First impressions do count when selling houses! It is critical that potential buyers get that “good first impression". Preparing your property for sale gives you a major advantage over your competition. A little attention to important details can make all the difference to a potential purchasers impression of your home.

Begin to think of your property as a marketable commodity. One of the first steps you should take is to pack all personal items that are not really necessary for the remainder of your time in the house. Potential buyer wants to be able to visualize their own personal touches in place when they come to view. This is more difficult when you still have yours around.

You are going to have to pack up in the near future anyway, before putting your house on the market is a great time to pack family photographs, collectibles, trophies, souvenirs and ornaments.

When you have packed your personal items find somewhere away from the house to keep them. Maybe a neighbour or relative close by will be willing to take care of them for a few weeks or consider renting temporary storage. Do not keep the packed boxes in the house, you want to make it look uncluttered and as spacious as possible.

This is also a good opportunity to remove/sell or throw out all other items you are not planning to move with you when you go. Make sure every room in the home, including basements, closets, attics and garages are clean, tidy and clutter free. Your movers are going to charge to move all those things you have collected over the years but don't really use, save money, time and effort by sorting them out now.

Once you have packed your personal items and disposed of the unwanted items it's time to review the condition of your house. It is very difficult for any homeowner to have an objective view. So ask one of our trained staff to come and review your home with you. With their professional eye they will be able to point out the areas that need maybe a lick of paint or a superficial repair if they are going to make a material difference to how quickly or for how much your home will be sold.

Do not spend huge sums of money remodelling; remember you have no way of knowing what the next owners will like and dislike. However, there are a few basic items, which are proven problem areas that you may need to take care of. Below is a list of things you should review and where necessary change.

Exterior

• Curb Appeal: Gurney driveways and sidewalks, inspect them for cracking or crumbling, and patch as necessary.
• Lawn and Yard: Your lawn must appear well maintained. Grass should be cut and edged, hedges trimmed, leaves raked and gardens weeded. Plant seasonal colourful flowers to add a bright cheerful look.
• Windows: Clean windows inside and out to give your home a "brighter" feel.
• External Aspect: Make sure the exterior walls are in good condition. A fresh coat of paint or a power washing will enhance "curb appeal".
• Roof and Gutters: Your roof, gutters and downpipes should be in good condition and free of leaves.
• Front Entrance: A fresh coat of paint will go a long way towards enhancing your properties appearance. Potted plants add a warm feeling. Welcome doormats in good condition will immediately put potential buyers in the right frame of mind.

Interior

• Kitchen: It is a well-known fact that the kitchen is one of the most important areas in a house. All appliances should be clean. The sink and counter tops should be clean and uncluttered. Flooring should be in good repair. A bowl of fresh fruit is a nice touch.
• Bathrooms: Keep them spotless, fresh and dry. If necessary, repair grouting around the bath and between the tiles. Towels and rugs should be clean and neat. Scrub tile with mildew remover and grout cleaner. Mirrors and glass shower door should be sparkling clean. Add a plant for a touch of colour.
• Bedrooms: Keep them neat. Beds should be made and clothing put away. In children's rooms try to keep toys tidy and not overly cluttered.
• Walls and Woodwork: Keep them clean and walls free from marks. A new coat of paint will impress the buyers and give your home a fresh smell. If you need to repaint light neutral colours should be used. Beige and off-whites have the widest appeal to the largest percentage of buyers. If you have any rooms decorated in dark colours you should consider repainting, they will look bigger.
• Closets and Cabinets: Storage spaces appear much larger when they are neat and well organised. If possible, remove rarely used items and off-season clothing. Uncluttered and organised closets appear much larger.
• Window Treatments: Curtains and shades should be clean and left open. Buyers prefer a bright and airy feeling in a home.
• Plumbing: Be certain that all taps, showers and toilets are not leaking and work correctly.
• Fans and Air Conditioners: Keep units clean and well maintained. Remove dust and dirt from exterior of the unit and any air vents and in-takes. If fans are noisy get them seen to, should the fan blades be unduly rusty have them painted or the blades replaced.
• Lighting and Sound: Bright cheerful lighting creates a positive environment. Replace blown bulbs. During showings open the blinds and turn on lights. Turn off the TV, dishwasher, dryer and play soft background music.

Additional Helpful Hints:

• Be sure your agent has a feature sheet available for prospective buyers. A survey of your property can also be very helpful.
• Think safety first. Remove and repair all items that could cause visitors to stumble or be hurt in any way.
• Odours from pets, smoking or cooking can prevent a sale. Make sure your home looks and smells fresh a pot of fresh coffee brewing is a good move.
• Pets and animals should be kept away from the premises during appointments or at least safely confined.
• Evaluate your home for required repairs. Fix or replace broken appliances, windows, tiles, cabinet handles, etc. A fresh coat of paint will significantly enhance the eye appeal and value of your home.

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