Where to start maximising your home’s appeal
First impressions are important when it comes to selling your home. Imagine viewing your property through the eyes of a potential buyer where those first few minutes can influence the outcome. With new properties entering the market every day, it’s essential to make sure yours stands out in the crowd. However, before you embark on expensive renovations, it’s wise to consult your salesperson who can provide valuable insights on adding value and enhancing marketability.
Often it’s simple things that make a significant difference, like removing unnecessary or outdated items. Start by decluttering your space to create an impression of spaciousness and tidiness. Address those maintenance issues you’ve been living with, as even minor repairs can impact a buyer’s perception of the overall condition of your property. Furthermore, thorough cleaning and ensuring your home is well lit and inviting can greatly increase its appeal.
To streamline the process, consider creating a checklist. Take a walk outside and through each room inside, and note areas that could benefit from attention. To assist you we have compiled some suggestions within this guide.
By investing time and effort into these initial steps, you’ll increase the chance of your home standing out in the market.
Repairs and maintenance
When it comes to property maintenance, it's often the little things that can make a big difference.
Investing some time and effort into these small tasks can greatly enhance the appeal of your property and set it apart from others on the market. A positive viewing experience can be the key to attracting potential buyers and securing a successful sale.
Consider the following suggestions to enhance your property’s appeal:
Refresh the exterior:
Start by washing down the house and windows to remove dirt and grime. Clear out the roof gutters to ensure proper drainage. Additionally, consider water blasting the decks, paths and driveway to give them a clean and fresh look.
Attend to minor repairs:
Fix any leaky taps to avoid the impression of neglect. Address doors that squeak or stick by lubricating hinges or adjusting them as needed. Tighten up loose handles to give a polished and well-maintained appearance.
Ensure that all light bulbs are in working order throughout the property. Proper lighting can make spaces feel more inviting and appealing to potential buyers.
Rehang any curtains that have come off their hooks. Well-dressed windows can add a touch of elegance to the property and create a cozy ambience.
Tidy up the gardens:
If your gardens are overgrown, consider hiring a gardener for a few hours to do weeding and prune plants. A nicely maintained outdoor space can leave a lasting and positive impression.
Remember, the goal is to create a positive experience for prospective buyers. By taking care of these small maintenance tasks, you can showcase the property’s potential and demonstrate that it has been well cared for. These efforts can make all the difference in attracting interested buyers and increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.
Street appeal and outside
Your home needs to look appealing as it is possible to lose a potential buyer before they step out of the car. Simple enhancements can significantly increase the chances of attracting potential buyers.
To enhance the home’s appeal, check: Do the gardens and lawns need a tidy up? Does the front fence need a paint or a clean down? How does the letterbox look? Is there clutter around the section or garage that needs attention?
Simple things can create appeal. Here are some examples: Plant pots at the door filled with annuals. A welcome mat where people take off their shoes when they enter your home. An outdoor setting complete with cushions and flowers on the table.
Remember people these days tend to embrace indoor/outdoor living so your grounds need to be an extension of your home, rather than a forgotten wilderness.
Indoor space
Lounges and family rooms
Too much furniture in a room can make it look crowded. Ask your salesperson whether you should move some of it out. Your furniture should be positioned around the features of your room. Hide cables and clutter away, plump up the cushions and turn on any side lamps you have to bring your room to life.
Kitchen
The heart of the home and usually a key selling point is the kitchen, even if it’s not the latest model, there are still things you can do to make it appealing:
1. Clear as much as you can off the bench tops to make sure there is plenty of workspace.
2. Make the kitchen sparkle, by cleaning all surfaces.
3. Install nice, bright light bulbs so the room looks light and bright.
4. Put tea towels and oven cloths in the cupboard.
5. Take magnets and photos off the fridge.
6. Create an inviting atmosphere by adding some pot plants and a bowl of fruit.
Bedrooms
Decluttering a bedroom will ensure it looks bigger. If there are large tallboys and dressing tables, consider taking them out of the room. Mirrors are also a great way to reflect light and create an illusion of more space. Make sure the beds are made and clothes put away in the wardrobe, these are simple things but have a huge impact.
Many people are now looking for office space, due to working from home, so consider having a dual purpose for your spare room.
Open the curtains, let the light in and make sure the rooms all smell fresh and look inviting.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another room that may require some attention. It is amazing how much better they look when surfaces such as shower doors sparkle.
If there are issues, a bottle of Exit Mould will refresh the shower tray and tiled surfaces, and don’t forget to declutter your countertops. Are your towels looking worn and faded? Consider purchasing a new set and put them out on display when potential purchasers are coming to view the property.
A subtly fragranced candle and flowers on the countertop or windowsill brighten the space and add colour.
Remember a sparkling bathroom will leave a positive impression.
Open homes
Open homes are a good way to create competition. If potential buyers hear others making comments and working out which bedroom would suit a family member, it evokes a natural feeling of competition and we go into battle to have that home.
