In order to achieve the best possible sale price for your home, it is well worth investing some time to do the odd bit of repair work, painting, gardening, rearranging, de-cluttering and general cleaning. This pays off not just for the crucial first impression for potential buyers, but starts with agents who will give you their appraisal.
Here are a few tips on what to consider when preparing your property.
Repairs and maintenance
Undertaking repairs and touch-ups such as broken window seals, latches and handles, door squeaks, scuff marks, chipped corners, broken lights, carpet stains and dings on walls is definitely worthwhile. Often it is the little things that stand out the most.
The obvious
A good rule of thumb is of course to do a thorough clean – top to bottom, inside and out. No one falls in love with cobwebs, junky yards, overflowing storage or messy bathrooms, so a thorough clean should always be your first port of call. Pay attention to places such as light switches, skirting boards, behind doors and on window sills. And, while you are at it, doing a bit of de-cluttering can make your home feel more spacious and appealing.
The kitchen is the heart of the home
Make sure your kitchen is clean and tidy, offers available bench space while being practical, yet is not overcrowded. Cleanliness means a lot here, as does having ample storage and keeping just a couple of good quality appliances on the bench can noticeably amp up the appeal.
Bedrooms
Space is key, so if you keep a lot of furniture in even the smallest of rooms, perhaps take a few items out and ensure good lighting, tasteful decor and that the cupboards are not spilling out clothes and toys. Buyers can tend to sticky-beak.
The Living Room
This is usually the largest room in the home and should invite your potential buyers to want to sit comfortably and read, play games, watch TV or relax. Ample light, some cushions, perhaps a plant or some flowers, and a painting or design feature (less is often more) can make all the difference for buyers to be able to see themselves enjoying time here.
The magic touch
Leave doors open for a sense of space. While clean windows will ensure good natural light, removing personal items can create space and a blank canvas for buyers to see their own things there instead. A freshly brewed coffee can offer a nice aromatic welcome note.
Most importantly, when agents or buyers come, avoid cramming them in—let them freely walk around and explore so they can get a sense of what it would be like coming home once they have bought the property.