Prepare Your Property For Sale

CONTENTS CONTENTS

WELCOME

WELCOME

Your home is a creation of personal style, amid memories of celebrations and milestones. It’s understandable that the decision to place your property on the market can often be a stressful and emotional time.

To make a successful sale and maximise your profit, the key is presentation. Your aim should be to present your home in such a way that it looks its absolute best. Consider the best features of your property and most importantly, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes.

It’s often the little things that attract people to your home. Spending some time, effort and money in the right places can make a big impact, which could result in adding thousands of dollars in profit to your sale price.

Here you will find useful tips and advice to present your property.

Our aim is to attract the best buyer quickly to achieve your maximum price.

Regards,

Len Worthington

PLANNING

SOME THOUGHTS ON CONDITION

THE CONDITION OF YOUR PROPERTY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR WITHIN YOUR CONTROL WHEN SELLING

In order to compete with other sellers, you must present your property to the marketplace in an attractive and desirable condition. The average purchaser looks at 10-20 properties prior to purchasing, therefore it is critical your property is presented in the best condition possible. Buyers will always seek the best value property that is in the best condition

THINK LIKE A BUYER

YOU ARE NOT JUST SELLING A HOUSE; YOU ARE SELLING A LIFESTYLE... A DREAM. PEOPLE ALWAYS WANT THE BEST FOR THEMSELVES, SO YOUR HOME SHOULD REPRESENT THE BUYER’S ANSWER TO THIS GOAL

Buyers arrive at your open house wanting to find the right property. Don’t make them search somewhere else for it! If you have done the right preparation, every room in your home will create a desire for them to want to stay. By creating an environment that is conducive to a buyer’s wants and needs, they become emotionally involved with your property. This emotional attachment between the buyer and your home is the key to selling success = maximum profit.

START MAKING A LIST

Walk outside and take a look at the property – through the eyes of a buyer

Is there anything that needs repairing, looks worn, or is outdated?

Write each item down

Walk through the interior of your home and keep adding to your list

6 KEY FOCUS AREAS

REPAIRS

REPAIRS

IS YOUR PROPERTY PHYSICALLY FIT?

IF IT NEEDS REPAIRING - FIX IT

NOW is the time to fix all those things you have been meaning to get to. Buyers will add up the cost of repairing any flaws they see in your property. They will calculate a much larger figure than the actual cost for you to do these repairs. Even small repairs not fixed may be perceived by buyers as “owner neglect”, which could lower the purchase price or lengthen the time required to sell.

A property which is poorly presented and not well maintained is a red flag for the buyer. It exposes, “Beware there is too much work to be done here!”

An attractive and well-presented property will enhance its appeal and therefore attract increased buyer activity.

REPAIRS

Fix broken screens, locks and latches, replace light globes, handles or doorknobs, fix leaking taps

Check for damaged paint; have a plasterer repair any ceiling cracks, then have a professional painter recoat the ceiling white

Professional painters produce a far superior finish, including re-glossing doors, skirtings and architraves, which can be tricky to get right

SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS

Any exposed wires can cause major safety concerns; hide unsightly wiring to televisions, stereos, computers etc.

All doors and windows should close and lock securely

Replace missing switch covers and electrical plates

RECOMMENDED TRADES

HANDYMAN - ROY

HANDYMAN - MAURLIN

PAINTER - JAMES

PLASTERER - JOSH

Handyman - Roy Hunter 0422 514 369

Hire A Hubby 0437 023 100

James Clarke Painting 0423 077 740

Josh Whicham Plasterer 0412 248 085

CLEANING

EVERY SURFACE OF YOUR PROPERTY MUST SHINE

CARPETS

FLOOR TILES

WOODEN SURFACES

WALLS

LIGHT FITTINGS

WINDOWS

It’s amazing the difference professionally cleaned carpets can make

Clean thoroughly

TIP: Use bicarbonate soda and vinegar with a toothbrush to clean any stained grouting between tiles

Clean and polish floors; pay particular attention to kitchen and bathroom cabinets

Clean marks off walls

Clean and polish

Clean inside and out – including tracks

RECOMMENDED TRADES

CLEANING - JEFF

J & N Home Services and Domestic Cleaning 0422 332 421

CLEANING NEUTRALISING

NEUTRALSING

CARPET CLEANING - DANNY Protector QLD Carpet Cleaning 0411 424 818

CARPET CLEANING - RON Electrodry 0418 720 939

FORGET YOUR PERSONAL TASTE - YOUR OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE YOUR PROPERTY APPEAL TO THE LARGEST POSSIBLE BUYING GROUP

Consider replacing unusual or bold colours with neutral tones. Two coats of white paint may be the best investment you ever made.

