A well presented home says "welcome". It doesn't have to be a "show place" but it should appear a comfortable home in which to live. Your home will be one of many on the market at any time. You need to present your home in such a way to get the best price within a set time. Presentation counts.
Experience shows that vendors who make this extra effort usually achieve a quicker sale and, in many cases, a higher price.
The Outside
First impressions
Look at the home as a buyer would. First impressions count.
Stand on the footpath and check the overall view of the yard, fences, driveway, windows, doors, roof and walls.
Pick up papers and rubbish in the street to show that it is a tidy neighbourhood. Remove any junk mail form the letterbox.
Have all minor repairs done. Sticking doors and windows, loose door-knobs, faulty plumbing, peeling paint etc. may affect your sale. Make sure gates open easily.
Arrange outdoor furniture attractively to give a look of leisure.
Closed garage doors look tidier.
Tidy the flower-pots and have plants healthy and watered. Trim shrubs and mow lawns, including the footpath. Trim shrubs and mow lawns. Clean out sheds. Toys and garden tools should be stored.
Clear the gutters, clean windows, screens, doors and awnings.
Spread gravel on unsealed driveways and lay pine bark on unsightly surfaces.
Sweep and hose drives and patios. Remove clothes from the line. Make sure a pool is sparkling clean.
If you own a dog, take it for a walk during inspections.
The Inside
Healthy plants in the kitchen, bathroom, entrances and verandahs look attractive.
Oil squeaking doors.
Make sure the doorbell works and the doormat is clean and in position.
Repair dripping taps and remove stains from bath and basins.
Fix loose or broken tiles and clean kitchen and bathroom tiles.
Raise blinds and open curtains to let light in.
Clean light fittings, put in 100 watt bulbs, and fix light switches. Clean marks off the walls.
Arrange the furniture to make the rooms look big and easy to walk in, but don't do this at the last moment.
Steam cleaning the carpets adds the finishing touch, despite the cost.
Avoid repainting unless the entire house is to be painted.
Remove kitty litter trays and dog food bowls. Don't leave dishes in the sink or the draining board.
Some dishes cooked the night before may leave an unpleasant odour.
Use your best bed covers and put cushions and soft toys on the children's beds.
Put valuables and personal items away.
In the bathroom, have attractive, healthy plants on show, especially by the mirror.
If the mirror needs replacing, do so. If not, give it a good clean.
Tidy drawers and vanity, putting cosmetics, razors and toiletries away. Some attractive bottles of perfume look elegant. Put a posy or bowl of compote of dried, fragrant petals by the basin and display of pretty soaps.
Put fresh flowers around the house, like it's a special occasion.
Brew a pot of fresh coffee so that the pleasant aroma permeates through the house. And have some soothing music softly playing in the background - but turn off TVs and radios.
Remember
If a prospective buyer asks questions about the home or neighbourhood, answer directly and honestly. Questions about the transaction should be referred to your agent.
It is best to leave the house during open inspection times.
Be prepared at all reasonable times to allow your agent to show people through your home.