If you are preparing your home for a spring sale it is time to get the property ready for viewings. While spring is a great time to sell your home, there is more light which will show up any flaws. By doing a clear out and sprucing things up your home will be ready to open to visitors.
Clean & Declutter
Start from the top of your home and working down start clearing out any clutter. Take the time to get rid of the things you do not want, considering donating any items that you can and packing away items that you aren’t currently using and thus leaving you with less to pack when you do finally move.
Once again, start from the top and work down when it comes to cleaning. Leave no leaf unturned in your quest to make your home spotless. Wash your windows, dust blinds, launder curtains and other similar draperies, clean down sideboards etc. Basically, actively look for dirt wherever it may hide in your home and eliminate it.
Home Inspection
You will want to inspect your home for any hidden flaws that could cost you when your home goes on the market or – worse – during any stage of an agreed sale. Inspect walls and floors for water damage, check for leaks, inspect the seals around doors and windows, and look for signs of pest activity.
If you do find any damage it is important to have it fixed or further investigation carried out. Painting is a must so, even if you do not find any major issues with your home’s structure, a fresh coat of paint to interior and exterior walls will help sell your home.
Check Flooring
Flooring is one of the most noticeable areas of a home; especially to those who are actively looking for flaws. If shampooing and treating your carpets does not remove stains, it may be time for them to go. The same applies to tiled and hardwood floors – where cleaning is not possible. Consider replacing the flooring however, if this is not an option then it may be more cost effective to explore treatment options for your existing flooring.
Check Fixtures and Lighting
Lose or damaged fixtures, including lighting fixtures, are not appealing to home hunters. It suggests that a home needs a lot of work, even if there is only one fixture that needs tightening. Check all your fixtures for damage; however, do not attempt to carry our repairs on electrical fixtures unless you are qualified or know what you are doing. If fixtures are damaged beyond repair or are simply old fashioned, think about replacing them.
Create a Warm Welcome
When painting, focus on the front door and entry hallway especially. When potential buyers come to view your home, these are the areas that will draw their focus after your external walls. It is also important to ensure that your yard is in good shape: prune plants, shrubs, bushes and trees; tidy and mow the lawn, replace lights and any broken fixtures.
Stage Your Home for that Spring Sale
It is also important to stage your home, ready for potential buyers. Less is more in this case, so try to keep clutter to a minimum. Where possible, put large furniture items into storage, which will make your rooms look larger and make moving easier when the time comes. Make sure that your home is well lit and that you create a warm, welcoming atmosphere before receiving visitors.
Whether you are preparing for a spring sale or buying a home, call Houspect in the Northern Territory for all your home building inspection needs.
