“Remember the best sale price will be achieved when the buyer sees your house as their new home”

Are you considering putting your home on the market? Consider the benefit of a pre sale makeover.

We all want to achieve the maximum sale price for our property. First impressions count so presentation is one of the most important factors to consider when selling your home. No matter what the physical condition of your property there are a number of things that the homeowner can do that will have a definite impact on the appeal of the property and ultimately the final selling price

Property developers spend thousands of dollars on interior designers in order to present their properties in the best possible light. They don’t spend this money frivolously; they spend it because it is a proven way to maximize buyer interest in their properties and this has a direct result on sales success.

Psychologists suggest that we seek from our homes what we are lacking in our real life, and for many of us who lead busy, stressful lives, we are attracted to a home that is neat, ordered and clean: in short a sanctuary!

Whilst for many of us, it is not possible to live in a ‘display home’ all of the time, there are many compelling reasons why a little extra time devoted to preparation prior to putting your house on the market can really pay off.

We would like to share some simple presentation tips with you, which may help to present your property to its best advantage. It is often the little things that can make the biggest impact. First impressions really do count because it is estimated that over 50% of properties are sold even before the prospective buyer steps through the front door! These are just a few practical ways in which you can make an instant, positive impression, which will go a long way towards making a successful sale. Remember that buying property is an emotional experience. How people feel about your home can be as important as its location, size and features.

Be ObjectiveAs you take a walk through your home with critical

eyes and ask yourself the following questions:

Is this room overcrowded? How can I make the room feel bigger, brighter and more appealing?

Some guidelines:

*If your home is small, the use mirrors, glass-topped tables and compact furniture to make rooms appear larger.

*If you don’t have a lot of natural light coming into the room and privacy is not an issue, consider removing heavy window coverings to emphasise views and light.

*Whilst modern buyers tend to choose a more streamlined clutter free house it is important that you don’t depersonalise it too much, homely touches like photographs, cushions, throw rugs and ornaments and lamps can create ambience.

*Store excess furniture and if need be consider renting key pieces of furniture in neutral tones to create a modern, clean look.

*If selling a family home, focus on creating a positive family environment.

We are happy to provide obligation free advice on how to prepare your home for sale. Often the key to preparing your home for sale is to align it with modern tastes and lifestyles. Modern buyers want clean, modern interiors in neutral colours. Space, light, storage and low-maintenance are important features. Try to avoid over personalising the space, you may love your bright purple feature wall, but that doesn’t mean the buyers will.

Outside appeal*Remove bikes, tools, and any clutter*Keep lawns mowed, paths edged, hedges trimmed and gardens weeded*A few well-positioned flowering potted plants can create a welcoming appearance.*Having the exterior washed and windows cleaned can make an enormous difference.*Paint or wash fences, gates, screens, steps and the front door.*Ensure your pets are secured so that they won’t pose a threat or annoy visitors.*Outside lighting is a must for evening inspections.

Positive first impressions*Your front door and entranceway can be powerful first impression areas.*A newly decorated front door with attractive topiary shrubs either side can be effective.*Properties yet to be renovated can visually show buyers the potential of the property by decorating the walls, ceiling and floor of the front entrance.*Position an attractive plant or piece of art to add that final touch. Appeal to the sensesA general spring clean will freshen the look and the air. Turn on sufficient lights when inspections are being held to compensate for any dark areas.Use odour neutralisers to dispel with cigarette or animal smells. The delicious aroma of brewing coffee or freshly baked bread will convey the impression that you enjoy your property.Bathrooms should be gleaming. Repair any broken tiles and reseal around the bath and basin if necessary. A dish of scented potpourri or soaps add a nice touch.Place freshly cut flowers throughout your property.Interesting knick-knacks, books or artwork in feature areas around to encourage your visitors to linger, however a word of caution- less is definitely more, we want the buyers to see themselves living in the house, not be sidetracked by who is living there currently!Turn the radio or TV off, maybe in favour of a restful CD.Make sure the temperature inside is comfortable – air conditioning on in summer and heater or even light the fire in winter.

It’s the little things that countAttend to any small maintenance jobs such as sticking doors or windows, dripping taps, squeaking hinges, loose door handles, blown light bulbs or faulty switches.

Create a feeling of spaciousnessTry to make sure your kitchen is spotless; the working areas are uncluttered with tidy cupboards and pantry.

Make sure wardrobes are tidy – they’ll look larger.Mirrors in smaller rooms can convey the feeling of more space.To enlarge room size appearance, perhaps store some furniture and ornaments.

LastlyAllow your buyers the time and relaxed atmosphere to become emotionally involved in your property by leaving the premises during inspections.