Preparing Your Home For Sale

While every property has good points, most have aspects that would benefit from improvement. With a little thought and energy you can make the most of the good points and cover up the less appealing aspects.  Presentation is everything...and it's often what sells the emotional appeal of a property.

When you're approaching the process to market your home for sale, here are some important tips to consider in order to achieve the best possible price in today's market:

De-Clutter!

Removing clutter helps areas to appear more spacious and allows purchasers to visualise their belongings in your home.  Clear off everything on the kitchen counters.  Think of this process as ahead start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.  Organise cupboards and wardrobes, this says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well.

Rent a Storage Unit or Store in Your Shed

Almost every home presents better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block paths and walkways and put them in to your backyard shed neatly organised, or perhaps consider renting a storage unit.  Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around.  You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"

Make the House Sparkle

• Wash windows inside and out
• Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior
• Clean out cobwebs
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
• Clean out the refrigerator
• Vacuum
• Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
• Replace worn rugs
• Hang up fresh towels
• Clean and air out any musty or pet smelling areas

Check Curb-Side Appeal

• Keep the sidewalks cleared
• Mow the lawn
• Paint faded window trim
• Tidy grounds and garden areas
• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number

Make Minor Repairs

• Replace cracked floor and counter tiles
• Repair holes in walls
• Fix leaky faucets
• Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam
• Consider painting your walls neutral colours, especially if you have grown accustomed to colourful walls
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Replace any worn bedspreads

The Final Check Before Viewings

• Open blinds and curtains
• Open windows to let in fresh air
• Consider a flower arrangement
• Turn on lights in dark rooms or at night
• Light the fire in winter
• Display your best towels in the bathroom/s
• Clean and straighten rugs
• Empty rubbish bins
• Pick up any dirty clothes
• Deodorise pet areas and secure pets
• Vacuum and dust each room
• Tidy grounds and garden