Presentation Tips

Outside Your Home

• Make sure lawns and gardens are neat and tidy — neatly trimmed edges are a big plus, and a splash of colour from inexpensive flowers makes all the difference.
• Repair any fences or gates that need attention.
• Clear your letterbox daily and remove any flyers left hanging from it — they look very unsightly.
• Clean gutters of leaves and debris, and make sure windows have recently been cleaned.
• Sweep driveways and footpaths, and keep waste bins out of sight where possible.
• Put a relatively new-looking door mat in place — it shows you are conscious of keeping your home clean inside.

The items listed above will not sell your house on their own, but they create a good first impression and leave potential purchasers looking forward to viewing the inside of your house.

Inside Your Home

Now that you have “invited” the potential buyer in, it is time to look at how the inside of your home appeals to the purchaser. The inside of a home is all about creating a feeling — many buyers take only a few steps inside a house before they feel that it is right. When making that decision, consciously or subconsciously, they use all of their senses, including the sense of smell.

• Remove clutter — cluttered rooms make your home seem smaller than it actually is.
• Allow as much natural light in as possible by opening curtains and blinds. If the weather permits, have a couple of windows partly open for fresh air; if it is cold, put the heat on so it is comfortable for the viewer.
• Make sure bathrooms and the kitchen are dazzlingly clean — these are the two areas that most influence a buying decision.
• Have carpets professionally cleaned; if they are worn or tattered, replace them. The same applies to curtains and soft furnishings.
• If you have wooden floors, check their condition — scratched or stained floors can usually be sanded and re-stained or re-varnished for very little money.
• Choose wall colours carefully. Avoid strong colours — the buyer’s taste may not be the same as yours. Prepare the walls like a blank canvas with pale, muted colours and a hint of warmth.
• Oil squeaky hinges and door handles, and fix faulty light fixtures and fittings.
• Keep the home clean and tidy, with beds properly dressed. For a small investment it pays to “over dress” the beds — consider a king-size duvet on a double bed and a valance sheet to cover the base.
• Smell is particularly important, even more so if you have pets. Odours familiar to you may be offensive to others. Clean bird cages regularly, place pet bowls outside, and consider odour-neutralising products.
• Place fresh flowers in a nice vase, or potpourri in a decorative bowl.
• Remove pets during inspections — some people are afraid of dogs and cats, even your cute little friend.
• It is best that you are not in the home during the inspection — potential purchasers may feel uncomfortable asking hard questions when you are present.
• Attend to general maintenance such as door knobs, light fixtures and paint touch-ups. Don’t get into a major renovation — just make sure the home is clean and looks well maintained.