Selling Your Home - Things You May Not Have Considered

Selling a property is not just about getting professional photos and pumping out the marketing. There are small aspects that are often overlooked that can end in buyers pulling out of the contract and costing sellers thousands in legals and wasted time and marketing.

Building and Pest Inspection

Contracts often fall over due to building and pest inspections that come back with a long list of 'issues'. Many times these issues are minor, but when there are a lot of them, it looks bad for buyers. Owners should obtain their own building and pest inspection before they list their home, and fix any issues before potential buyers inspect the home.

Presentation

First impressions are essential, not only to attract your buyer, but also keep them interested in your property. It is important for buyers to envisage themselves living in the home as if it were their own. Packing away as much as possible, and only leaving the essentials will give the home a neat and presentable image. Removing personal items such as family photos and knick-knacks from those overseas trips can also help potential buyers feel more connected, as though the home is already theirs.

Fresh Coast of Paint

It is not always necessary to repaint the entire home, but a once-over with a premium paint can really make a home look fresh. Using a neutral colour like off-white can make a home look new. Nothing turns potential buyers off like dirty old walls throughout the home.

Check the Competition

As they say in business - know your competition. Inspect other homes in your area as though you were purchasing a home. This will help you understand the market and give you an advantage when buyers are trying to negotiate you down in price eg 'sure that home has a pool, but the bedrooms are very small'.

Tidy-Up

Serious buyers who visit your home will always open drawers and cupboards, lift toilet seats, look inside laundry cabinets etc. It is imperative that every area of your home is clean, including window tracks, garden edging and skirting boards. A clean driveway and immaculate garden gives a great first impression and gets neighbours talking. Investing in a professional gardener to dress up the yard is always money well spent.

Pet-Free

If you have a pet, it is important to make sure they are kept in a separate area and not jumping on or barking at buyers. Many people do not like pets in the home (due to allergies, smells etc) and will be deterred purchasing the home if they know a pet has been living inside.

Checklist

* organise a building and pest inspection prior to sale: many Contracts fall over because of negative building and pest inspection reports that could have easily been rectified prior to sale;

* organise for a professional bond clean;

* tidy up the lawn and gardens. Considering hiring a professional gardener for a day;

* keep bins clean, and empty;

* keep garage floors and driveways clean. Removing mould and patching up cracks will give a better first impression;

* clean the pool area, tiles, and even re-stain decks;

* remove or fix anything that could cause a hazard etc broken fence post, broken pavers or chipped tiles.

Indoor:

* remove and put away any family pictures - this gives the buyer a more personalised feeling when walking through your home;

* clean bathrooms and kitchen! Repair any broken tiles, clean grout, and mold;

* wash all walls and ceilings, and repair/repaint any scuff marks and damage;

* clean doors and windows - especially window tracks

* make sure all lights and power points are working;

* place any warranty booklets in a presentation booklet;

* fix blinds and curtains, or remove them completely.

On The Day

* ensure the house is tidy inside and outside;

* place clean towels and mats in the bathroom;

* add some fresh flowers;

* turn on the air-conditioning for perfect room temperature;

* ensure beds are made and rooms are presentable;

* allow for natural light in the home by leaving curtains and blinds open.