INSIDE PRESENTATION
- Ensure your house is clean and tidy including windows and louvers
- Make sure all doors work well (handles turn and lock smoothly and doors do not jam, holes fly screens replaced.)
- Open curtains to allow as much light and air in as possible
- Remove clutter and depersonalize as much as possible removing photos and personal effects
- Rub lavender oil into door jambs to provide a soothing clean smell
OUTSIDE PRESENTATION
- Replace all cracked or broken glass
- Make sure all gates work well (handles turn and lock smoothly, and doors do not jam)
- Replace broken fences
- Mow the lawns and mulch where necessary-don’t forget your nature-strip
- Keep your pool crystal clear
- Make sure taps aren’t leaking
- Have gardens well watered and green and mowed and mulched
- Clean out your garage and shed thoroughly
INSPECTIONS / OPEN HOMES
- Be out of the house when buyers inspect as they will feel more comfortable
- Make sure the house is a comfortable temperature
- Brew some coffee before each inspection (freshly ground is best) the aroma creates pleasant associations for buyers or burn some aromatherapy oils in kitchens and bathrooms
- Ensure your agent knows what makes your house a home – explain why it has that special ‘feel’ for you and point out its highlights. This will help the agent create advertising materials that really capture the feeling of the home.
Tips for Home Open Inspections
Ideally your home should be presented immaculately.
There are a few tricks that can make a big difference apart from general appearance.
- Vases of flowers or bowls of fruit help
- Turn on the air-conditioning if necessary(particularly during the build-up)
- Glossy lifestyle magazine on the coffee table indicate your commitment to quality
- Have some light music playing the background
- Jewelry, valuables and mementos should be locked away or removed
- Remove or minimize the number of personal photos (you want the potential buyers to visualize themselves in your home not visualize who the current owners are)
- Remove pets and all evidence of pets when displaying your home
- Make sure your pool filter is running