Preparing Your Home for Sale: A Guide for Buyers
A well-presented home can command a higher selling price. Addressing any necessary repairs, updates, and staging the interior to showcase its best features can create a perception of value in the minds of buyers. This can lead to potentially higher offers and a more favourable negotiation position. Simple improvements, like a fresh coat of paint or modernising fixtures, can have a substantial impact.
Gain a Competitive Advantage
In a competitive real estate market, it’s crucial to differentiate your home from similar properties. Preparing your home well can set it apart from the competition. Buyers will be more inclined to choose a home that has been well-maintained and shows pride of ownership. Highlighting unique features and ensuring the property is in top condition can make your home more appealing.
Living and Dining Room Tips
• Keep furniture to a minimum to make the space look larger.
• Store toys out of sight and pack away personal family photographs to depersonalise the home.
• Keep coffee tables clear and use pillows or throws to soften the spaces.
• Maximise visual floor and wall space by packing away knick-knacks and ornaments.
• Add a nice lamp to brighten a dark space and use an essential oil diffuser for a pleasant scent.
Kitchen Tips
• Clean all items from kitchen countertops and clean the tile grout or splash back.
• Add a pop of colour on the stovetop to brighten the space.
• Organise the pantry to look neat and tidy and remove all magnets and pictures from the refrigerator.
• Put away all mops, brooms, etc., and ensure the oven, stove, and microwave are clean.
• Remove any pet bowls before inspections and make your sink sparkle.
Bedroom Tips
• Make all beds and invest in new bedspreads to make your room stand out.
• Remove everything, besides a lamp, from your bedside table and personal family photos.
• Organise your wardrobes to ensure they are nice and neat.
• Use a throw on the bed for a nice effect and keep floors and walls clean.
• Add a rug to wooden floors to soften the space.
Bathroom Tips
• Clear and clean all surfaces and fold, store and display towels neatly.
• Stick to 1 or 2 colours only and add a plant or some flowers to brighten the space.
• Hide or remove rubbish bins and linen baskets.
• Remove all items from vanities, leaving just a display bottle of soap or soap bar.
• Remove shampoos and body wash from the shower area and replace the shower curtain if applicable.
Laundry and Garage Tips
• Store washing powders and supplies in cupboards and keep all surfaces clean and clear.
• Remove all clothing, including washing baskets, and keep floors clear of clutter.
• Pack away anything you can live without to show the space’s potential.
Exterior and Garden Tips
• Clean or repaint the front door if required and pressure wash external surfaces.
• Clean all windows and re-stain the deck to freshen things up.
• Use outdoor furniture to show off the space and clear away kids’ toys.
• Prune bushes and plants, weed and remove dead plants, and add fresh mulch to freshen up the garden beds.
• Keep lawns neat and tidy at all times and add a few flowers to add a splash of colour.
