Presenting Your Home For Sale
First Impressions You don t get a second chance to make a good first impression There are many small, inexpensive ways of making your home more appealing to a potential purchaser. Addressing cosmetic improvements, maintenance and minor repairs to your home is worth the effort and often has a positive impact on the eventual sale price. The Brad Teal team believes it is essential for your home to be presented in the best possible light. It is our aim to assist you in achieving optimum presentation for your home. The recommendations in this booklet are inexpensive and most cost nothing at all! However, if required we have included at the rear of this booklet details of professional trades people at our disposal to assist you.
From The Street Seeing it for the first time Look at your property as if you are seeing it for the first time. Be extremely critical and identify areas that need sprucing up. Perhaps ask a friend to come over and give you a fresh set of eyes to give you some honest, constructive feedback. As a minimum you should: > > Purchase a new doormat > > Clean the front door and repaint if necessary > > Clean exterior paintwork and brickwork > > Repair broken or cracked windows > > Clean windows inside and out > > Clean flyscreens > > Clean out gutters and downpipes > > Remove cobwebs > > Clean or paint the front gate, letter box and fence > > Clean exterior lights and check to ensure they are functional > > Clean the garage door > > Clean the garage or carport floor and remove oil stains > > Sweep and clean the driveway and remove all oil stains
In the Garden Create a positive and lasting overall impression A tidy and well maintained front and rear garden will create a positive and lasting impression. > > Mow the lawns regularly > > Trim all garden edges > > Weed garden beds > > Replenish mulch areas > > Remove any dead plants > > Trim any trees and shrubs that are obstructing windows or overhanging roofs and gutters > > Prune untidy creepers > > Remove any rubbish and garden clippings > > Remove pet droppings regularly > > Put away any garden tools and hoses > > Store rubbish bins out of sight
Outdoor Entertaining Areas A lifestyle choice With an increasing emphasis on outdoor living over the past few years, an attractive and well maintained outdoor area can have a significant influence on buyers. > > Sweep up leaves > > Clean paved areas > > Clean timber decking and recoat if necessary > > Clean outdoor furniture > > Remove dead pot plants and replace with healthy colourful plants > > If you have a pool, ensure it is sparkling clean all year round > > Ensure ponds and water features are clean and operational > > Remove children s toys and garden accessories
On The Inside Does your home sparkle? A clean and tidy home with plenty of light and space will increase your home s appeal. Paying attention to the simple things may be enough to make a significant point of difference between your property and other similar homes. Entry > > A clean and tidy entry creates a good first impression > > Consider hanging a wall mirror to create a feeling of spaciousness Floors > > Steam clean carpets if necessary > > Check timber floors to see if they need to be re-coated > > Clean all floor surfaces Walls > > Clean walls > > Fix and repaint any cracks or holes in the walls and ceilings > > Remove cobwebs from walls, cornices and ceilings
On The Inside Does your home sparkle? Kitchen > > Remove clutter from kitchen benches and refrigerator door > > Ensure tiling and grouting is clean and in good condition > > Clean and organize cupboards including the pantry > > Polish chrome surfaces > > Ensure all appliances are clean and fully operational Bathroom > > Remove any mould or mildew > > Clean mirrors, exhaust fans and shower screens or curtains > > Ensure tiling and grouting is clean and in good condition > > Put out clean towels and new soap Storage > > Ensure storage areas including your garage are well organised and clutter free > > Indicate to prospective buyers that there is ample storage
On The Inside Does your home sparkle? Furniture > > Ensure rooms are shown to their best advantage by appearing as spacious as possible > > Remove or re-arrange furniture to help create a feeling of spaciousness General > > Clean window furnishings, curtains, blinds and drapes > > Remove clutter from rooms and walls to create a feeling of spaciousness > > Repair items such as dripping taps, loose door knobs, creaking or sticking doors, windows and drawers > > Clean and polish all woodwork > > Remove children s toys and store in a cupboard > > Remove pet bowls and litter trays from living and kitchen areas > > Keep rooms well ventilated and fresh > > Ensure light fittings and switches are clean and operational
Open House And Inspections Warm and inviting An open house provides the opportunity to present your home at its optimum to multiple potential buyers. > > Open all curtains and blinds to provide natural light > > Turn on lights in dark areas of your home including passageways > > Make all the beds > > Put toys away > > Wash and put away dishes > > Remove shoes from the front and back door > > Remove pets from the property > > Eliminate cooking, cigarette smoke or pet odours and replace them with >> the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or aromatherapy candles > > Place fresh flowers in strategic positions to brighten up your home > > Play soft background music to create a pleasant atmosphere
Open House And Inspections Warm and inviting > > Take out the garbage > > Remove washing from the clothes line > > Ensure your dishwasher, washing machine or dryer is not left running > > Store small valuable items in a secure place > > Create a comfortable environment by ensuring heating is turned on in winter and air conditioning or fans are turned on in summer > > Leave your home during the inspection where possible to allow purchasers to feel at ease during the inspection