Guide To Selling

First Impressions Count

From the first 'open for inspection', everything prospective buyers see makes an impact on their assessment of your home. From the street a well maintained garden is always inviting. Mown lawns, swept paths and colourful planted annuals can usually achieve this. Remove all rubbish from around the house, gardening equipment and toys.

Maximising Space

Remove all clutter and excessive furniture from rooms into the garage or friend's house. Set rooms up for specific purposes - beds in bedrooms not as junk rooms. Show that storage space is ample in organised cupboards, wardrobes and pantry.

Getting Around To Things

Ensure all minor repairs are maintained. Loose handles, stuck windows, dripping taps or peeling paint may affect the value of your sale.

Don't Waste Money

If you spend a lot of money on cosmetic changes like painting or carpeting to increase the return on your property, ensure you do not over capitalise when buyers may not share your taste or renovation skills. Be guided by your agent as to what is necessary and what is not.

Let There Be Light

Improve the atmosphere of your home with brightness. Open all the curtains to enhance natural light and switch on strategic lights to brighten up dark rooms prior to inspections.

Using The Senses

Any home will be enhanced by the smell of freshly baked cakes or brewed coffee. If your house has a continuous smell of stale air from animals or smoke use room deodorisers or pot pourri and open windows to air out rooms. Create a tranquil environment with the use of low classical music as background noise. Buy fresh flowers weekly and place around house. These finishing touches usually have an everlasting effect on buyers.

A Warm Welcome

Create an inviting feel of warmth on cold days. If you have an open fireplace, light it before inspections. Alternatively, make sure your home is well ventilated on hot days.

Leave It To The Pros

Try to vacate the house during inspections. Your sales consultant knows the buyer's requirements and knows which features of your home to emphasise to different purchasers. Remember, their experience and training enables them to better qualify purchasers and negotiate the best price. Furthermore, negotiations can be kept on a businesslike level when emotions are not involved.