First Impressions Count: A Guide to Presenting Your Home

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is especially true when selling your home. The presentation of your property is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible price. Most people don’t have the vision for what a house could be, and a neglected building can send out ‘warning signals’ to prospective buyers. A professionally presented property sells, on average, for a higher price than a home that is not. It’s not luck that makes this happen—it’s careful planning.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

The aim is to spend as little money as possible to enhance your home’s appeal. An excellent test is to go outside, close your eyes and say to yourself, “I’m a buyer seeing this house for the first time.” Go right through the house and look at it as a potential buyer would.

This checklist is designed to help you achieve the best possible price. It may require a small investment, but your chances of maximizing the saleability and appeal of your home are greatly enhanced.

Property Checklist

• First Impression: The approach to your property is critical. Tidy or ‘touch up’ steps, paths, railings, fences, gates, and your mailbox. Waterblast the house, paths, and decks to give the property a lift.
• Entrance: Pay particular attention to your main entrance. Create a clean, fresh smell by airing the house and using a scented spray.
• Pot plants: Careful placement of some pot plants around the entrance can lend a touch of colour and freshness.
• Kitchen: Ensure the stove, fridge, sink, and bench are spotless. Remove clutter. In some cases, updating old cupboard doors or benchtops can pay dividends.
• Bathroom/s: Keep them fresh and spotless. A few brightly coloured towels can provide a nice finishing touch. Check ceilings and walls for mould and mildew, as this can indicate poor ventilation.
• Rooms: Make all rooms as light as possible. You may need to leave a light on in a dark room or prune trees that are blocking the light.
• Clutter: Have a spring clean. Pack or store away anything that makes a room look smaller, such as treasured collections, piles of paperwork, or family photos.
• Wardrobes and Cupboards: Untidy or overcrowded closets suggest inadequate storage space. Ensure yours are neat, tidy, and organised.
• Flooring: Clean (and polish) vinyl, tiled, or wooden floors. If your carpet appears dirty, it may be worth the cost of a commercial cleaner.
• Pets: Keep pets and their bedding secluded or out of the house. Check for pet hair and make sure all rooms are adequately ventilated.
• Interior: Dust, vacuum, sparkle and shine. Revamp tired paint work and clean windows. If the weather is cool, switch on the heater or light the fire to make the home feel warm and comfy.
• Exterior: Waterblast the exterior and gutters, wash windows, paint where necessary, remove any cobwebs and clutter. Repair or replace any damaged or rotting cladding.
• Lawns/Gardens: Cut grass, trim edges, weed gardens, and edge paths.
• Pools: If you have a pool, ensure that it is clear of leaves, the water is clean, and all equipment is stored away.
• General Repairs: Repair anything damaged, leaky, or faulty, such as dripping taps or burnt-out light bulbs.
• Permits: It is preferable to have permits for all additions or works. You may need to weigh up the cost of obtaining a builder’s report to prepare for any likely concerns from a buyer.
• Safety: Repair or replace any items that are unsafe (e.g., rotting boards on a deck).
• Pre-Inspection: You may consider having a pre-inspection carried out by a qualified building inspector. This allows you to be fully prepared for any likely concerns from a buyer.

Home Styling

A home that “shows well sells well.” Our experience constantly indicates that a well-presented home will sell more quickly and, usually, for a higher price. We often suggest seeking the opinion of a professional property stylist. A stylist can provide a detailed report suggesting things you can do to maximize the sale of your home. A little bit of effort here can lead to a faster and more lucrative sale in the long run.

We also recommend this process when selling vacant properties, as most potential buyers feel that an empty house is smaller and less valuable than it actually is. A property stylist can help highlight the features of your property and create an eye-catching yet affordable environment.

Important Reminders

Feel free to discuss any ideas you have for improvement with your **Ray White Bream Bay** Sales Consultant before you commence. They should be able to advise you on what buyers are looking for and what will add the most value to your home.

• If you have recently undertaken major building work, a **Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)** should be obtained from the local Council. It’s also advisable to obtain a **LIM (Land Information Memorandum)** on your property.
• Make a list of all the chattels that will remain in the house. Anything you may wish to take with you should be noted on the contract as an ‘exclusion’.