Selling Hints & Tips

44 Maple Street Maleny, Queensland
Email: sales(at)malenyrealty(dot)com(dot)au
Phone: (07) 5499 9994
Fax: (07) 5499 9934

Some things to keep in mind when selling a property to make a better impression on the buyer.

Lasting first impressions

The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is clean. Keep lawns trimmed and edged, and the yard free of rubbish. Lots of healthy green plants in the kitchen, bathroom, entrances and verandahs look attractive and create a good impression. Clean and repair any front steps.

Open airy atmosphere

Illumination is welcoming. Drawn curtains and drapes are lovely but can tend to dull the atmosphere. Make sure your home is well lit. Dark rooms do not appeal. Clean all marks off the walls to make rooms brighter.

Decorate - set the scene

Colourful flowers and some indoor plants help set the scene of tranquility and serenity strategically place them throughout the home/unit. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. By redecorating the prospect is shown how good the home/unit can look.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

These are the most important rooms in the home and must be presented in a spotless condition. Don't leave dishes in the sink or the drain board. Some dishes cooked the night before may leave an unpleasant odor. Dripping taps and water discoloured sinks suggest faulty plumbing. Fix any loose or broken tiles. If the mirror needs replacing, do so, or at least give it a good clean. Tidy drawers and vanity, putting cosmetics, razors and toiletries away. Attractive bottles of perfume always look elegant. Put a posy or a bowl of potpourri next to the basin, or a display of decorative soaps.

Arrange bedrooms

Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

Obvious faults

The discovery of even a relatively minor fault by a potential purchaser often leads to a much more thorough search of the property. Reduce the risk of a guarded and tentative inspection. Fix any faults prior to showing your home.

Fittings - repairs make a big difference

Small things such as leaking taps, loose knobs, sticking, doors or windows put people on the defensive and lead your agent to make apologies for lack of maintenance. Minimise these annoyances, flaws detract from your home's value - have them fixed.

Cupboards and Wardrobes

Most genuine purchasers wish to know about storage and therefore inspect the areas. Tidy these spaces and make sure they are not overcrowded to avoid any impression of lack of space.

Not for sale items

Any favorite light fittings, curtains, blinds or any other item with sentimental attachment should be removed prior to your agent showing, your home. It avoids complications when you get an offer from a buyer.

Pets

Most people like pets, but some don't. Make sure they are out of the way when purchasers are coming through. A barking dog will not only scare some, but may also take their concentration away from inspecting your home. Remove kitty litter trays and pet food bowls.

Excess Furniture

Too much furniture tends to make rooms look small and negatively influence a purchaser's recollection of your home after they have left. Take advice from your agent if it is considered a problem.

Garage

Make sure all equipment and gear is placed as favourably as possible to give an impression of size.

List the features

There is a good possibility that the features you liked about your home/unit could be the same ones a new owner will find attractive. Make a list of these and give them to your acent to help capitalise on them.

Encourage feedback

When an inspection is taking, place make sure you are well out of range of the prospect. This will encourage them to speak freely and make comments to your salesperson. Any negative comments can then be addressed immediately.

Exterior Impressions

Paintwork in good repair - discuss with your property consultant if major work is still to be done
House number and tidy letterbox in easy-to-see position
Gutters cleaned and in good repair
Garage/Carport clean and tidy
Rubbish tidied or cleaned away
Any cracked or broken windows repaired
Hedges, shrubs trimmed, edges and lawn cut

Front Entrance

Ensure the entrance way is clean, tidy and uncluttered
Door bell and knocker works

General Interior Impressions

All chipped paint repaired, cracked plaster repaired, wallpaper tidy

Bathroom

All surfaces - mirrors, fixtures, taps cleaned and polished
All taps in -good order
Seals around bath and basin in good repair
Floors cleaned, rubbish containers emptied
Cupboards and cabinets neat and tidy inside

Kitchen

Sinks and taps cleaned and polished
All appliances cleaned
Small appliances should be put away to avoid cluttered look
Benches cleaned and polished. Cupboards and pantry neat and tidy

Open Home Days

Jewellery and valuables locked safely away or taken with you
Small valuables, such as art, vases, figurines, mementos, are safely situated or locked away
Door, window, cupboard latches all open and close easily

Creating an Atmosphere

If needed leave some lights on to create atmosphere
Heat home if weather is cool
Ensure halls/stairways tidy and clear of clutter
Drapes should be open, carpets freshly vacuumed
If possible, have fresh flowers in various rooms
You could also have light music playing in the background