- Give the property some pavement appeal by adding some attractive pot plants and re-mulching the garden beds to frame the lawn, as this will give it an organised, orderly look. Ensure the lawn is nice and green and ensure the reticulation is in good working order and broken sprinkler heads are fixed. Be sure to make your garden feels like a great space for entertaining and relaxing.
- De-clutter your home by removing non-essentials and clean off counter tops, as this will help the rooms appear larger. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, which need to be inviting and hygienic. Consider placing large items of furniture into storage. Ensure the property is spotless before every viewing.
- Replace any light bulbs that are no longer working and repair any leaking taps and ensure basic home maintenance items are attended to prior to the property going to market.
- Install mains powered smoke detectors to all sleeping hallway zones. If all bedrooms are together then one is required and if the home has two or three different areas for the bedrooms then each zone needs mains powered smoke detectors. From October 2009 mains powered smoke alarms must be fitted in all residential buildings prior to sale and also when a new tenancy agreement is signed for rental properties.
- Touch up any damaged walls with filler and paint, and consider a fresh coat of neutral paint on tired looking walls. Brighten up the home with fresh flowers.
- Ensure the property has 2 RCDs (Residual Current Device) installed. An RCD is a safety device that disconnects when it detects an imbalance in the electric current and immediately cuts the electricity supply to prevent electrocution. From 2009, a minimum of two RCDs must be installed in every residential property before it can be sold.
- Ensure any missing tiles are replaced and hanging or damaged gutters are repaired and are clean of leaves and debris.
- Consider upgrading kitchens and bathrooms as the kitchen is one of the most important communal areas of any home. Small repairs like removing rotted wood, and replacing tile grout can work wonders. Ensure the exhaust fans are clean and repair chips in the bathtub or sink to make fixtures look like new.
- If you own a pool make sure the water is clean, the pumps are in good working order and the gate latches are operational
- Finally,consider having a pre-listing building inspection.These are becoming more popular because they eliminate many of the pitfalls and hassles of a buyer finding issues with the property when an offer is placed. Discovery of major deficiencies can be difficult for the owner to accept but at least having this knowledge allows the vendor to correct the problems or at least be prepared to negotiate. The report can also assist the agent realistically price the home if problems exist and alert the seller to any immediate safety issues found. When a buyer falls in love with your home, then finds out there’s a major problem you didn’t disclose, they fall out of love with it very quickly.
By having a pre-listing inspection you won’t be caught off guard. For more information on pre -listing inspections visit houspect.com.au/wa
Houspect – Buy, Build , Sell and Invest with Confidence
1300 1300 68
