Preparing your home for sale

Selling your home can be a daunting task. Preparing it for sale can be even worse, with a list of repairs and updates to make sure you get the best value. Never fear, we’ll talk you through some of those key items to get it in tip top shape.

Clear the clutter

Start by decluttering, it’s the cheapest place to start. Donate or throw away items you haven’t used in a while or that you think you can live without. If you’re going to be downsizing, this is the best time to declutter before you have to pack everything and move.

Reducing the clutter and opting for that minimalist style will also make your home look more inviting and spacious in photos and open homes.

Diversify the space

After you’ve decluttered, you will have the room to play with the spaces. How you’ve been living in the space may not be the best way to present it. Think about the buyers, and what they might be looking for in the layout and use of space. Play around with a few options to try and appeal to your potential buyers.

Also take the opportunity to showcase versatility and flexibility in the space, for example, turn one of the bedrooms into a study.

Adding colour inside

If you need to update the paint, consider natural materials and neutral colour schemes. Both options are timeless and versatile to suit a variety of furniture and homewares. Using too much of one colour can create a washed-out look, while too many colours can be overwhelming. It’s best to stick to a few colours that complement and contrast with each other.

Floor plan flow

Open plan living is the latest trend. If your home allows, try show off open layouts and designs. Feature open, multi-purpose spaces that demonstrate cohesive and flexible design. It is important that these open spaces need to make sense and flow.

Knowing when to not DIY

While you’re working through the list of repairs and updates, it’s important to know when to not DIY. Not doing some things yourself can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Licensed professionals should complete the jobs around your home that require skills and expertise.

Avoiding the quick and cheap DIY fixes or renovations will help you in the long run by adding value to your home.

Outdoor appeal

Updating the outside of your home can add value immediately. Potential buyers and evaluators are influenced heavily by your home’s front appearance. First impressions count. You will have a short time to capture buyers before they walk in the door.

Tidying up the gardens, paths and lawn is a great place to start. Rendering your home is also an easy and quick way to add instant value. If your budget is tight, think about rendering the front façade to capture positive first impressions and then painting or bagging the rear. Remember to also render fences, retaining walls and letterboxes to complete the look.

By clearing the clutter and looking at your space critically, you might discover other ways to better present the space to new owners. From there, you just need to follow the steps and evaluate each element to make sure your home looks its best. We’ve seen that those who choose to render the outside of their homes often see the value of their home increase by 10%, so don’t forget about the outside exterior and the important of first impressions.

If you want to create a great first impression by updating your home exterior, get in touch with us for a personalised quote.

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