As sellers we all wish to achieve the maximum price for our homes or investments. However, it is a fact that well-presented properties achieve the best price in the shortest time. This highlights the importance of properly preparing your house before listing.
There are many ways to address this without any or little cost, but simple time and effort.
OUTDOORS
*A buyer's first impression is a lasting impression! Ensure that the curb appeal of your property welcomes any prospective buyer.
*Keep your lawn and edges trimmed and the garden and yard free of refuse and clutter.
*Put a flowering pot plant near the entrance and keep it watered and trimmed. Spring has “sprung” and extra colour to the garden will certainly provide extra ''wow''.
*The front door greets your client. Make sure it looks as good as new. Fix doorbells, tighten doorknobs and oil all the hinges. If need be, sand down tired-looking doors and re-varnish.
*Straighten gutters, the TV Aerial, fence, washing lines, etc.
*Make sure that outdoor furniture is clean and free of rust. You may want to add a colourful cushion or two.
*Repair broken windows and shutters.
*Ensure that all pools or water features are clean and add a bit of chlorine to ensure the sparkle.
*It would be to your advantage if your house is painted in a fashionably neutral colour, with gutters in a contrasting colour.
INDOORS
*Buyers respond best to a clean house, which is free of odours.
*Try to clean all around, shampoo carpets and wash the windows.
*Neat and well arranged “free standing” furniture show that space is ample. It is very important to avoid clutter, as far as possible.
*Few things deter buyers more than a cluttered home. They need to see your home, not your possessions. Excessive personal items like photos, collections, personal awards, electronics and collectibles will make it difficult for buyers to see past your personal style and may deter a sale. Taking yourself out of the picture makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves, and their belongings, in your space
*You could, for example, create space by storing some of the extra, non-essential furniture. It is important that your house appeals to the average buyer, who may have different needs than you.
*Position the furniture so that clients can move from room to room with ease.
*Fix the tap! Dripping water discolors sinks.
*Pull open curtains, shades and draperies to admit as much light as possible. In fact, have as much light as possible in the whole house, especially in those darker areas and hallways. Hang mirrors where they will reflect outdoor light and make rooms look larger.
*Let your kitchen look warm and welcoming - not a hectic workplace. Keep the sink free from dirty dishes at all times. Timeous vanilla spray will certainly create a homely feel
*Keep counter tops uncluttered but not empty (as if unused). Adorn your counter tops with your most attractive canisters.
*Remove dirt ( dust, flies, moths, etc) from light fittings.
*Well-placed plants in a room may help create a sense of homeliness.
These few, low-cost, if not no-cost, ideas could help you to stage your property in such a way that it could quickly invite the desired offer for your VALUABLE property.
