys on the staircase, however it is important to make sure there is nothing likely to catch uninitiated visitors.
De-clutter... less is best. It makes the home feel cleaner and larger. Remove any items you don’t intend to be part of the sale - a special light fitting for example – before you have any inspections.
Don’t turn your home into a second-hand store. When prospects come to view your property, don’t distract them with offers to buy the furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.
Potential buyers should be able to feel comfortable when inspecting a property - they can’t achieve this or speak freely, openly and honestly to the agent if the owners are present, so try not to be around for inspections or open homes.
Your Knobel & Davis sales specialist will find it easier to discuss the benefits of your home if you stay in the background. When prospective buyers want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them speak in privacy with your agent. The Knobel & Davis team have all the necessary skills and qualifications to discuss these matters on your behalf with the buyer and bring negotiations to a favourable outcome.
On Inspection Day
• Check that all rooms have been cleaned and tidied, the beds have been made and that there are no dirty clothes or dishes scattered around the house. Use strategically positioned fresh flowers to add a little warmth, perfume and colour.
• Rock and roll will never die, however it might kill a real estate transaction, so turn down the music and switch off the television. Soft, unobtrusive music is the best choice for putting buyers in a positive frame of mind.
• Good lighting adds colour and warmth to a home making potential buyers feel welcome. During the day, pull back your curtains, clean and open the windows to let the sun shine in and when showing your home in the evening, turn on all the lights both inside and out (another reason to make sure all light bulbs are working).
• Create a welcoming scent throughout your home during inspections. Make sure the house is well aired then put some coffee on to brew, bake something in the oven or maybe display a few bowls of potpourri.
• On uncomfortably hot or cold days, use air conditioners, fans or heating to make your home more appealing.
• Watch your pets. Dogs and cats are great companions though not while potential buyers are inspecting your home. Keep animals out of the way - they shouldn’t be present during any inspections. If pets are allowed indoors, attend to any animal odours prior to inspections.
• For extra security, it’s advisable to make sure all your valuables are locked up and out of sight when buyers come through your home.
• Finally, don’t be present in the home during inspections. Go for a short walk, visit a friend or go for a coffee. Let your Knobel & Davis sales specialist conduct the inspection and talk freely with potential buyers.
Checklist
• Lawns mowed, footpaths swept, gardens weeded and mulched
• Carpets replaced or professionally cleaned
• Windows and exterior walls cleaned
• Property re-painted or touched up
• House de-cluttered throughout
• Excess rubbish removed
• Kitchen and bathrooms cleaned
• Bedrooms cleaned and beds made
• Furniture, blinds and window sills dusted
• Floors swept, vacuumed or mopped
• Property checked for safety hazards
• Any sale exclusions removed
• House is aired and well lit; blown bulbs replaced
• Pets are out of the way and odours eliminated
• You’ve made arrangements to be out of the house
• Let your Knobel & Davis sales specialist sell your property
