Declutter!
People tend to collect an amazing quantity of items over the years. Reasons for keeping items include an emotional attachment, an intention to reuse or fix the items in the future, or a wish to pass them on to others. However, for many items, if you haven’t used them in over a year, you probably don’t need them.
Discard items in a useful way by donating them to a charity shop.
Clean everything off your kitchen worktops. Essential items that you use daily can be tucked away in small boxes that you can place in a cupboard when they’re not in use. Consider this process an efficient start to your packing.
Address any minor repairs
In some seller’s markets, you can sell a home in lived-in condition without much complaint. But in normal markets or a buyer’s market, repairs can make or break a sale.
Replace cracked floor tiles and patch any holes in the walls. Fix leaky taps and doors that don’t close properly, as well as kitchen drawers that jam. Consider painting walls neutral colours, especially if they’re currently hot pink or purple! Don’t give buyers any reason to remember your home as “the one with the bright pink bathroom.”
Replace burned-out light bulbs and also consider replacing those that have been in service for a while. Avoid the potential of having a bulb blow out when you flip the light switch during a showing. It’s a small incident that can easily be avoided if you are mindful. You want the buyer’s experience to be as positive as possible.
Throw open the curtains and blinds and turn on those lights. Houses show better when each room is clean and bright.
Make your home sparkle!
Preparing your home to be viewed by potential buyers is essential. Cleaning may include washing the windows inside and out; renting a pressure washer and spraying down pavements and the exterior; recaulking baths showers, and sinks; and polishing chrome taps and mirrors. Make sure all of the dust is removed from under the furniture, in the cabinets,cupboards and everywhere else it could be hiding.
Try to maintain this cleanliness by vacuuming daily, waxing floors, dusting furniture, and keeping the bathrooms and kitchen spotless. Hang up fresh guest towels. Also, keep the toilet lid closed when it’s not in use!
Kitchens are a big selling point for many buyers, so make yours as spotless and uncluttered as possible. In the event someone opens your fridge, make sure it appears clean and fresh.
Curb Appeal
A potential sale is lost quickly if a buyer won’t even get as far as the front door because the exterior of your home turns them off. Make the exterior more appealing and welcoming by painting your front door and perhaps add one or two flower pots on your front porch. Make sure any front lawns are freshly mowed any weed free! Add a few shrubs or flowering plants if your garden lacks any of these. Fix any cracks on your front steps or pathways. Also, make sure visitors can clearly see your house number. Today’s buyers are looking for outside space which can be used for entertaining and dining. If possible, try and create an area for this to show off your garden’s potential.