When you are getting your house ready for sale, your ultimate goal is to ensure that you achieve the highest sale price and to do that, you need to present your home in the best possible light. Whilst your home may appeal to you and your tastes, it’s important to take a step back and look at how your home may appeal to other people. It isn’t an easy task, but it is something that if done correctly, may lead to you ending up with a few extra thousand dollars in your pocket.
It’s important to look for the things that a potential buyer may see as time and money.
Where to start:
Simple Repairs:
You want to ensure your home presents well, this doesn’t mean you need to be replacing floor coverings but general wear and tear that can be easily fixed, should be addressed. Scuffed paintwork, or cracked windows, stains in carpet or holes in walls should be rectified and can be done in a cost effective way.
If you’re not sure where to begin, speak to your agent, they will be able to guide you as to what steps you need to take to fix any simple repair.
Declutter:
It should go without saying, but ensuring a clutter-free environment and cleaning your house for sale will make the world of difference. If you compare your home to other homes currently on the market, you will notice that they have been cleaned thoroughly and may even have had extra styling to ensure the home looks modern. Styling isn’t a necessity and can be an expensive option, but at the very least ensure you have decluttered (and then decluttered some more!).
Removing clutter will allow for prospective purchasers to see the room to its full potential. They will be able to visualize where their own furniture may be placed or how it may look. It will also make your room appear larger.
The worst thing you can do is fill your cupboards to the brim with items you’ve tried to find a place for but can’t. Buyers open up cupboards and under sinks. If these areas are neat and tidy, it gives purchasers the impression that the home has been well cared for if everything is clean, neat and tidy.
Styling your home for sale
If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional property stylist. It will give your property an instant face-lift. If budget is restricted, Kmart is a great option
for new linen and other items like prints, lamps etc that can bring a room to life without breaking the bank.
Fixing up your home
If you have good DIY skills, you will be able to undertake some small jobs around the house; otherwise a handyman will be able to assist you to ensure your home will be in peak condition. Here are some things you should consider:
- Front lawn and yard: Do weeds need to be pulled? Do hedges need to be cut back? Is your lawn lush and green? If you have a painted fence, is any of it peeling? Could it use a fresh coat of paint?
- Front Door: Is it clean? Does it need to be replaced? Even something as simple as a new door handle can make a difference.
- Windows: Spend the money on a professional window cleaner
- Façade: Does the home need a pressure clean? Or can you remove cobwebs with a broom?
- Interior walls: Do any need painting? Neutral tones are best.
- Flooring: If carpets are stained, have them professionally cleaned. Ensure all other floorings are clean and damage free.
- Kitchen: Are the cabinets in good condition? If it’s an older kitchen, painting the cupboards may bring them to life.
- Bathrooms: Clean grout can make your bathroom look fresh.
- Pool: if you have a swimming pool, ensure the fencing complies with the regulations in your state.
These are some simple tips that will assist you in preparing your home for sale without you over capitalising.
The other question some homeowners may ask before selling their home is if they should renovate before they sell. This is a question that should be asked of your agent. Once you start renovating, a simple renovation may end up turning into a large-scale renovation. You need to consider what budget you have and what your budget will allow.
Ask your agent if you spent $50-100K on renovations, will you receive this back when you sell?
Many buyers like to put their own touches on a home, so even though you’ve added value to the home, it may not be value that potential purchasers can see.