Spending 1% of the value of the property to prepare your house for sale can achieve a 10% return at the time of sale.
Minor improvements at a minimal cost can greatly improve your return, BUT spending on major improvements is usually unnecessary and undertaken for personal reasons.
Buyers will be turned off by potential expenses – they either won’t buy or will expect a price reduction. To prevent this, tend to minor improvements BEFORE your home is ready for sale.
First Impressions
Create a lasting first impression from the street - have potential buyers initially attracted by the outside appearance of your home.
Buyers are usually attracted to the appearance and “feel” of your home – present it at its best with a natural “lived-in” feeling.
Present a home which is warm, neat and attractive to the potential buyer.
Declutter
Open up your house and yard to their full potential.
Remove all unnecessary items and clutter.
Remove any unsightly and unnecessary structures.
Hire a storage shed for furniture and personal items.
Repair
Attend to any minor repairs and unfinished jobs which will appear unattractive to potential buyers.
Any NECESSARY major repairs will be identified in your B.I.C. Inspection Report and are recommended to be addressed prior to sale.
Other major repairs and renovations are often UNNECESSARY - potential buyers are likely to undertake their own repairs and renovations to suit themselves.
Clean
Remove all rubbish and unwanted items from site.
Clean walls, carpets, floors and tiles.
Clean and tidy up gardens and lawns.
Hire a skip bin.
Tips
Look for faults you may normally overlook.
Look at your home through fresh eyes as if you were the buyer.
Ensure your home has a “fresh” feeling and aroma.
Make your home feel comfortable – warm in winter; cool in summer.
Focus on the “positives” and features of your home.
Bathrooms and kitchens are major selling points for the decision maker – pay extra attention to these areas.
Remove pets where necessary when potential buyers are present.
Presentation
Presentation is key to the successful sale of your property.
Present your property as attractively as possible.