The initial stages of preparing to place your property on the market can make a vast difference between getting a standard price and getting a great price.

Timing - When to Sell

Buyers for good quality property in all price ranges can be found all year round. As the marketing process has become more sophisticated than in previous times, the issue of timing is less critical today than in the past. Our local market is strong all year round however we do find the warmer months are ideal to highlight outdoor living.

The time required to sell property which is accurately priced will typically vary between two and seven weeks. Prior to placing your property on the market, allow an additional two weeks to prepare both the property and the marketing material (ie photography).

Presenting Your Property for Sale

Presentation of your property is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible price. The emotional appeal required to promote interest in the property is unlikely to be generated by a poorly presented property.

The following ten items should be addressed as you prepare to place your property on the market. Remember, the idea is to present the property as being well-maintained and remove doubt from the mind of the buyer that maintenance is required. Also these ideas will greatly improve the selling price of your home.

1. Clear Clutter – It’s always a good time to clear internal clutter but this it is a must when you are selling. Make sure windows are shining and bathroom and kitchen areas are spotless.

2. Landscape – Good landscaping will set your house apart from other homes and can add thousands of dollars to the eventual sale price. However many homes are improved with well cut lawns, fresh chip bark on the garden beds and some coloured pots.

3. Create an Outdoor Area – a home with an outdoor entertaining area will rate higher on buyers wishlists. It is important to present your outdoor areas as attractively as possible by clearing cobwebs, cleaning driveways/paths and taking away excess rubbish.

4. Paint – Painting is one of the least expensive things you can do to increase the value of your home. A splash of colour can make an old house look fresh and sparkling. If your budget doesn’t extend to a complete repaint then focus on the front of the home first.

5. Window Décor – Windows at the front of the house should have suitable window treatments. Lighten up the house with blinds and remove heavy curtains. Timber blinds exude quality, however sleek micro-venetians are also suitable.

6. In Working Order – Replace old light fittings, taps and door handles and check that light switches and power points are in working order. You may want to update your old ceiling fans with a more modern style if required.

7. Spruce Up The Floor – Replacing existing carpets are another way of increasing value. In some cases removing the carpets and polishing the floors can add greater value or just re-polishing the floors if carpets aren’t applicable.

8. Modernise Furniture – in some cases the furniture may not suit the style of the home, throws can be a great way of changing the look of your lounge and add personal touches like a standout ornament in the entrance, or a collection of photos on a table.

9. Update Inspection Reports –make building and pest reports available to prospective buyers. This will promote trust, save them time and shows you are organised in selling your home.

10. Present Well – The old saying “make your house a home” applies when you are presenting your property to buyers. Sweet-smelling flowers, gentle music, freshly brewed coffee are all ways to awaken the senses.