8 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale
Property is often the most valuable asset you’ll ever own. If you’re putting your home on the market then it’s worth investing some time up front to secure the best price possible. Here are 8 tips you can use to ensure the greatest return when selling your home.
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1. Sharpen up your street appeal
‘Street appeal’ is a genuine thing. When preparing your home for sale, pretend you are seeing it for the first time. Stand at the road front and walk to the main entrance, What do you see? First impressions can make or break interest in a property.
Take a close look at key exterior features like driveways, windows, gutters, pipework and fencing. If these areas need to be repaired, they could create the impression your whole house needs attention. Fixing any issues before you list your property will help you to make a good impression as prospective buyers arrive.
2. Keep your exteriors looking smart
If you have a driveway and/or gardens, maintaining them will be an important part of putting your house on the market. Start by getting them in order and make sure they look smart and tidy. Some small plantings, fresh bark/stones and a water blast can go a long way.
It will be important to keep them looking good throughout the time your property is on the market. Try to create a leaf blowing/cleaning/weeding/mowing schedule so your exteriors always look their best.
3. Maximise the appeal of your interiors to your buyer
Take a close look at your interiors and consider how appealing your decor may be to your target buyer. It’s fun putting your personality into your home while you’re living in it, but if you want to sell for the best price then now’s the time to neutralise your decor.
This can be a great opportunity to bring in an interior decorator or a home stager to help you make the most of your space. As well as simplifying the colours on your walls, a home stager can help you arrange your furniture and pictures to create light, space, and improved flow throughout your home.
4. Is your home ready to move into and enjoy?
Smart property owners know that a good starting point for effectively marketing your home is to make it look like it’s ready to move into and enjoy. Broken fixtures or deteriorating decor can instantly knock dollars off your asking price.
Start this process by ensuring your property is in a good state of repair. Work through your home room by room and take the opportunity to tick off the jobs you’ve been meaning to get to. Use a critical eye and complete any repairs that could get in the way of your property’s appeal.
Don’t be scared to invest a little money in getting the job done well. It may cost you $100 today but unaddressed it could take $1000 off your asking price during negotiations. Remember your buyer will not only consider the cost of the repair but also the inconvenience of getting it done.
5. Take away the clutter
Space commands a premium so your job is to make it look like you have lots. The more spacious your rooms appear to be, the higher the sale price will be when you take your home to market.
Decluttering is hard work, but it’s an effective way to create a feeling of space in your home. Consider creating more floor space by removing unnecessary or large pieces of furniture. Reducing some personal effects makes it easier for a buyer to imagine their own possessions in your home.
Storage space is a valuable component in any home. If yours looks full then your buyer may question whether you’re lacking the storage their household needs. Clearing out your cupboards and opening up storage spaces can give the impression that there’s more space available.
Taking the clutter out of your home will also pay dividends once your home is on the market. It’s essential to be able to quickly tidy your home so that your real estate agent can bring unexpected viewings around at short notice. Less clutter will make it easier for you to move fast and create a great first impression.
6. Upgrade, with caution
If you’re wondering whether to renovate you may be aware of the fact that renovation projects can often be expensive and stressful to manage. That’s just one of the reasons why it could be a good idea to consult with an experienced real estate agent before you proceed.
Major repair work or renovation can be appealing to some buyers and off-putting to others. Asking an expert is a good way to establish if the work that needs to be done is likely to stand in the way of a successful sale.
If your upgrade will not add more to your asking price than it costs to complete, it may be better to leave the hard work to your home’s next owners. That will also ensure they can get the results they want from the renovation and match it to their own taste and style.
7. Get ready to sparkle and shine
If you want your property to look its best, a deep clean is a good place to start. You can either invest your own time in cleaning your home or you can hire a house cleaner. Either way it’s important to plan ahead and ensure your house is sparkling clean, ready for the first viewing.
Small details make a big difference when it comes to cleaning your home for sale. Pay particular attention to corners and hard-to-reach places like ceilings and vents that may accumulate dust without being part of a day-to-day cleaning schedule. Sparkling windows not only look great, they also let in more light and will make your room feel brighter and bigger than before.
8. Consult with a real estate agent that you can trust
Working with the right real estate agent not only means that selling your home is less stressful, it also gives you the information you need to get the best price when you sell. The team at The Mackies have been selling houses in Hawke’s Bay for over 30 years. We understand both the market and your buyer, and we can help you position your property for success.
Contact us today and we’ll be happy to visit your home and give you a full appraisal. We can recommend simple steps to get the most from your sale and with a large database of buyers in the area, we’ll be sure to generate lots of interest in your listing.
Call Jan now on 027 220 4581.