Preparing your home for sale.

 
     Your house will probably never look better than when
it’s up for sale! Television lifestyle shows, home magazines and real estate
agents always advise sellers to spruce up their home during the sales process.
And maybe you’ve heard some of the tricks before – such as clean the windows,
display fresh flowers and make sure your home smells like fresh bread or
vanilla. But to really get the most value for your home, you might need to look
at doing some larger jobs, including landscaping and de-cluttering.
     On inspection day, to get the best possible price for
your property, you'll need to make sure that your place looks good from the
street as well as inside. Here are a few hints to help you make your home more
appealing to potential buyers.

Fences:
     Make sure the fences are in good condition. Carry out
minor repairs such as
straightening loose posts and repairing holes.

Lawns:
     Make sure you keep your lawns neatly trimmed, including
the edges. It also adds
appeal if your lawns are green and weed free.

Paths, driveways and paved areas:
     Clean up any grease or oil marks. Remove all weeds from
any cracks or joins.
Keep these areas swept and tidy while your property is on the market.

Gardens:
     Keep your garden weed free and make sure your plants
look healthy. Put down
fresh mulch to make the gardens look well cared for, inhibit weed growth and
reduce the amount of watering needed. If you've got bare patches, consider
picking up some bright flowers. Trim back any climbing plants that may have got

out of control.

Trees and shrubs:
     Trim back any branches are dead or too 'leggy'. Remove
any limbs that block sun
to windows. This will help make your home more appealing inside.

Pools and ponds:
     Make sure your pool is clean and sparkling. Any fish
ponds and birdbaths need to
be clean and clear of weeds.

Patios and decks:
     To make these areas look their look best, make sure
furniture is in good repair.
The area should be clean and free from clutter. A few pot plants can add extra

appeal.

The building exterior:
     Wash the walls, eaves and windows, or hire a
professional to do it. If the
paintwork is flaking don't decide to repaint without discussing it with your
agent - it may not be worth the cost involved. Repair any broken windows and
replace damaged flyscreens.

The yard - general:
     Make sure there is no rubbish or junk left lying
around. If you have compost
heaps, make sure they are neat and not attracting vermin or bugs. Make sure your

sprinkler system is in good working order.

Garage or car port:
     Remove as much clutter as possible to make these areas
look larger. Check the
garage door moves smoothly and any locks are in working condition.

Drains and guttering:
     Make sure your guttering and drains are clean and clear
of leaves or any other
blockages.

Indoors:
     Give each room a thorough cleaning and clear away any
clutter. Consider having
your carpets steam cleaned. Fix any loose or squeaky flooring. Check that all

the doors and windows open easily and that all door handles are in good repair.

Clean all windows to allow in maximum light. You'll need to repair any
damaged tiling or wallpaper and you should think about painting any chipped
walls.

Storage areas:
     Make sure these are tidy and well arranged to give the
impression of more space.
This is a good time to get rid of odds and ends.

Plumbing, air-conditioning and fans:
     Make sure there are no dripping taps or pipes. Consider
having air conditioners
serviced before you put your property on the market. All ceiling fans need to be

operational, clean and run quietly.

Plants:
     These can add a lot to the appeal of a house. If you
haven't got any, think
about buying some to brighten up your property.

Lights and light fittings:
     Check that all the lights are working and replace any
blown globes. The fittings
and switches need to be clean and in good condition too.

Carpets:
     If you have carpets, you should have them
professionally cleaned to make them
look their best.

Kitchen:
     The stove, refrigerator and sink all need to be at
their sparkling best to make
this room attractive. Clear the benches as much as possible to make it look
larger.

Just before inspection:
     Put clean towels in the bathroom and clean tea towels
in the kitchen. If your
budget will stretch to it, buy new towels in a color that complements your
bathroom and put them out during inspections. Make sure the house smells good.

You could put a few drops of vanilla essence in a hot oven, brew some coffee or

light an oil burner. Open all the curtains and blinds and switch on inside
lights to make the house look light and airy. Restrain any pets - unfortunately

not everyone is an animal lover. Switch off the television. You might want to

put some quiet background music on.
     Finally, leave the house before inspection time. If the
current owner is there,
buyers may not take the time to look through a house properly because they feel

they are intruding on the owners' territory. Go out and relax, and let your
agent do their job.