Renovation Trends

If you’re planning on selling your property during this busy time of year, here are some simple planning tips to help you fully reap the rewards. Presentation of your property is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible price.. Even the most astute investor will be encouraged by a well-presented property. People are emotional beings and will be stimulated by what they see, feel and hear. If they see neglect, they’ll imagine the worst. If they see a well-presented property, they may even overlook minor disadvantages. You don’t need to renovate or invest a fortune, just simply make the most of what you already have.

No clutter or odours. Your property must be kept clean and clutter free. Tidy things and put them away. If the property looks clean and smells fresh your buyers will form a positive opinion of your home.

Whether it’s an ‘Open House’ or private inspection, it is imperative that you are not there. Buyers find it hard to feel comfortable and picture themselves as living in the property if the current owners are there. They also find it hard to be honest about what they think of the property and normally rush through the inspection. Needless to say it makes selling your home difficult. So go shopping for an hour or visit a friend. Let the agent do their job! After all of this hard work, you would have added appeal to your property and therefore, value.

“We believe that 85% of selling is in the presentation.”

Main Turn Off For Buyers:

Rubbish (inside and out despite how neatly it may be stacked)
Clutter or over sized furniture
Animal odours
Dampness and darkness
Cigarette or strong food odours
Doors, windows or gates that stick
Peeling paint
Cracked glass
Stained carpet
Overgrown gardens and lawns

How to Better Prepare Your Home for Sale to Maximise Your Selling Price

When the time comes to sell, one of our trained consultants will help you identify ways to increase the appeal of your property to your most likely buyer profile.

10 Points to Consider…

1. Make the property feel inviting

Buyers like to imagine – they enjoy living in a property, so make it easy for them to feel good about your place. Gentle music, a fragrant oil burner and a few scattered cushions can make all the difference on inspection day. The power of emotion is amazing, even with the most astute purchaser. Perhaps even hire some modern furnishings, or whatever suits the style of your property to create that perfect package. And remember to also consider your outdoor areas!

2. Less is more

Clear the clutter. It will make it easier to keep the property tidy for inspections and rooms will feel more spacious to buyers

3. Let the sun shine in

Everyone loves sunshine when they are looking to buy, so open up blinds and curtains for inspections and make sure windows are clean inside and out. After 15 years in real estate, we have never had a buyer complain of too much sun.

4. Fix outstanding repairs

Especially visible ones. Even the smallest of problems can make buyers wary about other less obvious issues. So its best to fix what buyers will see and make the property appear well cared for.

5. Clean up lawns and gardens plus remove rubbish

This may seem self explanatory, yet it’s often the garden that is last on the list of things to do. If you’ve spent time and money with your property’s presentation, a small investment in finishing off gardens can be extremely worthwhile. Remember we live in a beautiful part of the Centenary suburbs where the outdoor areas can be just as valuable as indoors for many buyers, so make sure they add to the property’s appeal. Some key points to consider with your outdoor areas.

Remove children’s bikes and toys where possible
Make sure bins and composts are out of sight
Clean outdoor furniture as well as clear paths of moss and leaf debris

6. Spring gardening tips

Being prepared for any forecasted rain/storms is a must. The extra wind and heavy down pours may blow leaves, branches, etc across the lawn. If you are having an open home after a storm is predicted allow time for the clean up. Here are some specific areas to focus on.

Prune shrubs and roses
Remove spent flowers from bulbs
Pull weeds from garden beds and lawns before they have a chance to take hold
Plant trees, shrubs, hardy annuals, and summer blooming bulbs
Fertilise and mulch garden beds and fruit trees

For established lawns, start mowing more regularly for a thicker, greener lawn. Start with a fairly long cut and gradually reduce the height until your lawn is looking its best. Remember mowing promotes vigorous growth so mow regularly just not too short! Your lawns should be at there freshest after the Spring we just had.

7. The Kitchen

A good kitchen can help sell a property. Not only is it an essential part of the house,it can be the most expensive and inconvenient room to refurbish, so its condition will influence the value of your property. If your kitchen is a little dated, you don’t need to replace it, there are a few simple ways to help increase its appeal.

Change cupboard handles
Put appliances out of sight and keep bench space clean and clear
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of sinks, stoves and ovens
Wipe marks from cupboard doors and splash backs

8. Kids Bedrooms

Make it easier on the kids by packing up some of their toys and worldly possessions before you offer the property for sale. It will clear the space and help them to keep their room a little tidier during the sale. And if your children are ‘distinctive’ in their decorating style, you may need to ‘neutralise’ a little to appeal to a broader market. Some key areas to consider.

Remove posters from walls doors and windows
Cover worn or marked carpet with rugs and furniture

9. Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is another very important room for purchasers. Make it as inviting and relaxing as possible with candles, beautiful bed linen, cushions and throw rugs. And if the room is large enough, include a comfy chair, coffee table and a few magazines or books.

10. Pets and Smells

Many buyers do not appreciate pets and by not considering these purchasers, you can unnecessarily limit your market. Here are a few simple steps to consider if you’re a pet owner.

Take your pets to visit family or friends during inspections
Move bowls, toys and bedding outside the house and make sure they are always clean
Air the property for a few hours before inspections
Pick up any ‘surprises’ in the garden before inspections

Research the Market

Take the time now to consider what’s for sale..

Now is the time to get really clear on what you will be including in the sale. Many fixtures and fittings can easily be removed without causing damage- such as precious light fittings, curtains to match a bedroom suite, garden pots, birdbaths etc.

The exclusion of select items from a sale usually won’t impact on the final price achieved when everyone involved is perfectly clear on what to expect BEFORE negotiations commence. So if there is anything you want to make certain moves with you, it must be written into the contract for sale. We will discuss what to include and exclude with you further when we meet with you.

Preparing your home for sale doesn’t need to be a headache. We do this every day for our clients and can always recommend the right help for you.