ACHIEVING A MAXIMUM SALE PRICE
Every seller wants the best possible price for their home. Your Amber Werchon sales consultant will give you great advice on cost effective ways to maximise the appeal of your property which can make a huge difference to the final contract price.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
You probably remember the first time you saw the property you are now selling and there is no doubt your buyers will too – they are the ones who will ‘make a connection’ to buy on an emotional or rational level. So ensure your presentation is perfect!
PUT YOURSELF IN THE BUYERS SHOES
Start on your footpath and take yourself on a tour through your own “Open Home”. How does the property and garden appear on first impression? Note what appeals to you about the home and what could be done to make it more appealing. Does the property look well maintained or neglected?
INSIDE YOUR HOME
Start by ‘simplifying your living spaces’. The less clutter, the larger the rooms will appear. The less of ‘you’ in your home gives potential buyers a chance to visualise ‘themselves’ living there. This is easier if there are not lots of personal items and pictures on show. If you have too much “stuff” consider short term storage. Neaten up shelves, clear bedside tables and bathroom cabinets, shower recesses and sinks.
Clear everything off kitchen counters. Tidy up and rearrange all cupboards, stack all dishes neatly, turn all cup handles the same way, stack all tins in order, this way buyers will get the message that this home is looked after.
Bedrooms – Tidy up wardrobes, fold and arrange everything neatly. Hang shirts all facing the same direction, line all shoes up together. Now is the perfect time to buy new bed linen.
Consider moving furniture to ‘open up the space from the vantage point’. Functionality and what looks best can often be opposite to each other! Make sure the furniture in each room is just enough to describe what the room is used for, and not too much that the buyer can’t move around easily. Seemingly dead spaces can be turned into something more appealing with strategic placement of furniture.
CONSIDER A STYLIST
If the house is empty it is worth employing a stylist to furnish the property, to enhance appeal and create warmth. This will also be advantageous when the property is professionally photographed.
MAKE MINOR REPAIRS
Replace cracked tiles, repair damaged walls, fix doors that don’t close properly, freshen tired or damaged paint and timberwork, ensure all drawers, blinds and awnings work smoothly and that all lights are working. Consider repainting any bright walls a neutral colour. Have carpets and curtains professionally cleaned, don’t underestimate the benefits of a Spring Clean!
GIVE THE HOUSE A SPRING CLEAN
Wash windows and walls inside and out. Remove cobwebs, clean stains from around taps, baths, and showers. Dust ceiling fans and fixtures. Bleach stained tile grout. Hang out fresh towels in bathrooms. Put your best looking linen on show in the bedrooms. Consider plug-in air fresheners, or brewing coffee prior to open homes.
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
Keep your lawn and edges tidy, remove any weeds, trim back overgrown trees or shrubs. Gurney off paved areas and driveways. Consider a trip to the tip as clutter can accumulate in garden spaces as well – our indoor/outdoor lifestyle gives you the opportunity to style your garden area as an ‘outdoor room’… A minimal investment in some bright pebbles for tired looking garden beds and some new low maintenance plants can make a huge difference!
STREET APPEAL
This is the first impression a buyer gets, so make sure it’s a positive one! Mow lawns, tidy paths, wash down eaves and remove cobwebs, repair damaged window frames/glass, ensure blinds and curtains are hanging neatly and in good order.
INSPECTION TIME
Open doors, shutters and windows to maximise natural light. Consider the temperature of the property, ie if it’s winter or summer. Also give thought to when the inspection is best conducted – will a twilight viewing best highlight that Balinese pavilion by the pool?
Give a quick tidy, ensuring kitchen and bins are in order. Consider turning on lights and lamps to create ambience. Try to keep pets outside. Safely store your valuables. Most importantly – leave for the duration of the inspection; potential buyers won’t feel comfortable giving honest feedback if you are there.
RELAX AND ENJOY!
Our professional team is dedicated to achieving a successful outcome for you and is trained to take the stress and worry out of the experience. Although it can take a huge amount of effort to prepare your property for sale, the results will truly be worth it.