PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE SELLING THE AREA’S FINEST HOMES M 0402 297 355 E lenworthington@remax.com.au W www.lenworthingtonrealestate.com.au A 1/707 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek QLD 4035 M 0402 297 355 E lenworthington@remax.com.au W www.lenworthingtonrealestate.com.au A 1/707 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek QLD 4035 PROFIT FROM MY EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE PROFIT FROM MY EXPERIENCE 0402 297 355 len@lenworthingtonproperties.com.au www.lenworthingtonproperties.com.au
CONTENTS CONTENTS
Page 2 Welcome 3 Planning 4 Repairs 5 Cleaning & Neutralising 6 Space Management 7 Atmosphere 8 Staging 9 The Exterior 10 The Kitchen, Laundry & Storage 11 Bathroom & Bedrooms 12 Living Areas & Garage 13 QLD Pool Safety Laws 14 Important Note & Confidential Information 15 Recommended Local Trades 16
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
Page 3
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
ATMOSPHERE STAGING
REPAIRS CLEANING NEUTALISING SPACE MANAGEMENT
PLANNING
Page 4
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
Page 5
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.
Page 6
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
Page 7
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
Page 8
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.
Page 9
BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER AFTER STAGING/FURNITURE HIRE GABBY The Fat Cushion 0403 304 768 RECOMMENDED TRADES STAGING/FURNITURE HIRE MEL Limelight Interiors 0410 421 161
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
Page 10 HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING DANIEL Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning 0405 412 030 GARDENING - CHRIS Hard Yards Landscaping & Property Maintenance 0412 584 565 RECOMMENDED TRADES GARDENING - HUNTER HZ Property Maintenance 0411 523 492 HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING SHAUN S & K Waterblasting 0450 073 398
LANDSCAPING
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.
Page 11
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
Page 12
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
Page 13
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
Page 14
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
Page 15
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
248 085
Hunter
514
- ROY Handyman - Roy
0422
369
Painting
N Home Services and Domestic Cleaning
Page 16
- JAMES James Clarke
0423 077 740 CLEANING - JEFF J &
0422 332 421
Electrodry 0418 720 939
CARPET CLEANING - RON
Flooring Xtra - Lawnton
977
FLOORING - NATHAN Style
0412 871
- MEL
Interiors 0410 421 161 MORTGAGE BROKER - LACHLAN Pivotal Finance 0424 142 586 PLASTERER - JOSH Josh Wicham Plasterers 0412 248 085 PLUMBER - JAKE Resolution Gas & Plumbing 0403 344 126 BUILDING & PEST INSPECTOR - ADRIAN Abode Building & Pest Inspections 0400 241 725 BUILDER - SHANE Mair Constructions 0413 838 628 LAWNS/GARDENS - HUNTER HZ Property Maintenance 0411 523 492 HANDYMAN - MAURLIN Hire A Hubby 0428 115 473 PAINTER - JAMES James Clarke Painting 0423 077 740 CONCRETING - SHANE Avanti Concrete 0403 062 300 HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING - SHAUN S&K Waterblasting 0450 073 398 POOL SAFETY CERTIFICATE - DENNIS Below H20 0490 210 308 HOUSE CLEANING - JEFF J & N Home Services and Domestic Cleaning 0422 332 421 ELECTRICIAN - DONALD Platinum Electricians 0439 715 261
HIRE
Limelight