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Selling your house is one of the most difficult decisions, it feels like giving away part of yourself. However, for many reasons we find ourselves in that position where the benefits of selling outweigh the benefits of holding on to your property.
Some of the reasons why people sell their houses is changing location due to work, etc, international relocation, upgrade or downgrade and at times one would be forced to do so by circumstances beyond their control.
When you have decided that you are going ahead with the sale, don’t just list the property without any advance preparation. A few minor touch-ups can go a long way towards making a favorable impression to potential buyers
It’s worth taking stock and making any alterations that would give you a better chance of achieving your asking price. Whatever you choose to do, it is a good idea to speak to a local estate agent about what makes the most difference when selling in your area.
You could do some of this to make sure your house becomes competitive on the market and achieve your intended price in record time.
Fix Superficial Defects
Small problems and defects can create an impression of a house being run down or not well cared for. Check everything that's defective, broken, or worn out. Minimum improvements to consider include patching holes and cracks in the walls and ceilings, and fixing broken appliances. Replace broken window glass, and repair roof if leaking.
Bigger issues should not be covered up as they will show on and come back to haunt you later on.
Create a clean environment.
Nothing makes a home look more poorly maintained than dirt, clutter, and overall messiness. A clean environment gives buyers confidence in the property and its condition.
Clean all rooms and pay special attention to high impact rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms. You should also consider whether there’s too much furniture in each room as it can make them look smaller. You can also paint gutters, garage doors and your front door.
Landscaping & Garden Appeal
A well-designed garden can add a great deal of value. It's essential to trim borders, clear pathways and cut back any overgrown trees or bushes. If there are lots of weeds on your sidewalk, spray them or pull them.
Plant some new flowers or put inexpensive potted plants near the door and a welcome mat will help give your entryway a fresh look.
Small changes in the front yard and entryway help to give buyers a good feeling as they walk in. Make buyers feel welcome instead of wanting to turn around.
Think like a buyer when prepping your home. What would they like? What would give them pause? Let that drive your preparations.
Prospective buyers need to be able to envision themselves in the home. Improvements which give a great first impression will increase saleability.It’s important to not over-personalise the changes/improvements so it appeals to future buyers, and will allow them to adapt the property to fit their own needs.
The decision on what to renovate should be based on your timeline, target market, budget and price intent.
