Preparing your home for sale is a very important part of the sales process because there is always going to be competition within the market place. You need to ensure that your home has its best face on at all times. Bronwyn Kay has come up with some steps to help you prepare your home for sale.

Potential buyers can make their decision about your home in the first 30 seconds upon entering. First impressions are the key to selling your home fast and for the best price.

Steps

De-clutter, clean, and or organise all rooms in the home.

Address any and all repairs that need attention. Inspect your house form top to bottom, inside and out, to search for cracks, blocked drains, broken guttering, etc. This small investment of time and money will mean a bigger return when it comes to the sale price. Remember that improvements to landscaping will add appeal to prospective buyers. Use plenty of colour in and around the front entrance and path areas, weed and add bark or stones to increase appeal.

Make sure all lighting/blubs are in working order and updated exterior/interior lighting if needed.

If needed paint the exterior and interior of the home. Interior paint should be in neutral tones.

Spruce up furniture with slip cover and cushions. Take our any unnecessary furniture in your lounge/dining and bedroom areas so that buyers can see the rooms. Make sure all flooring is clean and in great condition.

Keep the bathroom as bare as possible; never leave your personal stuff in view when your home is on show. In fact, depersonalising your whole property is a powerful selling tip. Buyers will be more attracted to your home when they can imagine themselves living there.

To make your house look lived-in without looking like anyone actually lives there, pack away into storage the following:
Some family photos
Holiday souvenirs
Trophies & certificates
Collectable/hobby items
Children’s artwork

Garaging is for cars. If your garage is overflowing with your extra belongings pack it up and put it in a storage unit. If a storage unit is not an option at least pack into boxes and stack tidily so you can get the car into the garage. If possible put your family car in the garage when your home is open for viewing.

Setting the scene for open homes and viewings
(remember your home should appeal to buyers senses in the following ways)

Sight
Open the blinds and drapes to let in natural light. Keep clutter away and consider keeping your pet out of the home for that day.

Smell
Put out flowers in the main rooms of the home, as well as scented candles, these don’t need to be lit, just their scent is enough.

Touch
Make sure everything is clean and dust-free

Space
Declutter, put away unnecessary items