Potential buyers understand that your house has been lived in and they expect a sense of homeliness. As the vendor, you want the potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in this space as well.
Selling a home is an emotional process, and so is buying one. Thinking of the people on the other end of the sale will help to maximise your investment.
How will they feel upon entering the house? Will they be able to see themselves making a life there like you have?
Potential buyers understand that your house has been lived in and they expect a sense of homeliness. As the vendor, you want the potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in this space as well.
Ideally, you want a buyer to look beyond the bedroom and bathroom details and to engage emotionally with the house.
Here are three tips we recommend our clients follow when preparing their home for sale.
It’s not necessarily dirty, but clutter and personal items are perceived as messy when they are randomly scattered around the house.
Clutter makes a house look small. Clear away all unnecessary items from surfaces and take a minimalistic approach when preparing your home. This is definitely the case when less is more.
Another tip is to make sure everything has its place. People need clear walkways and unobstructed paths to navigate when inspecting the house.
House hunters understand that a house has occupants, but they don’t need insight into your daily personal habits. Keeping things clean, neutral and minimal appeals to the biggest cross-section of buyers and enables them to see themselves living in your home.
The old adage has never been more relevant than when you’re preparing a home for sale.
When a potential buyer opens the front door, what will they see? The entrance of a house sets the tone for the rest of the property inspection.
Find an appropriate place for shoes, mail, keys, gym or school bags and anything else that you usually dump when you come through the door. Additionally, having the entrance clean and well-lit will make a positive impact on potential buyers.
And remember the importance of a well-presented kitchen. It’s the centre of the home, where meals and memories are made. Try and create that atmosphere for the future homeowner. A clear bench and a well organised pantry will make a huge difference.
When we talk about the hidden mess, we mean the rooms that you shut the doors on when guests are over.
Most of us want to shut the door on our toy room/kid’s playroom, kids’ bedrooms, studies, the notorious junk (or storage) room or the garage.
It’s the seemingly small details that can push the boundaries of what a buyer is willing to offer. The hidden aspects to guests will be revealed to potential buyers, so taking the time to go through those painfully cluttered rooms is worth it in the end.
The most devious hidden mess is usually under the house. We often see mess under the house, like old bikes and furniture, which is uncovered during a building inspection or an open home.
Now’s the time to be ruthless and clear out everything you don’t need. Store it if you must. Order a skip if you can.
Pay close attention to the front lawn/garden. A neat front entrance speaks volumes to what’s inside and sets the tone for a house with great street appeal.
Are there any cars in the driveway? If so, temporarily park them down the street. Power washing the driveway is always a good idea.
Finally, consider the backyard or courtyard. Sweep the deck, mow the lawn and weed the garden to seal the deal.
If this all sounds a bit too much to do on your own, there are a number of local businesses in the Newcastle region that specialise in preparing your home for sale.
We have more tips and resources for home buyers and sellers on our website and on our social media channels. Or contact us on 4910 0522 to talk to a property conveyancing specialist about your next steps.