Every homeowner wants to get the maximum value when selling their home. However, some people mistakenly pay huge amounts of money and undertake complete repair and renovation jobs in an attempt to make the house more appealing.
You'll find that it's a lot of little things, combined with only a few big ones, that make the difference between a house that is so-so and one that is irresistible.
Start with the Exterior First impressions count and the first thing your potential buyers are going to see is the exterior of the house and the garden. Chances are they may decide to drive right past your property if they see an unruly garden and an unpainted house. So, make sure your garden is well tended and cared for. Mow the lawn, water the plants and place your pots with flowering plants within plain sight. Make sure the exterior of your house is spotlessly clean and that includes the driveway, front door, and windows.
Take pains to ensure your entrance and the surrounding areas look spotlessly clean. Give the gate or door a fresh coat of paint, if need be. Your buyers will have a lot of time to have a good look at the entrance and the surroundings while they wait for you to let them in.
Lead the way in Giving your interior walls a fresh coat of paint is undoubtedly the best way to increase the market value of your house. Neutral colours, such as antique white or off-white, give your rooms an elegant and sophisticated quality. Get your carpets and curtains professionally cleaned. Replacing old and worn out fixtures with brand new ones is an inexpensive investment that will most likely reap you rich rewards.
And now, those three most important words that can make or break your sale - Clear The Clutter. Now is a good time to throw away items that have been lying around and have never been used. Clean out and organise your cupboards.
It's Showtime, folks! D-day is finally here. Your potential buyers are due to come over and inspect your home. Make good use of your morning and put the final touches to make your house look even more appealing. Remember, your buyers are looking for a house they can call their own. So, go ahead and make your home an inviting place to be in.
Again, first impressions count. Give your potential buyers an impressive first impression and everything else will fall into place. Fill your home with the delicious aroma of baked cookies by actually baking a batch of cookies just before your buyers arrive. Nobody, but nobody, can resist this reminds-me-of-home aroma. Fresh flowers, strategically placed, add colour and joy to any room.
Keep all your windows and curtains open to give the house a bright, airy look. If it's a late winter's evening, switch on all your lights and keep the fireplace going, so your house looks and feels warm and cosy.
Once again - clear the clutter! You'll be amazed at how much has accumulated since the last time you undertook this exercise. Put away shoes that clutter your doorway. Pick up strewn clothes and socks and throw those in the laundry basket or better still, hide them in the car for the day. Whatever you do, do not throw it into your cupboards. Remember, the buyer will most likely want to see the interior of all the cupboards and wardrobes.
Spray the carpets, curtains and furniture with an odour-removing spray to erase all traces of cigarette smell and pet odour. Hang fresh, clean towels in the bathrooms and the kitchen. Make sure the bathrooms are spotlessly clean and inviting. Placing a few bric-a-brac in each bathroom gives a more personal touch.
Now that you've got the house ready, sit back, relax and wait for the doorbell to ring, announcing the arrival of your buyers.