It’s a buyer’s market out there, so showing your home in the best possible light is now more important than ever.
Declutter. When it comes to presenting your home to prospective buyers, less is definitely more.
Decluttering, and removing anything that isn’t absolutely necessary allows the property to speak for itself, and gives buyers the chance to picture themselves and their future lives inside it.
Clearing out personal effects and unnecessary clutter is the easiest and cheapest way to give your home a clean fresh look.
Take down any photos that might be too personal, buyers like to be able to visualise themselves in the property.
Notes and magnets on the fridge, ornaments on your TV cabinet or mantle, or any other items being stored in plain sight should all be removed. It all adds to the sense of space.
Little touches. Once you’ve decluttered, it may be worth replacing tired accessories, to brighten the décor as buyers first enter a room. They don’t have to cost you the earth. An $8 Kmart pillow may even do the trick.
Likewise, take the time to scrub everything spotless, or have it done professionally if need be.
Be objective. Wander through your home as though you are the potential buyer.
Minor repairs and cosmetic touches can make an enormous difference. Do the carpets need cleaning? Everybody has ‘the jobs they love to hate’ but now is the time to repair torn fly-wire screens, cracked plaster and replace tired window furnishings.
Street appeal . You only get one chance to make that first impression. Some buyers won’t even walk in the front door if they drive past and don’t like what they see.
A fresh coat of paint for your fence, or mending any broken pickets or bricks, trimming trees and bushes, mowing the lawn and throwing some fresh tanbark or stones on any barren areas are all easy ways to ensure your home catches the eye and draws people inside.
Paint. In terms of value for money, a fresh coat of paint is the best ‘bang for your buck’ renovation you can do.
Choose light, neutral colours. A quick coat will give the entire property a lift, making it brighter, more spacious and almost certainly adding value.
By attending to these details you will create a favourable impression and your efforts will hopefully be rewarded by obtaining the maximum price.