Be cautious about selecting colours when painting or replacing carpet.

SPACE MANAGEMENT

SPACE MANAGEMENT

Arrange furniture to make rooms feel as spacious as possible; consider removing furniture from rooms that are crowded; if necessary store large items

Although de-cluttering is essential, don’t go overboard as that may create a sterile interior with minimal warmth

Pack collectibles to create a more spacious feel and to protect them during inspections; leave just enough accessories to give the home warmth

Dispose of items no longer needed; if you need to store items temporarily, then stack boxes neatly near the wall of the garage (allow some visual inspection space along the wall), or hire a storage shed

Remove all clutter; pick up clothing, shoes, and personal possessions each day for possible inspections

Empty wardrobes of off-season clothing and begin to pack for the move; organise your robes to demonstrate the most efficient use of space; leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible - this shows you have ample space for “their” belongings

Use lights, mirrors and lamps to create a sense of space; all curtains should be open; turn on all lights throughout the home before an inspection and be sure to replace any blown light globes

Keep furniture and furnishings simple, clean and uncluttered - remember, lots of people will be walking through your property during an open house inspection

BUYERS ARE ATTRACTED TO A PROPERTY THAT IS SPACIOUS, WELCOMING AND CLEAN WITH A WARM AMBIENCE

ATMOSPHERE

ATMOSPHERE

PLACE YOURSELF IN THE BUYER’S SHOES, THEN CONSIDER THE OVERALL ATMOSPHERE OF YOUR PROPERTY

YOU WANT TO CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT IS SAFE, INVITING AND WARM

ODOUR CONTROL

A CLEAN SMELLING HOUSE CREATES A POSITIVE IMAGE IN THE BUYER’S MIND

Remember, some people are more sensitive to odours than others; smokers rarely notice odour of tobacco that fills their homes and pet owners may be oblivious to cat or dog odours

Eliminate all mildew odours; don’t allow wet towels or dirty laundry to pile up

If smoking or cooking odours have permeated your property, have your carpets and furniture cleaned, and air-out or dry-clean your curtains

Use products like carpet and room deodorisers, air fresheners, and scented candles; the best strategy is to always remove the source of the smell rather than cover it up

Once offensive odours are removed, consider adding delightful ones; recent studies have shown that humans have strong, positive responses to certain smells: cinnamon, fresh flowers, and scented candles/oil burners are excellent ways to enhance the atmosphere of your property

LIGHTING & TEMPERATURE

THE MOOD GENERATED BY LIGHTING CAN HAVE A VAST EFFECT ON POTENTIAL BUYERS

Bright light makes a small space appear larger; while soft light creates a warm, intimate feel

If there are dim areas in your home turn lights on, even if there is sunshine outside

Open all window coverings

Leave some doors open, especially doors leading to living areas

Unobstructed windows let natural light in, which helps bring the garden into view

Create a comfortable temperature; if it’s hot, put on the air-conditioning or ceiling fans; if it’s cold, a fire or heater can be very comforting

STAGING

STAGING

PERUSE MAGAZINES AND FURNITURE SHOWROOMS TO SEE HOW SMALL DETAILS CAN MAKE ROOMS MORE APPEALING

THE EFFECT OF A VASE OF FLOWERS, AN OPEN BOOK ON THE COFFEE TABLE, OR SCENTED CANDLE, CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO A ROOM

Consider replacing heavy curtains with sheer white fabric to allow maximum light flow

Soft music has been shown to make buyers more comfortable and stay longer

Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and curtains etc.

Add lamps and lighting where necessary

FURNISHED vs UNFURNISHED

Some believe you should remove all furniture and offer the “blank canvas” approach to prospective owners. Others believe furniture makes it easier for prospective buyers to visualise their furnishings in the property.

