Selling Your House? Here’s How to Present Your House for Sale
If you want to know how to present your house for sale to get the best price possible, the first thing you should consider is the state of your home. Is it in good enough shape to attract buyers? How do you please everybody when you do not know who could be coming to inspect your property?
The short answer is that you probably won’t be able to. But if you focus on some of the basics, you can increase your chances of piquing buyer interest, and therefore, securing the best possible selling price.
Many buyers want a property that they can move into right away without having to make any improvements or repairs. Some buyers may show interest in a property that has recently been repaired or shows signs of consistent maintenance, which may result in a higher selling price.
However, you should think about these suggestions in the context of your own situation and determine if the possible higher selling price you will get from these renovations is worth the time and money you will spend on them.
Here are 7 tips to consider to make a good impression when presenting a property for sale:1. Sparkle from the curb.
Curb appeal gets a lot of attention (for good reason, of course). It is the crucial first impression that most consumers remember. Even if your home is perfect on the inside, if it does not catch the eye from the outside, some potential buyers will drive away and move on to the next property on their list.
If you do not mow, cut, and edge the grass, freshly mulch the garden beds, and tidy up the trees and shrubs, it can be off-putting to some potential buyers. So, make sure the fence is stable and, if possible, paint it. Fix and resurface any gaps in the driveway in front of your house. Before making any changes to a driveway or a footpath, consult with the local council to see if there are any regulations or technical requirements that you should comply with.
A fresh coat of paint on the house exterior, as well as the removal of dirt, wasp, and bird’s nests from the eaves and above doors, will make a big difference.
Remember to put old doorknobs and locks to the test. A rusted, old door lock is unlikely to inspire trust in security-conscious buyers. Every little thing counts.2. Declutter and organise.
In learning how to present your house for sale, you should keep in mind that the less clutter you have, the better your property will appeal to your buyers.
If you keep the extra furniture in each room to a minimum, your home will possibly exude a sense of spaciousness. If your wardrobes and drawers are half-filled with nothing on the floor, they can appear more functional.
Contrary to popular belief, people tend to look at cupboards because storage is a major concern for many consumers. The rule of thirds may be worth considering for kitchens and built-in bookshelves:
Some experts recommend having no more than three countertop appliances in a kitchen. In the meantime, divide bookshelves into thirds: one-third books, one-third vases or other fitting décor pieces, and one-third empty shelves. Most people dislike seeing rooms that are filled with clutter because it can be overwhelming.3. Take advantage of the power of scent.
It is said that some buyers buy with their noses. Odours in the kitchen can be a problem when the house is on the market. You can start by avoiding cooking fried food, especially stinky dishes like boiled cabbage. For smokers, the same rules apply: empty all ashtrays, clean all curtains and upholstery, and consider smoking outside while your home is on the market.
Surprisingly, the smelliest space in the building, apart from the kitchen, may be the living room. The room usually has the most cloth, which is where the odours are absorbed.
Even if you do not mind it anymore, if your home has the distinct odour of a family pet, make sure it is well aired out before any inspections. A well-placed diffuser or scented candle may also make a big difference.4. De-personalise
It is possible that how we decorate to live and how we decorate to sell are two completely different things. This makes gathering all family memories and personal objects from each room a good idea before putting your property on the market.
When buyers visit a home they want to live in, they tend to look at it from the perspective of how well it suits their needs. Anything that makes the house appear to be yours can be distracting, and it may not be as “homey” as they expected. Allow people to imagine how the house will function with them in it.5. Update the fixtures.
Fixtures and fittings that are out of date, or worse, broken, will attract unwanted attention. New cabinet hardware and doorknobs are usually inexpensive, but they can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your rooms.
While the new buyer can replace or repair these things, it can prevent you from having the best value for your property.6. Showcase the kitchen.
The kitchen should be a tidy, relaxing place where the family can meet for food preparation or conversation. Take care of any issues that make it less functional or relaxing. This may involve repairing or removing any broken drawers or cupboards.
Consider fixing any damaged laminate on your countertop or the covering of the entire surface. A granite worktop is a common option, which may be more expensive but is typically more resistant to chips and scratches.
If required, repair leaking faucets and consider replacing old sinks with new ones. Everyone desires a gleaming kitchen.7. Clean, clean and clean again.
A dirty house is one of the few items that can put a buyer off quickly. If the kitchen sink and counters are filthy, customers are unlikely to be impressed.
So, it might be worthwhile to go the extra mile and clean your home thoroughly. Anything from dusting shelves to steam-cleaning tile crevices and grout is included.
You should strive to keep your home tidy, safe, and debris-free. Try removing the carpets if they are aged and smell musty. If they’re still fresh, consider having them shampooed.If you do not have time to do those things, you can always hire a professional to help you.
How to present your house for sale? Put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer and consider what kinds of listings will catch your eye:
Of course, there are some items on your “to-do list” that you need to work on before you get to the point of taking pictures to have your property perfectly displayed in the listings. When you hire someone who has experience in preparing properties for sale, you can surely get the value of their service once your property is sold.
At Deceased Estate Sydney, we have helped numerous clients in preparing their property for sale. We specialise in cleaning deceased estates in Sydney, taking the rubbish to the tip, so that you get the best presentation once potential buyers visit your property. Get in touch with us today to book a service!
