It is more important than ever when selling your home that it is seen as a ‘stand out’ home to would-be buyers. One of the main factors that influences this is the way the property is presented when selling.
In this blog, we will share the expert advice from our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate teams on what you need to know to help your property stand out.
First impressions are vital in the sale of your home
First impressions count for a lot. And when we’re talking about first impressions of a house, the exterior of your home is everything.
Make sure the driveway is clean and swept. Where required add a fresh coat of paint to the house, windows, front door or fences. If you have a lawn, have the grass neatly cut and the hedges trimmed. A clear pathway and uncluttered porch will make a great first impression for buyers coming to your open home.
Clear the clutter and de-personalise
Always remember less is more. Don’t fill a space, create one. For most people de-cluttering their home for sale is simply just removing the items that are nostalgic and hold personal meaning. It’s about taking away items that are too specific to you.
While personal belongings bring us joy, potential buyers may struggle to imagine themselves living amongst your effects. By removing any shrines to your family and pets, you’re allowing potential buyers to imagine their own lives in the house while also maintaining your privacy. Items such as family photographs, kids’ artworks, pet beds and toys all should be removed prior to photographs for marketing and all open inspections.
Clean. Everywhere.
We cannot emphasise this enough. And be sure to remember places like windows, inside cupboards, and the garage as this makes an enormous difference to the overall impression and suggests an entirely fresh lifestyle.
While you might think it’s just giving the appearance of cleanliness that’s important – a fresh-looking house will mean more money at the end of the day, which is the name of the game!
Spruce up your living room
The living room is a crucial space where buyers will potentially decide whether they love the house or not, so it’s vital you show this space off to its maximum potential.
Realistically assess the number of cushions in the space and only allow a few of the most beautiful to stay. Limit table accessories to cut down on the visual clutter and keep out only your cleanest and most neutral furniture. Sort through your magazine and book stacks, making sure only the most attractive ones are on display.
Emphasise storage
One of the most important things potential buyers will be looking for will be spaces to store their things.
Minimising clothing in cupboards and keeping everything folded and as neat as an upmarket store. Buyers feel that If it appears that you live in the place with plenty of space and time to present your clothes and belongings tidily – then maybe they can too!
Edit your furniture
While furniture is important, it’s the size – not style – that’s key. Furniture should be an illustration of the potential of the room and help create the suggestion of a great place to live.
Remember that big furniture in a small space makes it feel even smaller. Therefore, if your dining table is big enough to seat 10 but the house isn’t huge, then it could be time to borrow or hire a smaller set.
Also look at the configuration of the room and removing any smaller furniture items for better traffic flow.
Clear the kitchen bench
Whether you’re a budding chef or not, now is the time to curtail what’s in the kitchen. Stick to one potato peeler, can-opener and egg whisk – these things tend to multiply over the years and that’s clutter you don’t need.
Keep counter-tops clear and to a minimum. You don’t need the coffee machine and the KitchenAid out on display. Organise the pantry and take everything off from the front of your fridge including magnets, shopping list and kids’ artwork.
Curate your beloved pot plants
If you’re a budding green thumb and have a collection of indoor and outdoor plants, that’s great! Plants can add style and personality without being overbearing.
But stick to a minimum of pot plants, only displaying the healthiest ones with the nicest pots. Opt for a large healthy plant in an attractive pot on the porch to greet buyers as they enter the home.
Let there be light
Make sure each room looks bright and airy by opening your curtains and blinds. Have all your lights on, including floor, table and bedside lamps. Given Murphy’s Law a globe will likely blow just before an open so make sure you have spares on hand just in case.
In winter if you have a gas fireplace give the room a warm glow by having it lit or throw some wood on a combustion fire. It will take the chill off your buyers and hopefully warm their hearts too!
Our experienced property professionals are here to assist you with all your buying and selling needs – contact your local Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate team today.
Disclaimer: The opinions posted within this blog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, others employed by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or the organisations with which the network is affiliated. The author takes full responsibility for his opinions and does not hold Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or any third party responsible for anything in the posted content. The author freely admits that his views may not be the same as those of his colleagues, or third parties associated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network.