| Selling
Tips |
PHONE:
03 5443 7088 |
First
Impressions
Since people begin to judge your home the moment they drive
up, the first impression is crucial. Make
sure your front lawn looks neat. Cut the grass and trim the
hedges. Plant some extra flowers for color - or put some potted
plants beside the front door.
|
Preparing
the inside
- Make
sure your house smells and looks clean and fresh.
-
Move out all excess furniture and clutter to make rooms
appear larger.
- Clear
off the kitchen and bathroom benches - make them look
as expansive as possible.
- Get
out your tool kit: Tighten loose doorknobs, drawer pulls,
cabinet handles, towel racks, switch plates and outlet
covers. Fix leaky taps and remove water stains.
- Place
fresh flowers in the main rooms.
- Open
drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.
- Keep
pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.
|
Preparing
the outside
-
Keep pathways swept and clean
- Keep
lawns mowed and trimmed
-
Keep garden furniture neat and clean
|
Showing
the House
- Try
Not to be Home
Homebuyers
will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit,
and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your
home. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, or take
the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave,
try to remain in an out of they way area of the house
and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any
information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.
- Lighting
When you know someone is coming by to tour your home,
turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even
during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey"
impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime,
turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight
and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more
homey and cheerful with the lights on.
- Fragrances
Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It
is too obvious and many people find the smells of those
sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic.
If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have
a potpourri pot or something natural. Or turn on a stove
burner (or the oven) for a moment and put a drop of vanilla
extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking.
- Pet
Control
If you have pets, make sure your listing agent puts a
notice with your listing in the multiple listing service.
The last thing you want is to have your pet running out
the front door and getting lost. If you know someone is
coming, it would be best to try to take the pets with
you while the homebuyers tour your home. If you cannot
do that, It is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the
back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room
when you expect visitors, and put a sign on the door.
Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers
come to view your property, but they may panic and try
to escape.
- The
Kitchen Trash
Especially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid,
make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look
at your home – even if your trash can is kept under
the kitchen sink. Remember that you want to send a positive
image about every aspect of your home. Kitchen trash does
not send a positive message. You may go through more plastic
bags than usual, but it will be worth it.
- Keep
the House Tidy
Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when
selling a home it is recommended that you develop the
habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the
family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed.
Try your best to have it look like a model home –
a home with furniture but nobody really lives there.
- Money & Valuables
For security purposes we would recommend that
you put any money or valuables lying around away.
|
Remember
your home is your castle, so show it at its best.
|
|
|
