General Overview
- Clean, Clean, Clean.
- Ensure your house is clean and tidy.
- Think about hiring furniture or employing the talents of an interior designer.
- Make sure all doors work well (handles turn and lock smoothly and doors don’t jam).
- Open curtains to allow as much light in as possible. Turn lights on.
- Remove clutter.
First Impressions
Remember a good first impression is critical. Investing time and energy in the presentation of your home can be the difference between a sale or a prospective buyer walking away. A neat entrance will enhance the street appeal and ensure a positive first impression.
Consider…
- Washing the exterior of the house/ Cleaning gutters
- Painting or replacing the front fence.
- Painting the front steps & the front door.
- Placing feature plants at the entrance.
- Giving the garden a mini – makeover. Colourful flowers & mulch.
- Ensure the house number is visible.
Kitchens
The kitchen is one of the main factors that influence a buyer. Buyers look for space, cleanliness and functionality
- Remove clutter.
- Have sinks, fridge, doors and bench tops sparkling.
- Ensure storage space is organized & tidy.
- Ensure bench tops are free of clutter and in good condition.
- Consider a fresh coat of paint or updating handles & doors.
- Ensure appliances are clean and in working order.
Bathrooms
The main objective when presenting a bathroom is to ensure it is clean and smelling fresh.
- Ensure shower screens, baths & toilets are spotless.
- Make sure exhaust fan is clean & remove all mould from tiles etc.Remove all toiletries & clutter from bench tops
- Display fresh, new towels and unused, quality soap
- Consider a fresh coat of paint or replacing a shower curtain to create a bright, clean bathroom.
Lounge/Living/Media Rooms
In the living rooms it’s important to create an environment that is conducive to socialising, entertaining and relaxing. The objective is to convey space and functionality with a comfortable atmosphere.
- Create the appearance of space by reducing clutter and removing extra furniture which is overcrowding the room.
- Reduce excess number of personal photos & trinkets. (photos can be very distracting & buyers want to visualise themselves in the home).
- Instead, add a vase of fresh flowers and interesting coffee table book or a quality magazine for a homely feel.
- Arrange furniture so that is easy to walk around.
Bedrooms
The objective is to create an environment conducive to relaxation, comfort and privacy.
- Simplify the room – declutter and remove all personal items.
- Ensure cupboard/walk in robe space is neat and organised
- Ensure carpet is clean & vacuumed (consider professional steam cleaning)
- Ensure beds are neatly made. (consider lifting the room with new cushions & plump pillows.)
- Straighten blinds/curtains & position for privacy
- For evening inspections, dimmed lighting can be very effective in the bedroom.
Outside presentation
- Does the house need a wash?
- Make sure all gates work well (handles turn and lock smoothly and doors don’t jam).
- Replace all cracked/broken glass.
- Clean out gutters. Get rid of cobwebs.
- Replace broken fences/missing palings.
- Mow the lawns and mulch where necessary.
- Consider adding flowering plants.
- Pool & Spa should be free of debris & water crystal clear.
- Check outside lighting is working and bright.
During Inspections / Open homes
- Try to be out of the home when buyers inspect, as they will feel more comfortable.
- Remove your pets from the house.
- Pack up any everyday living objects e.g. toys etc. in a basket and take it with you when you leave the property for the open inspection.
- Make sure the home is at a comfortable temperature.
- Brew some coffee before each inspection (freshly ground is best) – the aroma creates pleasant associations for buyers.
- Have soft music playing – this will create a relaxed environment and allow buyers to feel more comfortable as they inspect.
- Open curtains to allow in as much natural light as possible.
- Turn on lights.
- Empty all bins.
- Ensure your agent knows what makes your house a home – explain why it has that special ‘feel’ for you, point out its highlights. This will also help the photographer.