Tips to help your buyers feel ‘at home’
Well, we’ve now into the second half of January. This means that many Melbourne residents are getting back into the swing of the working week, the kids are preparing for the start of the new school year and, if history is any guide, quite a few local homeowners will be making plans for the year ahead.
For some, this will include plans to sell and move to the next stage of their property journey. So if making that move is part of your plans, then I thought I might provide some tips on ensuring that buyers will view your property as ‘a home’, rather than just a house.
Now, as I often remind readers of these posts, the first step is to determine whether your best buyers will actually be looking at your property as a place to live, as opposed to a project with a different future. The simple fact is that is that if your property is likely to achieve its best sale result in selling to someone looking for a major renovation project, or even rebuilding a new home or homes, then spending time and money on the existing structure is a waste. A discussion with an experienced local agent will help you confirm this.
Assuming your best buyers are going to move in, your preparation for sale could include:
- A thorough clean from top to bottom, including steam cleaning carpets, tackling the windows and drapes, and all those forgotten little nooks and crannies.
- Decluttering is important. You want the buyers to be able to fully appreciate the space your home offers, not trying to see past all those accumulated bits and pieces.
- Make sure everything works properly, from sticking doors and cupboards to light fittings, taps, fans, etc.
- Your tiles and grouting should be sparkling clean, as should your appliances (inside and out).
Of course, once you are on the market, your pre-inspection preparations could include:
- Removing posters from walls, flyers from the front of the fridge, personal photos from the walls and pet bowls from the floor.
- Ensure that all cupboards are neat and tidy.
- Put fresh towels in the bathroom, along with flowers in strategic spots around the house.
- Keep the garden wee-free and the lawns freshly mowed.
If you are concerned that you may not have the time to tackle these jobs, you might prefer to have your home professionally styled. So don’t hesitate to ask one of our team for a recommendation.
Keep in mind, these suggestions are general tips only, as every property is different. If you would like an obligation-free chat about the best way to prepare your property for the market, (if, in fact, it needs any preparation at all), you can simply give our team at Barry Plant Thomastown a call on 9466 3233 and we’d be more than happy to assist.
Cheers,
Con Constantinou
Barry Plant Thomastown