One downside to the “blank canvas” concept is that it can show up more problems than you realised; like scuffed floors and walls that would normally be disguised by a rug or hidden with a piece of furniture. Some properties can actually appear smaller without furniture.

The benefit of an unoccupied and furnished house is that it can be seen at a moments’ notice. It’s important to keep in mind that no matter what you do in terms of presentation, it should be appropriate for your style of house.

THE EXTERIOR

THE EXTERIOR

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE CRUCIAL

IF THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR PROPERTY SHINES, THE BUYER NATURALLY WANTS TO LOOK INSIDE

If a fence surrounds the house it should be clean, in good order and gates should be operational

Letterbox numbers should be prominently displayed and junk mail removed

Check all doors and windows are in good working order; clean and paint doors if necessary

Wash windows and replace broken or cracked glass

Ensure locks are functioning

Check for loose or cracked roof tiles and damaged tile pointing; a high pressure clean of your roof tiles (or at least the street-facing-side of your roof), can cost as little as a few hundred dollars and will greatly improve the appearance

Flyscreen windows and doors should be free of any tears or holes

Give the outside of your property a professional house wash – just like putting your car through the car wash – cleaning all brick work, eaves, windows, gutters, driveways and paved areas

The surface of your driveway should be cleaned - it’s one of the first things a buyer will see; declutter drive of cars and children’s toys etc; sweep and wash driveway and paths to remove debris, dirt and stains;.repair and patch major cracks; and pull up any weeds

THE YARD

A SMALL INVESTMENT IN

CAN LITERALLY ADD THOUSANDS TO THE SALE PRICE OF A PROPERTY

Arrange some outdoor furniture, clean the BBQ and perhaps add some potted plants for a dash of colour

Make sure the yard is neatly mowed, raked, and edged; prune/shape shrubs and trees to compliment your house; freshly mulch gardens; re-gravel paths

Roll up the hose and put away all garden items; clear spider webs; bamboo screening is a cost-effective way of hiding unsightly areas e.g. fences, water tanks etc.

If you’re selling your property as a “family friendly” home, make sure it is; any danger areas for children should be rectified; if there’s a cubby house or swings, give them the once-over, as this will help buyers create a mental picture of their children playing happily in the yard

THE KITCHEN

PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO YOUR KITCHEN AS THIS IS OFTEN CONSIDERED THE HEART OF THE HOME

AS A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND KEY FEATURE OF A PROPERTY, YOUR KITCHEN NEEDS TO BE FUNCTIONAL AND PRACTICAL.

Kitchen benches are to be clean and clear of clutter to maximise the appearance of work space; store away all unnecessary appliances and ensure there are no dirty dishes in the dishwasher or sink

Check the counter top around the sink for grime/streaks; remove bottles of detergent/cleaners etc. that may be cluttering the area

Polish sinks, taps and bench tops

All appliances should be clean, bright and shiny - inside and out

Tidy cupboards and pantry as buyers often look inside; clean and organise all storage space; if your cabinets, drawers, and cupboards are crowded and overflowing, buyers assume that your storage space is inadequate

Remove clutter on fridge/freezer doors and clean the top of the fridge; if you must use that space for storage, use baskets or bowls to hide items kept there

Make sure any food/cooking smells are neutralised; remove or completely empty bins before inspections

THE LAUNDRY STORAGE

Organise cupboards and storage space

THE KITCHEN THE LAUNDRY STORAGE

Remove all dirty laundry; keep up-to-date with your laundry or store dirty laundry in a closed container; store ironing board neatly away

Clean benches, sink, the washer and dryer

Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with plenty of cupboard space. Arranging shelves to maximise the use of space will make it seem more spacious. Try to make what you have appear generous and well planned. Remove miscellaneous items from the floor.

