Tip 1: Throw some light on it.
Light is essential. If it doesn’t exist, look for ways to create it. Can a lamp be used, or perhaps a skylight could be installed to create more light? Cut foliage away from windows that might be preventing light from flooding into a room. Can a dark wall be lightened up? Buyers love light, so give them as much as you can.
Tip 2: Space: the final frontier.
Creating space is important. This might mean removing excess furniture from your property. Open up hallways and doorways. A room crowded with furniture will only make it look smaller. Buyers love big rooms. Remember, less is more!
Tip 3: Judging the book by its cover.
How is your street appeal? The appearance of your property can encourage or discourage a buyer. How does it look from the street? Is it the type of property you would like to buy? Does your fence need painting?
Tip 4: Make a blank canvas.
A cluttered property will severely limit your chances of finding the right buyer. Clear kitchen, bathroom and laundry benches of excess items so buyers can see them. Most buyers will be looking for as much storage space as they can.
Tip 5: Where the wild things aren’t.
Some people are allergic to cats and dogs. Make sure your pets are not around during an inspection.
Tip 6: Take a holiday from the neighbourhood.
It’s better if the owner is not around during the inspection. The owner’s presence may prevent a buyer from asking a question for the fear of offending the owner. If you have faith in the agent handling things for you, it’s better to leave and let them do their job.
Tip 7: A breath of fresh air.
Unpleasant odours like cigarette smoke, the smell of animals, lingering food odours and dampness can all be addressed. A home is like a human body, it needs to breathe. Make sure your home is well ventilated. You can enhance presentation in a number of ways using artificial scents. The smell of freshly ground coffee in its dry form is our favourite.
Tip 8: Music to their ears.
Retail specialists have proven that light classical music makes buyers stay longer. Use this to your advantage and have Vivaldi’s flute concerto, or something similar, playing in the background. Your local record store should have some good ideas.
Tip 9: It’s not a jungle out there.
Many buyers are looking for a garden but not a lot of work. Make sure your garden is not overgrown. Buyers want to spend their free time with their family and friends, rather than be a slave to a high maintenance garden. A good looking, neat and tidy garden will add value to a property. An over-grown mess will not.
Tip 10: Loving the way you live.
Most buyers are looking to purchase a lifestyle. This means your own personal effects and the way your home looks to the buyer will make a significant impression. To a certain extent they may be purchasing the way you live as much as the property itself. You can cater to the largest sector of the buying market by keeping your property neat, simple and practical.
Tip 11: Tick the boxes.
Write yourself a pre-sale checklist. List everything you need to do before you go on the market. Next, prioritise your list in order of importance and start with number one. You might not get everything on your list completed, buy at least the essential items that need attention will be done. You are better off not to start any new major projects. Concentrate on completing things that need doing.
Tip 12: Make a good first impression.
There is no second chance at a first impression. The moment a buyer enters your property, a positive or negative thought will dominate. This is of major importance when it comes to influencing a buyer’s opinion. Look at your property as if you were the buyer. Are there any improvements you could make?
We hope this helps with any questions you may have on the saleability of your home. If you have any further questions, or would like one of our property agents help with the sale of your home, please do not hesitate to contact us on 9721 1144, or sales@barrandstandley.com.au