Dress to Impress
Preparing your property for profit
Agents | Auctioneers | Property Management moveagents.com.au
First impressions count.
We want to maximise your price and to make the sale of your property a smooth and rewarding experience. An integral part of this process is working closely with you to ensure your property is cost effectively presented for maximum appeal to buyers. So we’ve put together some great ideas on preparing for sale. If you would like specific advice on your property or to speak with one of our home stylists please do not hesitate to contact us.
It’s all about the look & the feel
Impressive presentation both inside and out has the potential to heavily influence sale price.
Grand Entrance Create a ‘wow’ factor entrance and decorate the front garden with pot plants and garden furniture.
Garden Setting Weed and mulch the garden beds and consider adding a splash of colour to garden beds and any pot plants. Also prune trees or shrubs close to the property to help with natural light.
Interiors Repair and paint where necessary, clean walls, floors and windows, steam clean carpets and make running repair to items such as dripping taps, sticking doors and drawers – this is the sort of thing that prospective buyers will notice.
Furniture Less is better. Store excess furniture to ensure rooms appear as spacious as possible.
General tidy up Remove rubbish from the exterior of the house, ensure pool is pristine and fences are in order. Also think about removing any items that might look uninviting.
De-clutter Remove all unnecessary articles from rooms to enhance the sense of space. Cobwebs & dust Remove cobwebs and dust from inside and outside the house.
A place with space
The art of creating space within a home is a huge selling point. Here are some simple tips that can help your home appear spacious and open.
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Simple Tip: One Storing some furniture off the property to open up rooms and hallways.
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Simple Tip: Two To accentuate the feeling of spaciousness open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
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Simple Tip: Three On the outside, trim or prune the trees and shrubs which shade windows and block out important natural light.
Cost-Effective
We advise clients not to spend too much money on renovating their homes prior to selling. However, some additions and improvements are well worth the spend.
Major works might not be in your budget but minor changes to the garden landscape or replacing an old fence can make a significant difference and not break the budget. Our professional team can guide you with possible improvements to your property in preparation for sale.
Dress to Impress checklist 1. Make a list and take photos of the repairs required to your home
Think like a purchaser. The golden rule of thumb is – if something needs to be repaired, fix it!
2. Repair yourself or outsource
Collate a list of your preferred trades’ and their contact details
Invite trades to quote on the repairs
Do your research to find the best price
Look at DIY. Bunnings have some great tutorials on their website on how to fix a leaking tap to planting a veggie garden.
3. Do one room at a time 4. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter 5. Complete general maintenance
See our checklist on the next page
Be Prepared
General checklist
normally move and vacuum thoroughly
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Inspect bathroom and kitchen tiles and sinks and reseal where needed
Test the pressure relief valve on your hot water system to ensure it hasn’t seized up
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Repair loose knobs, latches or handles on doors
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Clean curtains and blinds
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Soften potentially offending views, but always let light into your rooms
Make storage areas appear generous and well planned
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Remove any items from the floor
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Check smoke detectors
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Clean and disinfect the dishwasher by operating it when it’s empty and putting bicarbonate soda in the detergent tray and vinegar in the rise holder
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Vacuum refrigerator coils
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Empty fridge waste container
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Check doors and windows for cracked seals and peeling paint – repair as needed
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Dust/vacuum the tops of cupboards
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Move furniture that you don’t
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Wash all of the windows
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Clean light fittings and skylights and if your kitchen has fluorescent lighting fixtures, use ‘warm-white’ bulbs for a bright appearance
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area – this will make a wardrobe seem more spacious •
Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter
Hang an air freshener in the wardrobe for a pleasant fragrance ensuring wardrobe interiors smell fresh and clean
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Clean sliding door and window tracks
Ensure all wardrobe lights are in working order
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Clean debris from ceiling fan blades and air conditioners fan blades before using
Add battery lights to wardrobes that lack built-in lighting, as illuminated wardrobes appear bigger and more attractive
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Check taps and supply lines of plumbing for signs of leakage
Outside •
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Sweep and pressure-wash the driveway and paths to remove debris, dirt and stains. Remove any oil stains if possible. Repair and patch any cracks
the same time remove material that can settle in the lines and block the filters (unscrew the drip or spray outlets, flush the line, then clean the filter) •
Promptly pull out weeds or spray with specialised weed killer as soon as they appear and before they set seed
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Mulch garden beds to prevent soil drying out too quickly and hinder weed growth
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Inspect exterior paint and touch up as needed
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Clean and seal decks if needed
Check your fence for any loose or broken posts and replace any rotted wood
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Check gutters for leaks or damage and remove debris
