Exterior
When preparing your property for sale, you need to try and put yourself in the purchaser’s shoes. Look at your property from across the street and ask yourself – honestly and seriously – would you buy this house? By following these hints and tips you will ensure that your property is displayed in its best light:
§ Keep the lawn cut, with neat edges. Avoid bare patches as well and possibly consider drought-proof plants.
§ Trim back tree and shrub branches, especially around windows (this helps to let light in).
§ Plant colourful flowers around the garden. This is very worthwhile and lifts the appearance of your garden. Mulch the plant weeds and ensure the garden is weeded.
§ Ensure the garden paths are swept
§ Basic housekeeping should also be maintained –
- Wash eaves and remove spider webs.
- Unblock and clean the drains and spouting
- Wash down the front door.
- Remove all junk from the garden
- Ensure your pool is kept clean.
- Keep your garage door shut.
Interior
Now focus on the inside of your property. Bear in mind the following items:
§ Remove clutter from and clean every room. Buyers prefer to see properties in their more natural state. You can even temporarily hire storage for your excess items.
§ Be sure to open curtains and blinds, and bring the outdoors in. This is particularly important in allowing natural light to stream into the property.
§ Vacuum and preferably steam clean your carpets.
§ Ensure the property is at a comfortable temperature, heat your home on a cold winters day, and cool it on a hot summers day
§ If you need to paint any surfaces, neutral colours are best.
§ Ensure all tiles, wallpaper, plaster, etc. is free of damage, otherwise repair.
§ There should be no leaky taps in your dwelling.
§ Creaky floorboards should be attended to and doors and windows should open and close easily.
§ Clean bench tops in kitchens and bathrooms. Showers and baths should also be spotless.
§ Do not leave any items of value out.
§ Indoor plants often add some character to otherwise sparse interiors.
In addition we can put you in touch with a Property Stylist who can help reshape your home ready for sale, whatever your budget.
Open day - what should I do?
Some finishing touches for open homes never go amiss:
§ Well lit homes are best. Possibly turn lights on and keep curtains and blinds open.
§ Aromas tend to be winners. An old cliché, but baking bread and freshly brewed coffee ignites the senses and gives the house a welcoming feel
§ Attend to detail and present perfectly. Touches such as a set dinner table and a vase of fresh flowers may well impress.
§ Again, ensure there is no clutter anywhere.
§ Any visible linen and towels must be clean.
§ It’s best to remove pets from the scene.
§ Irrespective of the season, ensure the house is at an acceptable temperature.
§ Ensure prospective purchasers enter via the front door rather than any other entranceways.
You are now on your way to achieving a successful result, good luck!
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