4 ways to prepare your house for sale
Whether you’re downsizing to a low-maintenance apartment, need space for a growing family, or moving interstate, selling your house is usually part of the plan.
Naturally, you want top dollar when you sell, so with help from Simon Noakes, Director of local real estate firm Noakes Nickolas, we’ve come up with a few ways to squeeze the maximum value you can from your property.
1. First impressions last
Put yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes and imagine their thoughts when they pull up at the front of your place. If you have broken light fittings, a garden full of weeds, and a shabby lawn, it won’t inspire confidence that your house has been cared for. You don’t necessarily have to spend much time or money, but you can spruce up the front yard with simple things like fixing or replacing your letterbox (or numbers), pressure washing your paths and driveway and painting the door. Consider brightening the front yard with some colourful plants in pots or window boxes and remember to manicure the lawn and verge.
“Creating a positive first impression will help attract more buyers,” Simon says.
2. Grab a paintbrush
It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint does to the look and feel of a house, and it’s a proven way to add value. If your place has peeling and faded paint, or a dated colour scheme, it’s time to grab some sugar soap, brushes and drop sheets and get to work.
“You want people to visualise your house as their own, so play it safe with neutral colours – particularly inside – to maximise the appeal,” Simon says.
That doesn’t mean you have to paint everything stark white. There are plenty of shades on the market, like blues, greys and off-whites that might work well at your place. Outside, painting surfaces like doors, windows, guttering and fences will help your house stand out to buyers and look good online.
If you’re an RAA member, you’ll save at your nearest Wattyl store with discounts on paints, stains and accessories.
3. Attack those minor repairs
Not only are imperfections like cracked windows, missing tile grout, and leaky taps an eyesore, but they’ll alert buyers that there are jobs to do after they’ve moved in. Go through your house room by room and take note of repairs that need to be completed, then prioritise them. If you’re handy, tackle any simple repairs before the house goes on the market to help make it look shipshape. For more extensive repairs and other jobs like plumbing, carpentry and electrical, RAA members can contact RAA Trade Assist to get in touch with a reliable, licensed tradie who can help knock over your to-do list with minimum fuss.
4. Clean and declutter
Buyers won’t appreciate stained carpets, dirty cupboards or mouldy bathroom tiles. Simon suggests that before putting your home on the market you give the interior and exterior (including windows) a thorough clean.
“Make sure it’s sparkling and fresh, from top to bottom,” he says. “This will help convince potential buyers your house is looked after and worth the price you’re asking.”
After you’re finished cleaning, declutter your home. Go through your belongings and be realistic about whether you should keep, toss, recycle, donate or sell them. You don’t have to go full Marie Kondo and thank your old t-shirts for the joy they’ve brought to your life but declutter as much as possible. It’ll make your rooms and storage spaces look bigger and will help buyers imagine their furniture and possessions in your house.
One more thing
This is general advice, and everybody’s property and circumstances are different. You want to increase the appeal but not overcapitalise.
“Chat with your real estate agent about which pre-sale jobs need doing and how best to style your place,” Simon says.