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| Preparing
the House for Sale |
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Before your property
goes on the market, it is worthwhile spending some time sprucing it up.
When preparing your
property for sale, you should consider:
When preparing your
property for sale, the general rule is to spend as little as possible to
maximise your return. Certainly make any relatively inexpensive repairs
to your home, but avoid undertaking
major renovations, e.g. remodeling the kitchen.
| It
is a good idea to consult your Real estate Agent over
any changes you plan to make. Your agent can then advise
you as to whether your proposed changes will add value
to your property. It is pointless undertaking changes if
you are not going to be able to at least recoup the
costs. |
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Your first priority
should be to work on enhancing
your property's exterior appeal before attending to the interior, as
this is the
first aspect of your property a potential buyer will see. If the
exterior puts a buyer off, they are not likely to investigate the interior
of your property, no matter what it is like. First impressions do count!
| Put
yourself in the place of a potential buyer. Stand across
the street from your property and study it. If you drove
past this property and saw a 'For Sale' sign, would you
be attracted to the external features of the property
and want to see more? |
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Look through the
following list of possible areas that may require attention when
preparing the exterior of your property:
- Lawn:
Keep your lawns cut, with neat edges. Reseed or returf any bare patches and
perhaps fertilise for additional colour.
- Shrubs/Trees:
Trim branches where necessary, especially around windows to allow
natural light into the property. Remove any dead limbs.
- Garden Beds:
If appropriate, plant colourful flowers. Also add mulch to beds and
remove weeds. Perhaps place showy annuals in pots near the entrance.
- Paths:
Keep all paths swept and clean.
- Windows:
Repair any broken windows and wash all glass.
- Eaves:
Wash and remove any spider webs.
- Drains/Spouts:
Unblock and clean.
- Paintwork:
Attend to any flaking paint after discussion with your agent.
- Doors:
Wash down your front door and it's surrounds, polish brass fitting
and repair any torn fly wire screens.
- Fences:
Straighten, repair or repaint only after discussion with your agent.
- Junk/Rubbish:
Remove all junk and rubbish.
- Pools/Ponds:
Make sure these are clean.
- Garage:
Keep the garage door closed.
Having already
prepared the exterior of your property, now it is time for the interior.
Look over the following list of areas that should receive your attention when
preparing your property for sale:
- Clean/Remove
clutter: Clean every room in your property thoroughly, and
remove any clutter. This has the effect of making your rooms appear
larger. You might even consider renting storage space whilst your
house is on the market, or even have a garage sale for unwanted
items.
- Carpet:
have your carpets steam cleaned.
- Painting:
Painting chipped or dirty walls is said to give you the best return
for money spent. Neutral colours are best.
- Damage:
Repair any damaged plaster, tiles, wallpaper, window panes, etc.
- Plumbing and
and cooling systems: Inspect and repair. Fix any dripping taps.
- Floorboards:
Attend to any creaking or loose floorboards.
- Doors/Windows:
Make sure these open and close effortlessly.
- Knobs/Handles:
Fix if loose, damaged or missing.
- Benchtops:
Keep these clean and clear.
- Plants:
Consider buying some indoor plants.
- Other:
Secure jewellery, cash and other valuables as well as any
prescription medications.
It's now time to open
your property to prospective buyers. The
exterior
and
interior preparation is
complete and your property is looking terrific. Here are some additional
tips to help prepare your property for viewing:
- Fill the
property with light. Open all curtains and blinds and switch on
lights.
- Make the
property smell fresh and clean. Fresh air is good, or alternatively
you may simmer vanilla essence on the cooktop, brew some coffee, use
potpourri or simply spray some freshener.
- Clean and clear
all the benches and tables.
- Put out fresh
towels, tea towels, table cloths, and etc.
- Restrain any
pets.
- Switch off the
television and radio, although soft, soothing music may be suitable.
- Make sure the
property is at a comfortable temperature.
- Put some
flowers in a vase.
- Give your Real
Estate Agent the key to the front door. Potential buyers are
important visitors and should not have to wait indefinitely to view
a property.
- Make yourself
scarce, and leave it up to the agent.
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| Many
people leave the property prior to the appointed
inspection time. If you cannot leave, perhaps wait
outside during the viewing. Do not offer advice or try
to help the agent selling the property. Remember that
you have employed your agent to do the selling and they
will have far more experience than you when it comes to
dealing with buyers. |
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Now
you are ready to
make that sale.
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