Selling Tips - Part 1

Preparing your house for sale

Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at the best ways to getting your house sold. Presentation is key when preparing your home for sale, whether it’s a basic declutter and styling or a small renovation to increase value. It’s important to discover what buyers are looking for in a property for sale and the common selling mistakes to avoid.

Renovations can be a great way to add value to your property when selling but remember to make sure the potential sale price will justify the expense. Re-carpeting areas with worn floor coverings can be a very cost-effective way to add real appeal as well as that “new carpet smell”. A fresh coat of paint inside and out can really add value and appeal to your home making it feel fresh and bright. Kitchens and bathrooms are obvious targets for upgrade, so consider freshening up these areas.  Remember to keep the costs down, as these areas can be expensive to renovate, and your outlay must not be justified in the sale price, do your research. A good thing to always remember is, you are not styling the home for yourself, it’s important to keep colours neutral this makes it easy for buyers to visualise their own furniture in the house. Although it can be costly ducted air-conditioning could also be a consideration. While the initial outlay may seem high, it will increase the interest in your property and may help drive the sale price up, especially here in Queensland.

If you’re selling a cheaper unit or apartment, think carefully about whether the cost of a renovation is worth the eventual sale price you will get. In some cases, the new owners may also want to do it themselves.

So, let’s jump in with the basics and firstly look at the outside of the home and the ever important first impressions.

 1.    High pressure clean the driveway and paths

 Clean the driveway, paths, and any decks before selling your home. The driveway is usually the first thing the buyers see as they walk up to the property, so it needs to be inviting and create the best first impression possible.

 2.    Do you need a new letterbox

Have a quick look at your letterbox, if it’s looking a bit tired a new letterbox is another simple and cost-effective way to update the look of your home. 

 3.    Update the front door handles and hinges

Update anything that is outdated or looking a little worse for wear including door handles and hinges… that is especially important at the front door.

 4.    House numbers

Make sure the buyers can locate your home easily with a new easy to read house number, that is not obstructed by plants or trees.

 5.    Purchase a new mat for the front door

 If your mat is looking a bit shabby purchase a new one. It’s cheap and it helps present the home in a fresh, modern way.  Remember, first impressions count!

 6.    Landscape, landscape, landscape!

Landscaping helps create the impression of a lifestyle at a small cost. A new layer of mulch in the garden, weed and feed the lawn or lay some new grass, or place some feature pot plants around the house. This is particularly important near the front door. Stand back and look at your entrance does it look “welcoming”?

 7.    Mow the lawns

If you don’t own a lawn mower, hire a someone to come and help maintain your yard while your house is on the market.

 8.    Remove the rubbish bins from the front yard

The last thing buyers want to see as they enter a property is the rubbish bins. Hide them down the side of the house, behind a gate or away from sight. 

 9.    Pools and outdoor entertaining areas

Pool and outdoor entertaining areas are a major attraction for buyers, so showcase them. Ensure all decks are clean, clutter such as gardening tool and kid’s toys are put away. The pool needs to be sparkling. It’s here that you are creating an amazing lifestyle for your prospective buyers