PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

• Think carefully about major renovations. You may not get your money back if you tackle big jobs like modernising the kitchen or bathroom before selling. Budget carefully for these if you decide to go ahead. We are here to help if you would like to discuss what gains may be made if you consider a renovation.

• There are low-cost high impact activities like decluttering, cleaning, touch-ups and repairs that can make a big difference when you come to present your home for sale.

• Street appeal is important. Make sure the section is tidy and inviting. Eliminate any negatives.

• If you are selling a property which is tenanted, this requires open communication and an understanding of everyone’s rights and responsibilities under the Act.

Removing any clutter will make your home look larger and more appealing.

• Start by removing everything you haven’t used or won’t need for a while.

• Consider hiring a storage unit so you can remove surplus furniture and other items away from the house, or store items in cartons neatly in the garage. Clear plastic bins are ideal as these stack nicely and you can easily see what is contained in them.

• Remember to declutter cupboards too – buyers will check storage during viewings. Tidy, organised cupboards impress and imply that the rest of the house is well looked after. This is true of kitchen cupboards and drawers and the pantry too.

• Use decluttering as an opportunity to reduce items you don’t want to move to your next home.

• Remove or replace chattels that you would like excluded from the sale prior to the first open home, for example, a favourite lightshade.

Deep Clean

When your home is free of clutter and surplus furniture, it’s a good time for a deep clean.

• Clean everything, everywhere.

• Think about hiring a professional cleaning team to do this for you if you’re short on time.

• Consider having the carpets professionally cleaned – this can make a big difference.

• When the deep clean has been done, it will be easier to manage before each open home or showing.

DE-PERSONALISE

Start thinking about the house objectively as a property for sale. This will help you remove yourself emotionally from your home and will help you see it as buyers do. Talk to your agent about who is likely to be interested in your property, and think about what will appeal to them.

• Remove personal photos and items.

• Consider having your home professionally staged if your property is vacant.

• Attend open homes in your area and take a note of what works well and what doesn’t.