Selling Tips

The following steps are exhausting and exhaustive, remember, you don’t have to do all, some items may not even apply. Keep in mind that by doing as much as you can it makes a better impression on the purchaser.

The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is clean. Keep lawns trimmed and edged, and the yard free of rubbish. Lots of healthy green plants in the kitchen, bathroom, entrances and verandahs look attractive and create a good impression. Clean and repair any front steps.

OPEN AIRY ATMOSPHERE

Illumination is welcoming. Drawn curtains and drapes are lovely but can tend to dull the atmosphere. Make sure your home is well lit. Dark rooms do not appeal. Clean all marks off the walls to make rooms brighter.

DECORATE – SET THE SCENE

Colourful flowers and some indoor plants helps set the scene of tranquillity and serenity – strategically place them throughout the home/unit. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. By redecorating the prospect is shown how good the home/unit can look.

KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

These are the most important rooms in the home and must be presented in a spotless condition. Don’t leave dishes in the sink or the drain board. Some dishes cooked the night before may leave unpleasant odours. Dripping water discolours sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Fix any loose or broken tiles. If the mirror needs replacing, do so or at least give it a good clean. Tidy drawers and vanity, putting cosmetics, razors and toiletries away. Attractive bottles of perfume always look elegant. Put a posy or a bowl of potpourri next to the basin, or a display of decorative soaps.

ARRANGE BEDROOMS

Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

OBVIOUS FAULTS

The discovery of even a relatively minor fault by a potential purchaser often leads to a much more thorough search of the property. Reduce the risk of a guarded and tentative inspection; fix any faults prior to showing your home. 

FITTINGS – REPAIRS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Small things such as leaking taps, loose knobs, sticking doors or windows put people on the defensive and lead your agent to make apologies for lack of maintenance. Minimise these annoyances, flaws detract from your home’s value – have them fixed.

CUPBOARDS AND WARDROBES

Most genuine purchasers wish to know about storage and therefore inspect the areas. Tidy these spaces and make sure they are not overcrowded to avoid any impression of lack of space.

NOT FOR SALE ITEMS

Any favourite light fittings, curtains, blinds or any other item with sentimental attachment should be removed prior to your agent showing your home. It avoids complications when you get an offer from a purchaser.

PETS

Most people like pets, but some don’t. Make sure they are out of the way when purchasers are coming through. A barking dog will not only scare some, but also take their concentration away from inspecting your home. Remove kitty litter trays and pet food bowls.

EXCESS FUNITURE

Too much furniture tends to make rooms look small and negatively influence a purchaser’s recollection of your home after they have left. Take advice from your agent if it is considered a problem.

GARAGE

Make sure all equipment and gear is placed as favourable as possible to given an impression of size.

LIST THE FEATURES

There is a good possibility that the features you like about your home/unit could be the same ones a new owner will find attractive. Make a list of these and given them to your agent to help capitalize on them.

ENCOURAGE FEEDBACK

When an inspection is taking place make sure you are well out of range of the prospect. This will encourage them to speak freely and make comments to your sales person. Any negative comments can then be addressed immediately.

The Easy Step Checklist

EXTERIOR IMPRESSIONS

Paintwork in good repair – discuss with your property consultant, if major work is still to be done.
House number and tidy letterbox in easy-to-see position.
Gutters cleaned and in good repair.
Garage/carport clean and tidy.
Rubbish tidied or cleaned away
Any cracked or broken windows repaired.
Hedges, shrubs trimmed, edges and lawn cut.

FRONT ENTRANCE

Ensure the entrance way is clean, tidy and uncluttered.
Door, window, cupboard latches all open and close easily.
Lights all work – if needed leave some lights on to create atmosphere.
Heat home if weather is cool.
Ensure halls/stairways tidy and clear of clutter.
Drapes should be open, carpets freshly vacuumed.
If possible, have cut flowers in various rooms.

BATHROOM

All surfaces – mirrors, fixtures, taps cleaned and polished.
All taps in good order.
Seals around bath and basin in good repair.
Floors cleaned, rubbish containers emptied.
Cupboards and cabinets neat and tidy inside

KITCHEN

Sinks and taps cleaned and polished.
All appliances cleaned.
Small appliances should be put away to avoid cluttered look.
Benches cleaned and polished.
Cupboards and pantry neat and tidy.

OPEN HOME DAYS

Jewellry and valuables locked safely away or taken with you.
Small valuables, such as art, vases, figurines, mementos, are safely situated or locked away.

CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE

Try to make your home as warm and inviting as possible by using some of the tips details under “Lasting First Impressions”.
You could also have light music playing in the background.
Also, if possible, pets should be contained or absent during showing.

MORE TIPS ON SHOWING

Discuss any other tips you think may help with your property consultant.

Important things to avoid……..

Don’t apologise for the appearance of condition of your home (this does nothing but emphasise the faults).
Don’t discuss the details of the transaction such as the price or the terms – leave this to the agent.
Don’t correct the agent in front of the prospective purchaser. If you believe a matter has been overlooked discuss it with the agent later.

 

 

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