Rental Tips

17 Little Known Secrets to Selling Your Home

If you’ve got it, flaunt it. It might be time to add a bit of shine and polish to your home. First impressions will be lasting so it’s important that your home looks its absolute best inside and out.

• Lasting First Impressions

  The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is clean. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of rubbish. Lots of healthy green plants in the kitchen, bathroom, entrances and veranda’s look attractive and create a good impression.

• 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 help to set the scene of tranquillity and serenity. Strategically place them throughout the home/unit. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. By redecorating, the potential purchaser is shown how good the home/unit can look.

• Fittings – Repairs Make A Big Difference

  Small things such as leading 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 homes value. Have them fixed.

• Kitchens and Bathrooms

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

• Room to Move

  Remove excess furniture, allowing potential purchasers to move freely around the home.

• Obvious Faults

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

• 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 and alternative replacement items put in place 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 concern some people, by may also take their concentration away from inspecting your home.

  Remove kitty litter trays and pet food bowls.

• Garage

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

• Encourage feedback

  When an inspection is taking place make sure you are well out of range of potential purchasers. This will encourage them to speak freely and make comments to your sales person.

• Lights

  Adding atmosphere assists in selling a home. Ensure light globes have been replaced and that darker rooms have lights on.

• Music

  Create the right mood to buy. Play appropriate music during your open for inspection to invoke the buyers emotions from your potential buyers. Softly play the music in the background.

• Appeal to their sense of smell.

  Fresh flowers not only add colour but provide an exotic fragrance for potential purchasers.

• Fresh Fruit

  Place a bowl of fresh fruit with a variety of colours in a prominent position within the kitchen or dining room areas.