7 Golden Rules for Sellers
Posted By Garry Carstairs on 2007-06-06 18:14:52Our experience can help you to sort through the real estate malaise and hype. These handy tips will hopefully ensure you get the best price for your property…..everytime. Fact is, the better the presentation, the better the price. Improve the look of the property and get the best price. Team work is a key to your success. If you can motivate the family (or friends) to assist you, most of the work involves work that you (or your helpers) can generally do. For any other work and if time permits use the rule of getting 3 quotes before committing to any job.
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Rule #1
First impressions count for everything. If you’re going to spend any money on your property and I suggest you consider being very careful about spending any money just before putting our property on the market. Spend most of that money on the front of the house, that’s where any prospective buyer gets that first lasting impression. It’s the one that gets the buyers in the door and you can leave the rest to a good agent to work with.
Rule #2
Don’t spend money unless you absolutely have to. The money you spend now invariably can be wasted on the buyer. A lot of elbow grease and rolling up the sleeves to present your property to look at its best is far more valuable to you now.
Rule #3
Prepare an inventory of all you need to do. Take a walk around your property from front to back, taking notes and preparing a list of all you think will improve it. From that list, prioritise your ‘to do list’ and ‘quotes required list’ then methodically work through them both. If you’re finding it tough to get through all your ‘to do list’, get onto the smaller tasks and work with them.
Rule #4
Unclutter everywhere. An uncluttered property is easier to sell than a cluttered one. One of the most distracting things that can spoil a property’s presentation is all the furnishings and clutter that the present owner(s) have accumulated and have it all on display. If you need to see what we’re talking about, visit a new Display Home to get a feel for an uncluttered presentation.
Rule #5
Remember your taste isn’t universal. A modern, minimalist look doesn’t necessary appeal to everyone, similarly charming and character may be seen the same way. Try to keep a broad outlook in all areas of the property.
Rule #6
Freshen up the interior of your home. Repair and paint the internal walls. Always use neutral colours throughout and keep a consistent theme with the occasion feature wall to bring out contrast.
Rule #7
Water the garden. Plant some perennials and pull up the weeds in the garden, trim the hedges, trees and bushes. Keep the grass cut and looking as green as possible, even if that means once a week until your property is sold.
