Preparing Your Home For Sale

First impressions count...

Selling your property is an exciting and busy time. PRD has a wealth of experience in selling properties, so we know what buyers look for. We know they start forming an opinion even before they walk through your door at the very first inspection.

To achieve the best possible price for your home, you must ensure the features that make your property unique are highlighted and distractions are kept to a minimum. Buyers look for negatives to give them bargaining power in negotiations, and the cost of minor repairs soon add up.

Inside

Fresh Paint: A coat of paint is a quick and cost-effective way to brighten your property. A neutral colour scheme makes it easier for prospective buyers to visualise themselves and their furniture in your home.

Floor Coverings: Steam-cleaning carpeted areas is a must. It eliminates pet smells, brightens the house and often enhances your home by making rooms appear larger. Consider revarnishing floorboards and tiles to add instant value to your home.

Storage areas: Storage space is important because it determines whether a buyer’s possessions will fit in your property. Eliminate clutter by re-organising kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, and storage areas for a more spacious environment.

Furniture: Furniture affects the mood of a property. It can be worth hiring furniture to show off rooms to best effect, or removing large items temporarily throughout the marketing campaign. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to the look and feel of the property.

Kitchen: The kitchen is often one of the main factors that influence a buyer to make a decision. Buyers look for space, cleanliness and functionality in this important room.

Bathroom: A sparkling, sweet-smelling bathroom, with neatly folded towels and a few personal touches, makes all the difference. Ensure this room is as neat and clean as possible.

Lounge and Media Rooms: This is where the majority of time is spent in the family home. You need to create atmosphere in this room that reflects the essence of your home. The style and location of your home is a good guide on how to maximise these rooms. For example, beach-houses tend to be light and airy, while cottages are warm and cosy. City living is all about style and maximising space.

Outside

Roof: Painting and fixing cracked roof tiles adds instant impact on the first inspection. Buyers also perceive it as one of the more costly renovations, so it will be well appreciated.

Paint: Paint adds value to the property instantly. Use colour-matching systems from large hardware stores to select the perfect colour scheme to match the style of your property.

Garages: Garages are often the most neglected part of the family home. Ideally, they should be clutter free and highly organised environments. Buyers rate a well-maintained garage highly on their checklist, as it gives the impression that the seller has maintained the property.

Windows: Clean windows not only look great from the street, but they let more light into your home as well. Ensure windows are spotless inside and out.

Pathways: A clean and clear pathway is both inviting and impressive – and a vital part of the entrance to your home. Neaten edges, lawns, shrubbery or designer grasses and eliminate weeds. Make sure toys or sporting equipment is stored out of sight.