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Lawn care: mow high and often. Feed the lawn with fertiliser, treat weeds, and aerate the lawn in high traffic areas
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Trim your plants back with secateurs
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Cut back overhanging trees from the roof line
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Clean out your irrigation system twice a year to ensure your plants get the best quality water and at
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Repair/replace any damaged window screen mesh
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Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, leaks, mildew or water stains
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Inspect roof for damage
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Winterise the pool (if applicable)
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Reseal concrete areas to prevent cracking and deterioration
Report Back
For convenience and confidence
Make a preemptive strike and organise a building and pest inspection These days, many buyers get a building and pest inspection before they purchase a property. Many owners assume they are only relevant to purchasers who generally have them conducted during the cooling off period or prior to auction day. However, having your home inspected for structural and termite damage can be highly advantageous. Why? It gives you control over the selling and negotiation process. If no issues are found, you will have peace of mind knowing the purchaser won’t be able to use any problems as a means to negotiate the price down. And if an issue is found, you can take action to resolve it before your home is listed for sale.
Forewarned is forearmed Even though your property may appear to be structurally sound and there is no visible indication that termites, subsidence or mould is present, there could be hidden problems lurking in the foundations, roof, plumbing or walls that only a professional can identify. Many people are worried that building and pest inspectors may uncover some terrible truths about their property. For many, this concern stops them from having an inspection. But is that logical? If something is wrong with your property wouldn’t it be better to know before you put the house on the market. Being forewarned is forearmed and puts the power in your hands.
A building and pest inspection report empowers you Being aware of any issues with your property allows you to take control and have them fixed and doesn’t erode your position when you put your house on the market. While many buyers will still insist on having their own pre-purchase building and pest inspections conducted, showing them the report you have had prepared shows them you have nothing to hide about the condition of your property and gives them less ammunition to negotiate. The report could provide vital knowledge in a negotiation that saves your sale and protects your profits.
Picture Perfect
Here’s some tips on how to best prepare your home for photography and auction.
Living areas
Kitchen
Bedrooms
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Remove all unnecessary furniture and clutter to create an impression of space
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Make beds
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Turn on lamps
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Turn on lamps and ensure they are working
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Remove all dishes from sink including drying racks
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Clear all items off bedside tables
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Replace any faulty light globes
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Remove all tea towels
Reduce items on dressing tables and drawers
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Ensure all curtains are hooked up properly and open
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Clear off all fridge magnets
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Light Candles
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Add a bowl of fresh fruit to the bench for colour
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Empty cupboards of off-season clothing and pack them away for the move
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Remove rubbish bin to outside
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Remove pet bowls and litter trays
Organise cupboards to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Cupboards should look as though there is room to add more
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Remove sheer curtains all together if possible
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Add fresh flowers
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Depending on the weather, heat or cool your house to make guests comfortable
Tidy kitchen and remove all items from the bench tops including appliances
Bathroom
Garden and street
Entertaining areas
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Put fresh fluffy matching towels in the bathrooms
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Mow the lawns
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Clear off outdoor settings
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Scrub and clean shower screens, basins and mirrors
Remove any weeds or rubbish from footpath
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Add cushions, pot plants or a fruit bowl
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Store toys out of sight
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Light candles
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Remove items from the shower
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Remove pet droppings
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Remove all items except for decorative bottles from the basin
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Arrange for someone to look after your pets
If you have a pool make sure it is sparkling clean
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Remove waste and linen baskets
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Keep cars out of sight (garage)
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Light candles
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Where possible, ensure the neighbouring properties are well presented and offer to mow your neighbours lawn if necessary
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Clear cobwebs, get rid of peeling paint and grime
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Sugar soap or wash the gutters, eaves, fascias, weatherboards and Colorbond roof
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