PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE (PART 1)
Getting the right price for your property boils down to how effectively you market it. Put simply, a clean and tidy home in need of only minor repairs (if any) will sell quicker and at a higher price than one that is looking tired and run-down.
A minor makeover can go a long way to giving your property the best possible opportunity to make a favourable impression to potential purchasers. And while it’s not rocket science, following a few basic tips should help ensure nothing is overlooked.
The exterior
- Ensure there is no peeling paint. A fresh coat of paint will go a long way in freshening up the outside of your home. It also gives the impression that you’ve looked after your property.
- Clear the gutters and down-pipes of leaves and muck. If they are rusty with holes in them, consider having them replaced.
- Make sure all out door lighting is working and bright.
- Roof tiles – remove any moss from the roof – consider having the roof professionally cleaned;
- Mow the lawns and trim the edges, prune overgrown hedges, etc.
- Consider hiring a landscape gardener to tidy-up the garden.
- Remove any grease and oil stains from the driveway.
Porch and veranda
- Paint or stain any timber decking if it’s looking weathered or has bare timber exposed.
- Replace any broken or rotten timber boards.
- Remove grass or moss growing in concrete or paving cracks;
- Ensure your fencing is in good repair.
Front door
- Polish the doorknob, handle or ringer until they shine.
- For timber doors, add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks and scuff marks.
- Make certain the screen is secure and any glass is clean.
- Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes.
- Ensure the door opens and closes effortlessly.
Windows
- Clean all the windows-inside and out.
- If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills.
- Make sure all windows open and close easily.
- Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
- Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears.
