Presenting Your Property For Sale

Selling your property

Statistic show first impressions are everything, 50% of people make up their mind up on outward appearance within 30 seconds. The following 10 tips have proved invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention to facilitate the sales process.


1.    First Impressions Are Lasting
The exterior, gardens, driveway and entry should sparkle, the front door area greets the prospect and therefore it helps if the front door area is neat, clean and welcoming. Make sure the prospect wants to come inside.


2.    Light & Bright
Open curtains to give you home the light and bright feel. Ensure all globes should be 100 watt plus.  Have at least one vase of fresh flowers to emphasise that yours is a well cared for, well loved home.


3.    Cleanliness
With first impressions your home should look neat and tidy and smell fresh and clean. If needed have carpets and curtains cleaned. It's money well spent.


4.    Tidiness
Prospects will look in closets and cupboards. Neat well ordered shelves etc. show that space in your home is ample. Avoid cluttered appearances especially in kitchens and bathrooms, as these rooms can clinch a sale. 


5.    Minor Flaws
Fix dripping taps, loose door knobs, sticking doors and windows etc.--they detract from the value.   Make sure all your light bulbs are working (100 watt).


6.    Smells
Buyers have sensitive noses and will smell those lingering smells that you don't notice any more, namely pets, tobacco, etc. So avoid leaving used ashtrays around and keep your pet's food, bedding and toilet areas extra clean. Carpet refresh and air freshers are good ideas too!


7.    Neat Garden
Even if you are not the green thumb type, your home will present better if the grounds are neat and clean, the shrubs trimmed, mulch the flower beds and make sure the grass is cut regularly.


8.    Decorate For A Quick Sale
Shabby walls, doorframes, gutters etc., reduce appeal.  Make sure there are no marks on your walls, a quick lick of paint here and there can make a big difference.


9.    Avoid Being Home During Inspections
People are uncomfortable about having a good look around if the owner is hovering in the background. If your property is tenanted as an investment, encourage your tenants to not be home during inspections for the same reason – purchasers feel uncomfortable discussing details in front of a tenant.  If you are home turn off or tune down the radio or television. They are a distraction.


10.    It’s the small things
Even the most organised seller will be frantic before home-open time.  In your haste to present the perfect palace, don’t forget the little things.  Such as removing washing from the line, emptying bins, closing toilet lids or hiding damp tea towels.