YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
This is probably the most known, however widely forgotten element in a property sale. Presentation doesn’t just mean how clean your house is, but how it flows, how it feels and how it looks. From the moment a buyer first pulls up outside your home, to how they react to every inch of the inside, right through from the porch to the backyard – it captures the emotion. We won’t be afraid to make recommendations or to refer the services of stylists that can give advice on what will be appealing to the senses of prospective buyers. Every home is different and so to the advice. Quite often some homes will require landscape attention and others furniture restructuring, while others will need a freshen up in paint colours and some staging in certain rooms. This element of your property sale I would say is the number 1 element that will create a springboard for your future sale.
Street appeal
Front door – A newly painted front door with polished fixtures and freshly painted entrance can become a welcoming invite to buyers. Make sure the doorbell works.
Entrance – A simple welcome mat alongside flowering potted plants can contribute to the entrance appeal.
Windows – Windows should be cleaned to sparkle, with no fingerprints or grime visible. This will create an open and more spacious aura to the house. If windows have fly screens, ensure there are no holes or tears.
Lawn and garden – Lawns should be mowed, raked, edged and groomed to perfection. Prune the shrubs and trees to let natural light in. Ensure gardens and hedges are manicured, if there is time reseed pots and plant some annual colourful flowers to give the impression of a healthy, luxurious garden. Roll up the garden hose and put away all garden items. Clear all spider webs. Don’t forget to get rid of all the rubbish and have rubbish bins out of sight.
Driveway – Driveways should be free of leaves, dirt and oil stains. Make sure any pathways are swept clean.
Letterbox – Numbers should be prominently displayed. All junk mail should be removed and letterboxes newly painted if appropriate.
Fence and gate – If a fence surrounds the house it should be spotless, mould free and well secured. Gates should be well oiled with latches working. If possible they should be newly painted.
Shed and garage – Have a good clear out of all rubbish so that the buyer can actually see the space available.
Paint – The outdoors is an extension of the indoors, so again, tidiness is vital. If the outdoor area is painted, make sure there is no cracked paint or holes. It has been said that cracked paint can reduce the value of a home by thousands.
Gutters – Clean out the gutters and if appropriate paint the gutters and drainpipes.
Furniture – The outdoors can add significant value to your property, so make use of your garden, deck or verandah. Arrange some outdoor furniture, clean the BBQ and add some ‘visual stunners’ such as a pair of big pots brimming with healthy plants. Make sure the outdoor tables are immaculate.
Neat and tidy outdoor areas sends a confident message to the buyer that care for the home extends further than simply the exterior.
The inside
De-clutter – It is vital that a home is neat and tidy. Ruthlessly de-clutter and consider removing furniture to make rooms appear larger than they really are. Take down posters, remove excess knick-knacks and keep cupboards orderly. Your items may be precious to you, but a buyer needs the visual freedom to imagine their sofa in your lounge room, their family in your kitchen and their BBQ on your deck.
Pets – Not everyone is an animal lover. The sight of a dog bowl, animal hair and saliva on your couch can put off a potential buyer, not to mention the smell of food and litter trays. One of the most common cause of allergies is from animals, so it is more than likely that one of the potential buyers may be affected. If your home is pet friendly make sure you deodorise the entire house and remove accessories such as bowls, litter trays, beds and toys from view.
Space – Too much furniture equates to the buyer not being able to see what they really want in a home… space. Although de-cluttering is essential, do not go overboard and create a sterile interior with minimal warmth. Buyers are attracted to a home because of its welcoming, clean and friendly ambience, presenting a lifestyle to which they aspire.
Atmosphere
The mood generated by lighting can have a vast effect on potential buyers. Bright light makes a small space appear larger and softer light creates a warm, intimate feel. So if there are dim areas in your home turn the lights on, even if there is sunshine outside.
Open all window coverings and leave some doors tantalizingly open, especially doors leading to living areas. This can generate curiosity and anticipation for what is to come.
An uncluttered interior makes a house look bigger than it is and a simple coordinated décor can be very appealing. Neutral colours, soft textures and plenty of light will make a room a pleasant place to be in.
Clean unobstructed windows let the natural light in which helps bring the garden into view. Outdoor living is almost as important as indoors.
Create a comfortable temperature. If it’s hot, put the air-conditioning or ceiling fans on. If it’s cold, a fire or heater can be very comforting.
Sense of smell – It is important to create pleasant smells, but not overwhelming aromas as this may lead a buyer to think you are trying to conceal something. Pay particular attention to strong cooking odours in the kitchen, pet smells and cigarette smoke. Make sure the rubbish has been emptied. These factors can greatly affect a buyer’s feeling and attitude towards your home. Enhance smells with the use of candles, fresh flowers, fruit bowls or try boiling a cinnamon stick or lemon peel. These will give a fresh clean scent and can heighten appeal and emotional attachment.
Bathroom – Bathrooms have the power to restore your soul and have noticeably been transformed from the purely functional to super chic. Simple ways of updating your bathroom can come from new knobs, a towel rack or the addition of fluffy towels, or some aromatherapy candles and perfumed soaps can simulate a clean, sanitary and pleasant bathroom. A good thorough clean of the shower screen, mirrors and grouting will add sparkle to this important room.
Kitchen – Make sure the kitchen benches are clean and clear of clutter. Store away all the unnecessary appliances and ensure there are no dirty dishes in the dishwasher or sink. Remove any clutter on the fridge doors. Tidy cupboards and the pantry as buyers often look in there. Polish sinks, taps, bench tops and appliances.
Laundry – Ensure there is no washing in the machines or being displayed in hampers, on lines, clothes horses or on bench tops. Store ironing board neatly away.
Bedrooms – Make the beds and create a luxurious atmosphere with large cushions. Open the curtains to allow the light in.
It’s in the detail
Minor repairs – These play a part when buyers make their decision. It is highly recommended you fix broken screens, doorbells, locks and latches. Replace light bulbs, handles or doorknobs and fix leaking taps.
Carpets – It’s amazing the difference professionally cleaned carpets can make.
Floor tiles – Throughout the house make sure the tiles are clean. A useful tip is to use bicarbonate soda and vinegar with a toothbrush to clean any stained grouting between tiles.
Safety and security concerns – If there is exposed wire it can cause major safety concerns, so hide any unsightly wiring to stereos, televisions or computers. Missing switch covers and electrical plates should be replaced. All doors and windows should close and lock securely. Latches should be well oiled to open and close easily.
Appearance – An attractive and smart appearance will enhance your home’s appeal. A property which is poorly presented and not well maintained is a red flag for the buyer. It exposes “beware there is too much work to be done here!” Make sure your home is free of imperfections and do the little things you have been meaning to do. It can make the difference between making a sale or being stale.