It can also make it easier for you as you know when you need to have the home clean, tidy and presented in its best light for potential buyers. It’s not to say you must have open homes, however, discuss this with your salesperson and they will advise the best option for you.
To enhance the appeal of your open home and increase the likelihood of attracting potential buyers, consider implementing the following suggestions:
1. If it is winter, make sure your property is warm. If you have a fire, light it, as this will add ambience to the room.
2. If it is summer, open the windows and doors and let the sunshine in.
3. Influence a prospective buyer’s impression of your home by displaying flowers, have fresh coffee brewing and maybe the aroma of some baking.
4. Another subtle idea is having soft music playing in the background.
5. Turn lights and lamps on as bright spaces tend to feel more welcoming and spacious.
6. Remember to remove small valuable items from sight.
7. We suggest that you leave the property and take family members such as pet dogs with you when you have viewings at the property. Potential buyers will feel more comfortable.
8. Make sure everything is in its place and it looks clean and tidy. Clutter can be distracting and may prevent buyers from fully appreciating the property’s potential.
By following these suggestions and making your home a warm, inviting, and well-presented environment, you increase the chances of leaving a positive and lasting impression on potential buyers.
Remember, creating a competitive and appealing atmosphere will help your property stand out from others on the market, ultimately increasing your chances of a successful sale.
Discuss these strategies with your salesperson to find the best options for your specific property.
Final tips
STAGING
Empty homes make it difficult for buyers to visualise the space and how furniture will fit in. It is harder for them to imagine themselves living there. A suggestion is to have a staging company come in and set up some of the key rooms with furniture and soft furnishings, although there is a cost for this. Another option is to borrow a few items from friends and family, although don’t make the mistake of putting in an oversized couch that is too big for the room, or soft furnishings that don’t match the décor.
EVERY ROOM SHOULD HAVE A PURPOSE
Give each room a function. This helps buyers envision its use. If you have a spare room that has become a dumping area, clean it out and turn it into an office. With so many people working from home these days, an office is considered a ‘must have’.
DECLUTTER
When selling your property, you need to portray a feeling of space, so we suggest removing items that make the space feel small and cluttered. It is easy over the years to collect items that are special to you, but less is more when taking your property to market.
Consider this process an efficient start to your packing.
CHATTELS
These are fixtures that are sold as part of the sale and must be in working order, where applicable, for example: ovens, cooktops, light fittings, drapes, garden sheds, etc. We suggest that if a chattel such as a light fitting is a family heirloom and you do not want it sold with the property, it would be best you replace it with another one prior to marketing your property. Telling a buyer they can’t have an item becomes a negative.
TENANTS
If you are selling a tenanted property, you need to make tenants aware of this. You will need to discuss access to the property for viewings and advise them of the sale process. Please discuss this with your property manager if the property is managed or your salesperson will be able to help. Tenancy Services are a great source of knowledge regarding the correct process for all parties.
Another point to be aware of is that tenants may have, for example, switched out the curtains so your salesperson needs to be aware of this, so they can disclose that the curtains in the property belong to the tenant. Whiteware is another thing to bear in mind as these items are often owned by the tenants.
LIFESTYLE
Dreams live here too
A National team of expert locals
RESIDENTIAL
PGG Wrightson Real Estate Ltd
PGG Wrightson Real Estate
Limited is a nationwide non-franchised real estate company assisting clients through the country and across the globe to buy and sell New Zealand property. We are a national network of experienced, local real estate salespeople who have been connecting people with property across the country, for generations.
We have over 170 licensed real estate salespeople who operate around the country. This national presence provides us with an extensive network to assist us in connecting with the buyer or property that best fits your requirements.
Our comprehensive network of salespeople and support staff covers the whole of New Zealand. Collectively, within our ranks, we encompass a broad and deep understanding of real estate. We know what is effective in marketing real estate. We take pride in putting that knowledge to good use on behalf of our clients. Through the strength of our brand, our connections intocommunities throughout the
country and the experience that our team brings, we deliver results. When you list your property for sale with us, our tailored property marketing programmes will be sure to place your property in front of the right audience, locally and internationally, using a range of media options.
Our award-winning real estate salespeople are known for their local knowledge, strong community connections, excellent communication and deep understanding of the New Zealand property market and will work hard to deliver results that achieve your business or personal objectives.
Summary
Selling your property can feel like a daunting process which is why using trusted and reliable real estate professionals such as the residential and lifestyle teams at PGG Wrightson Real Estate is the key to moving through a successful selling process. We have been trusted by New Zealand home owners for generations, to market and sell their houses and properties, and help them to achieve their home ownership dreams.
Our team is knowledgeable and can help you through the process of marketing your property. We advise you to seek legal advice during the process and for more information you can go to www.settled.govt.nz
Happy selling.
pggwre.co.nz
