Selling Tips

Deep Clean: Start by giving your home a thorough cleaning. Clean carpets, wash windows, scrub bathrooms, and wipe down skirting boards. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a one-time deep clean to ensure every nook and cranny is spotless.

Deodorise: Remove any lingering odours. Open windows to air out the house and use air purifiers or odour neutralisers. Consider using diffusers with subtle, fresh scents like lavender or citrus to create an inviting atmosphere. Avoid overpowering fragrances that could be off-putting.

Remove Personal Effects: Consider clearing away personal items like some, but not all, family photos, children’s artwork, and sentimental keepsakes. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Clear Surfaces: Remove fridge magnets, flyers, and anything that distracts from the clean lines of your counters and surfaces. Keep only a few simple, neutral decor items to maintain an inviting and open feel.

Small Rooms: In smaller rooms, make them appear larger by removing excess furniture or large pieces that could crowd the space – perhaps at the cost of storage units if family can’t hold onto them for you. Consider removing rugs to make rooms look more spacious and ensure that floors appear larger. Light-coloured furniture and minimalistic decor can also enhance the feeling of space – strategically placed throws are a cost-effective way to create synergy between unmatching sofas etc.

Storage Areas: Buyers will open wardrobes, cabinets, and storage spaces. Ensure they are neatly organised, as cluttered storage areas can make your home appear smaller and disorganised.

Paint Touch-ups: If any walls are chipped or marked, do a quick touch-up with fresh paint. Painting a hallway wall or a room with fading paint can drastically improve the look of your home without breaking the bank.

Repair Grout and Caulking: If your bathroom or kitchen has visible mould or mildew in the grout or caulking, take the time to re-seal or re-caulk the affected areas. A fresh caulk job in the bathroom can make a space feel cleaner and newer.

Fix Leaky Taps and Doors: Ensure there are no leaky taps or doors that don’t open/close properly. These small fixes will show buyers that the home has been well-maintained.

First Impressions: The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add a few potted plants or fresh flowers to the front porch. If your front door is looking worn, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming, neutral colour.

Clean the Driveway and Walkways: Power wash the driveway, front walk, and any outdoor steps. This creates an immediate sense of cleanliness and care.

Comfortable Temperature: Whether it’s summer or winter, ensure the home is comfortably heated when buyers arrive. If it’s cold, turn on the heating so the space feels warm and inviting. The right temperature creates a comfortable viewing environment.

Bright and Welcoming: Open all curtains or blinds to let in natural light. Turn on all interior lights, including lamps, ceiling lights, and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, to brighten up dark corners.

Replace Bulbs: Ensure all lightbulbs are working and replace any that are burnt out. If necessary, choose brighter LED bulbs for an even, well-lit atmosphere.

Clean the Appliances: Wipe down all kitchen appliances, including the fridge, oven, and microwave. Remove any magnets, notices, or clutter on the fridge.

Style the Counters: Keep kitchen countertops clear, except for a small bowl of fresh fruit or a neutral vase with flowers. This gives the space a fresh, clean feeling.

Empty the Rubbish: Take out the rubbish before each showing. A clean, odour-free kitchen is key to appealing to buyers.

Check Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are working and change the batteries if necessary. Buyers want to see that a home is safe and well-maintained.

Replace Bulbs: Ensure all lightbulbs are working and replace any that are burnt out. If necessary, choose brighter LED bulbs for an even, well-lit atmosphere.

Secure Items: Ensure any items that could be dangerous (such as loose stairs or railings) are fixed or secured. This will prevent potential buyers from being distracted by issues that could make the home seem unsafe.

Sight: Create a visually pleasing environment by ensuring clean lines, well-placed furniture, and a clutter-free space.

Smell: A home that smells fresh and neutral is essential. Avoid strong, overpowering scents. Instead, opt for natural aromas like a bowl of oranges or gentle diffusers.

Touch: Make sure the home feels comfortable to touch. Ensure there are no sticky door handles or peeling paint. The feel of smooth, clean surfaces can create a welcoming atmosphere.

Sound: Keep the home quiet during showings. Avoid loud music, and if possible, turn on soft background music to help create a calming atmosphere. Silence any noisy appliances like dishwashers or washing machines.

Taste: If appropriate, consider offering a ‘short’ coffee. Buyers appreciate a welcoming, thoughtful gesture when touring a home.

Capture the Best Features: Once the home is prepped ensure your home is photographed to a high quality. Good photography makes a huge difference in the listing and helps your home stand out online. A well-staged home with bright, appealing photos can attract more potential buyers.

Replace Bulbs: Ensure all lightbulbs are working and replace any that are burnt out. If necessary, choose brighter LED bulbs for an even, well-lit atmosphere.

Secure Items: Ensure any items that could be dangerous (such as loose stairs or railings) are fixed or secured. This will prevent potential buyers from being distracted by issues that could make the home seem unsafe.