There are a few things that as a seller you can do to make sure your property is market ready!

1. Lighten Up!

Your house that is. Make sure that all your light bulbs are working – and of a decent wattage. One of the worst things is having a darker room, you flick the light on and nothing changes! If you have exposed bulbs over a dinning table or something, try some of the new funky bulb designs they have.

2. Clean.

It might sound pretty obvious and silly – but really get in there and clean. Get the whole family involved, and get the elbow grease going! Make sure there is no mold or dirt on windows sills/in the window gutters. This is a pretty common thing from condensation, and can really detract from a room. Speaking of windows…

3. Clean those windows!

Inside and out. The more light you can have in a room, the larger and fresher it feels. Nothing worse than walking into a room with finger prints or muck on the window. If you live near anywhere with any salt air, make sure to get all that salt spray off as well.

4. Trim back hedges and trees.

This comes back to the light again, as well as making the place look cared for. Nothing drops a price faster than people walking onto your property and thinking it looks badly maintained. If you have the tools, also make sure your paths and lawns are edged nicely.

5. Carpets.

It might be worthwhile getting a professional carpet cleaner in to freshen those carpets up. Not only will it help your carpet to look newer, but it can also make it more pleasing to walk on – and seeing the people coming through your home are going to be removing their shoes – every bit helps!

6. Paint touch ups.

If you have any paint that has been cracked off (inside or out) make sure to touch these up. A nice sharp paint job can really make or break that top sale price. Check around your door, window latches, and corners of walls. These are the places where it can chip the most.

7. Stage the home.

Is your property vacant? Or do you perhaps have some mismatch furniture? Making sure the whole room and house flow and work together is very important to buyers. This isn’t always required or needed, so make sure you chat to your property expert first before investing.

8. Fix leaks/drips.

Make sure that you don’t have leaking taps, shower heads, toilet cisterns or anything. These are very noticeable to buyers when they are walking through your property. Every little bit helps – and everything is being compared to your properties competition.

9. Look as a buyer.

Start from the curb, and look – then move forward and through the property imaging you’re a buyer. See it from their view. What things would they pick on or be fussy about. What things do you look at when you’re entering a property to buy?

10. Not all salespeople are equal.

This is massive. Do not underestimate the power that your chosen salesperson actually has. Are they welcoming? Do they accept questions well? Are they knowledgeable or defensive when it comes to answering? Interview a couple of different salespeople. You might have a friend or relative in the industry, but they may not be the one to get the job done to the best standard.

We hope this was helpful and might give you a little check list for when you do look at selling!