Following are some simple and practical tips on presenting your home, enhancing its selling potential at little or no cost.

Inside

• Your home should be clean and tidy, but a display home presentation is not necessary. Aim to create an atmosphere of relaxed, comfortable living for all the family.
• Pack away all non-essential items and keep furniture to a minimum, as this will highlight large rooms and smaller ones appear more spacious.
• Clear out cupboards to create the impression of more storage space, an important consideration for many. Potential buyers are likely to open every door, wardrobe, cupboard and drawer so ensure they are tidy and free of clutter.
• Ensure the kitchen is spotlessly clean, paying particular attention to the oven, cooktop and sink. Also keep benchtops clear and remove any junk from the fridge door.
• Bathrooms too should be squeaky clean, especially the bath and shower recess. Ensure there is no mould or soap residue on tiled areas and polish mirrors to a sparkle.
• Wash or dry clean curtains and clean Venetian blinds. Better still, have a professional to do the job. The cost is surprisingly low but the results can be amazing!
• Have carpets professionally cleaned to remove any stains and freshen the pile.
• Make sure every light has a fitting or shade. If there are any missing, install an inexpensive DIY one and check that all light bulbs are working.
• Check thoroughly for cracks in walls, ceilings and cornices and repair/repaint where necessary.
• Eliminate the possibility of unpleasant odours by keeping pets outside and refraining from smoking indoors. Be aware also of smells caused by cooking, as certain foods can leave a lingering odour for days. Purchasing a pleasant smelling air freshener or fragrant oil burner can be a worthwhile investment.

Outside

• Remember, the external appearance of your home will determine whether or not the purchasers are encouraged to come inside and see more. Generally, you will only get one chance to attract a potential buyer inside, so it is vital that you do all you can to create appeal up front.
• Mow the lawns, cut edges and sweep paths. Trim trees, hedges and shrubs, in particular any that might block light through the windows as natural light is very appealing.
• Remove weeds from paths and driveways.
• Apply mulch to garden beds, especially in the front garden.
• Clear gutters and drains of leaves and rubbish.
• Remove any oil spills or stains from driveway and garage.
• Sweep cobwebs from outside walls, garage and shed.
• Clear out any junk from the garage and store tools neatly.
• Make sure the outdoor BBQ is clean as this in an area that will appeal to families who like to entertain.
• Hire a high pressure cleaner to restore pavers. You will be amazed at the difference it will make.
• If you have a pool, remember it is a major feature of your garden and will be an important selling point. It is essential that the water is sparkling clean and that all pool equipment including pumps and filters are in good working order.

General

• Complete all minor repairs such as leaky plumbing, broken tiles, wall cracks, squeaky doors, chipped or peeling paint, etc. Small things like these can cause unnecessary concern and give the impression that more expensive maintenance is required, possibly affecting the sale.
• Clean all windows inside and out and repair any worn or damaged flyscreens.
• If you need to repaint, keep the colour tones light and neutral as these appeal to a wider range of buyers. If repainting is not necessary, ensure all marks are cleaned off the paintwork.
• Be prepared to show your property at any time. The prospect you turn away may be the one most likely to buy.
• Overall, presenting your home as a well maintained and cared for property will be appreciated by prospective buyers and put your home ahead of the others. The better it looks, the more its perceived value will increase.

Home Open & Inspection Days

• Keep all valuables and jewellery safely locked away and out of sight.
• A warm, comfortably heated home on cold days adds a feeling of coziness. On a hot day, turn on the air conditioning or a fan (or open some windows and let the breeze flow through).
• Add an air of tranquillity to your home during home opens. Switch off the TV and radio and play some quiet relaxing music. Create colour and decorative flair by cutting some flowers from the garden. Also, brewing fresh coffee or baking bread can create an inviting, homely feeling.
• Keep pets out of the way. Not everyone loves animals so ask a friend or neighbour to mind them or take them out with you.
• Leave the showing of your home to the sales representative. Your Quinn Real Estate representative knows the buyer’s requirements and can best emphasise the features of your home that are most likely to appeal to the prospect.
• If you are present when your representative brings prospects through, be courteous but don’t try to start conversation. Keep your distance and let the buyer and agent talk freely without interruption. Queries regarding the sale should be referred to your sales representative, however, should you be asked any questions about the home or the neighbourhood, you should answer them honestly and directly.
• Do not apologise for the appearance or condition of your home, as this only draws attention to its faults and may create a negative impression.
• As a security precaution, never allow a prospective purchaser to inspect your home without your Quinn representative being present. If you are approached direct, either refer the prospects to your agent or contact Quinn Real Estate yourself.

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