Once you’ve made the decision to downsize, the next step is to prepare your home for sale. First impressions count, so it’s essential to ensure that your home is well-presented and appealing to prospective buyers.
To help you understand what’s involved, Charmaine Henrickson of McGrath Estate Agents has shared her tips on what to do before you sell and how to avoid the last minute rush before the marketing begins.
1. Declutter and clean
Start by clearing out any clutter and removing items that you don’t use regularly.
Consider a temporary storage facility or donating your excess items to charity.
Pay particular attention to the windows, blinds, appliances and skirting boards when cleaning.
2. Perform a thorough inspection
Fix any problems that you find.
Check your walls, floors and windows for water damage and ensure all the cupboards, doors and windows are easy to open.
Arrange for a qualified pest inspector to spray if there are signs of insects.
3. Paint
Look at the condition of the front door and decide if it needs a fresh coat of paint. It’s the first thing potential buyers will see when they visit your home, so it should look fresh and inviting.
Paint in neutral colours and use a low-sheen finish if the walls need a refresh – buyers prefer a blank canvas so they can put their own stamp on things.
4. Clean or replace flooring
Shampoo carpets and remove stains.
Scrub tiled floors thoroughly and buff or polish timber floors.
If the floors do not present well after this treatment, consider replacing them.
5. Freshen up fixtures and fittings
Consider replacing light fittings, bathroom mirrors, taps, shower roses and cabinet handles. This can be done at a low cost and can make a huge difference in terms of visual appeal.
Once you have completed these five steps, your house will be ready to sell. You should also speak with your agent to decide whether you need to stage your property for the market to ensure that buyers view it at its very best.
Happy selling!
For more information, call Charmaine Henrickson on 07 3638 1415 or visit mcgrath.com.au