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

THE BATHROOM IS ANOTHER KEY AREA IN YOUR HOME, WHICH BUYERS CLOSELY SCRUTINISE

IT IS ESSENTIAL THEY ARE IMMACULATELY PRESENTED

Clean and repair shower walls and glass doors; remove mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products; repair taps that leak or are corroded; remove children’s toys and excess toiletries from the bath and shower

Clean and clear counter tops and mirrors; store all personal care products out of sight

New tapware, shower heads, towel rails and cupboard handles can make a bathroom look as if it has had a makeover - relatively cheaply

Clean and organise all cabinets and drawers

To appeal to a wide range of buyers, soften dominant colour with contrasting neutral towels and accessories; if your bathroom is white or a neutral colour, add some colour

BEDROOMS

BEDROOMS

LARGE MASTER BEDROOMS ARE PARTICULARLY POPULAR WITH PROPERTY BUYERS

Make your bedroom look larger with light colours

Minimise clutter to maximise spaciousness

Open the curtains to allow light in

LIVING AREAS

LIVING AREAS

LIVING AREAS ARE WHERE FAMILIES SPEND THE MOST TIME TOGETHER

Add touches that make a room look warm and inviting e.g. soft lighting, throw rug, large cushions etc.

Improve traffic flow by removing excess furniture

GARAGE

GARAGE

A CLEAN, ORGANISED GARAGE APPEARS LARGER

If you have a two-car garage with very little extra room; remove one of your cars so that buyers have room to move; if it is small and accommodates only one car; remove your car prior to inspections

Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains; organise tools, garden equipment, bicycles etc.

If the area is dark; add more light

Get rid of anything you don’t plan to move to your new home

POOL SAFETY CERTIFICATE

POOL SAFETY CERTIFICATE

WHEN SELLING A PROPERTY WITH A POOL, POOL SAFETY CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BUYER

If you don’t have this certificate before to coming onto the market, you will need to arrange this to be completed prior to settlement.

RECOMMENDED TRADES

POOL INSPECTOR - ERICA

Pool Safety Services SEQLD 0417 212 209

POOL SAFETY INSPECTOR Dennis Hagemann 0490 210 308

POOL INSPECTOR - COL

Pool Safety Services SEQLD 0417 733 992

IMPORTANT NOTE

IMPORTANT NOTE

IT IS OFTEN UNCOMFORTABLE FOR BUYERS TO VIEW A PROPERTY WHEN THE OWNERS ARE PRESENT

During any inspection, it may be an idea for you and the family to head out for a coffee. Arrange for your pets to be either with you, or at the neighbours.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

SOME BUYERS LOOK FOR INFORMATION TO USE AS LEVERAGE DURING POSSIBLE NEGOTIATIONS

I recommend you DO NOT DISCUSS the following with anyone other than your agent:

Your reason for selling, your motivation to sell or your level of urgency

If you have purchased a new home or where you are going

Your willingness to consider an offer less than the listing price

The terms under which you would sell e.g. items of personal property which you might be willing to include in a sale

Any confidential information that would undermine your negotiating strategy

RECOMMENDED TRADES

RECOMMENDED TRADES & BUSINESSES

PAINTER

HANDYMAN

THE FOLLOWING TRADES AND BUSINESSES ARE RECOMMENDED

THE FOLLOWING TRADES AND BUSINESSES ARE RECOMMENDED http://www.lenworthingtonrealestate.com.au/local-trades.html

PAINTER - PAUL Warren & Sons Painting 0400 970 218

POOL SAFETY - COL Pool Safety SEQ (Certificates) 0417 733 992 / 0417 212 209

PLASTERER - JOSH

Josh Whicham Plasterer 0412

GARDENING - CHRIS Hard Yards Landscaping & Property Maintenance 0412 584 565

CARPET CLEANING - DANNY Protector QLD Carpet Cleaning 0411 424 818

FLOORING - NATHAN Style Flooring Xtra - Lawnton 0412 871 977

INSPECTIONS - KEVIN Inspect Detect Building & Pest Inspections 0419 575 975

STAGING/FURNITURE HIRE - GABBY The Fat Cushion 0403 304 768

ROOFING REPAIRS Rapid Roof Repair & Restoration Joel: 0413 432 014 Daniel: 0400 962 601

ELECTRICAL - MICHAEL Hankinson Electrical 0400 033 303

PLUMBING Bell Plumbing 07 3354 3300 reception@bellplumbing.com.au

CONCRETE/LANDSCAPE GLEN GHR Concrete & Landscaping 0415 740 719

HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING - DANIEL Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning 0405 412 030

STAGING/FURNITURE