Preparing Your Home
Maximising first impressions.
Exterior and Curb Appeal
- Experts say most buyers make their decision at first sight.
General Exterior
- Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained.
- Landscaping - mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilise flowerbeds, and prune trees.
- Keep the driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed.
- Repair or replace loose or damaged roof tiles if applicable.
- Minimise cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstruction like toys.
- Make sure that from the street, your property appears clean and clear.
- Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the outside.
- Repair any peeling paint on windows or other areas.
- Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pest.
- Pick up after your pets and neighbourhood animals.
Doorway
- While you are unlocking the property and turning off alarms, buyers have idle time to notice details.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
- Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits.
- Remove cobwebs and clean the doorway area windows, porch lights, or decorative glass.
Interior Appeal
- Once inside, Experts say most buyers are reaffirming their first impressions from the outside.
Clean, Clear, Light and Bright
- Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to a buyer's perceived value of your home.
- For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
- Clear kitchen counters or benches of everything other than perhaps a few pretty items. Ask yourself - In a model home, would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
- Remember, wardrobes and hall cupboards will be opened! Keep wardrobes, cupboards, and storage areas neat and tidy. Since you're anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused belongings.
- If necessary, repaint or clean or replace dingy, soiled or strongly coloured walls, and window and floor coverings with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colours help buyers envision their own furnishing and decor.
- Repair dripping taps, burned out light globes, or cracked windowpanes.
- Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallpaper, and tiles.
Warm and Homey
- Subtle Scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or coffee in the kitchen can make your home more inviting.
- Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings.