Preparing Your Rental Home For Sale - A Guide For Tenants

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Ray White Goulburn

Dear valued Ray White Goulburn Tenant

Your rental property has been listed for sale

Whether you knew about your landlord's plans to sell before moving in or this news came as a surprise during your tenancy, we understand that this can be an unsettling time.

Our goal is to support you through this process by keeping you informed and up-to-date on what to expect in the coming weeks.

As a Ray White tenant, your Property Manager will continue to be your primary contact for all property management concerns. For matters related to the sale, our Sales Agent will be your go-to person.

Rest assured, all the terms of your Residential Tenancy Agreement remain in place, providing you with the protection and rights granted under the legislation.

At Ray White Goulburn, our commitment to your satisfaction extends beyond the tenure of your lease We are here to support you every step of the way This booklet provides you with everything you need to know

Sincerely,

What to Expect When Your Rental Property is Listed

for Sale

We understand that this period might be a bit unsettling, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming process:

Inspections

You will receive 14 days’ written notice before the first inspection After that, you and the sales agent can agree on a suitable schedule However, you are not obligated to agree to more than two inspections per week, each with at least 48 hours’ notice

Photography

The sales agent will coordinate with you to schedule a convenient time for the photographer to visit You’ll be asked to sign a consent form with the agreed date, time, and any special instructions

Open Homes

Working together with the sales agent can help minimise any disruption to your routine We’ve found that many tenants prefer open homes, where prospective buyers visit the property on a designated day. Our goal is to collaborate with you to find the best solution.

Presentation

Keep in mind that potential buyers might include your future landlord. Presenting your home well could influence an investor’s decision to keep you as a tenant. Even if the property is bought by an owner-occupier, our property management team will prioritise helping you find your next rental. You’ll get the first pick of new properties, and we’ll work to ensure a smooth transition.

Your Responsibilities

Understanding your obligations under the Residential Tenancy Agreement is crucial to avoid breaching the terms. Below are the relevant clauses related to the sale of a rental property. Any breach could allow your landlord to terminate the agreement.

We’re here to support you and make this process as seamless as possible. Let’s work together to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Sale of Premises (extract from your Residential Tenancy Agreement

21 The landlord agrees:

21 1 to give the tenant written notice that the landlord intends to sell the residential premises, at least 14 days before the premises are made available for inspection by potential purchasers, and

21 2 to make all reasonable efforts to agree with the tenant as to the days and times when the residential premises are to be available for inspection by potential purchasers

22 The tenant agrees not to unreasonably refuse to agree to days and times when the residential premises are to be available for inspection by potential purchasers

23 The landlord and the tenant agree:

23 1 that the tenant is not required to agree to the residential premises being available for inspection more than twice in a period of a week, and

23.2 that, if they fail to agree, the landlord may show the residential premises to potential purchasers not more than twice in any period of a week and must give the tenant at least 48 hours’ notice each time

If you choose to end your tenancy as a result of the property going to market the normal break lease fees that would occur for ending your tenancy early do not apply.

We do understand that this is an unsettling time, so please reach out to us. Your property manager is experienced in helping you to navigate these situations and as a valued tenant your journey is important to us.

We appreciate those tenants that work with us during this time, so please ask your Sales agent if you are eligible for complimentary movie tickets.

Tips to prepare your home for Professional Photography

General Tips

Declutter: Remove excess items, personal photographs, and any clutter to create clean, spacious rooms

Clean Thoroughly: Clean all surfaces, floors, and windows to ensure a polished look.

Repairs: Fix any minor repairs, like leaky faucets or loose cabinet handles

Lighting: Ensure all light fixtures are working and consider adding extra lighting to brighten up dark areas

Kitchen

Clear Countertops: Remove small appliances, dish racks, and any unnecessary items from the countertops

Organise Cabinets: Neatly organise cabinets and drawers to create a sense of ample storage.

Staging: Add a decorative bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers for a touch of color and freshness

Bedrooms

Neutral Bedding: Make all beds and use neutralcolored bedding and add a few decorative pillows or a throw blanket for a pop of color

Tidy Closets: Organise closets to make them look spacious Consider removing unnecessary items to create more space

Personal Items: Hide all personal items like family photos and jewelry.

Lightening: Turn on all lamps, and open blinds and curtains

Bathroom

Cleanliness: Scrub tiles, grout, and fixtures until they shine Replace worn-out caulking if necessary

Clear Surfaces: Remove personal hygiene items or bath toys from view Hide aware floor mats and replace old towels with fresh, neatly folded ones.

Mirror and Glass: Clean mirrors and glass shower doors to remove any streaks or water spots

Living Areas

Remove clutter: clear all tables of remotes, magazines and hide away children’s toys and pet beds

Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to create a welcoming and open feel. Remove excess furniture if necessary

Cozy Touches: Add decorative cushions, throws, or artwork to make the space feel inviting

Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to maximize natural light Ensure all bulbs are working for evening shots

Outdoors

Curb Appeal: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and ensure the exterior is well-maintained

Outdoor Furniture: Arrange outdoor furniture neatly, and consider adding cushions or outdoor pillows for a cozy feel

Seasonal Touches: Depending on the season, add potted plants, flowers, or outdoor lighting to enhance the outdoor space.

For the pool: Ensure the pool is immaculately clean with clear water and any poolside accesories neatly arranged

For the outdoor entertainment area: Arrange outdoor furniture, lighting, and decor thoughtfully to create and inviting space

How to prepare for Open Homes and inspections

When your rental property is listed for sale, preparing for open homes and private inspections can make a big difference Here’s how to get your home ready to impress potential buyers:

First Impressions Matter

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Make sure your lawn is well-maintained, pathways are clean, and any outdoor spaces are tidy and inviting If possible, add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and fix any visible exterior damage

Declutter and Depersonalise

Clear out any clutter and personal items to create a clean, neutral space that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Remove excess furniture, personal photographs, and anything that might distract from the property’s features

Deep Clean

A clean home looks more appealing and gives the impression that the property has been well-maintained Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Ensure that floors, windows, and surfaces are sparkling clean

Maximise Light and Space

Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, making rooms appear brighter and more spacious Consider adding mirrors strategically to reflect light and create the illusion of larger spaces

Fix Minor Repairs

Attend to any minor repairs or maintenance tasks, such as leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, or chipped paint These small details may seem insignificant but can leave a negative impression on potential buyers if left unaddressed.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Invest in simple upgrades to enhance the overall curb appeal of your home This could include planting flowers, adding outdoor lighting, or refreshing the exterior paintwork. A well-presented exterior sets a positive tone for the rest of the viewing experience

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Consider adding subtle touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers Fresh flowers, scented candles, or soft background music can help create a positive emotional connection with the space.

Highlight Key Features

Showcase the unique features of your home by arranging furniture and décor to highlight focal points such as fireplace mantels, architectural details, or scenic views Draw attention to desirable features that set your property apart from others on the market

Consider Staging

If possible, consider professional staging to help maximize the appeal of your home Staging arranges furniture and décor to accentuate the home’s best features and create a cohesive, inviting look

Final Touches

Before each open home or inspection, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is in place and the property is presented at its best Fresh flowers, a clean scent, and welcoming touches can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

By following these steps, you can help make sure your home looks its best during open homes and private inspections, increasing the likelihood of attracting serious buyers.

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