Metrocity Realty

How to Impress Purchasers

Before putting your property on the market ...

Your property is a valuable investment, and of course you want the best price possible for it. There's no doubt about it, you'll add value to your property if you show it's well-loved and cared for!

Before you spend any money on preparing your property for sale, talk to your agent first about how much to spend and how it will affect the sale price you want. You don't want to over-capitalise. Spending thousands on new paintwork and carpets won't help anyone if the new owners decide to redecorate.

Tiny cost, but huge effect

  • Mow the lawns and remove the clippings;
  • Wash and repair windows and doors;
 METROCITY REALTY – WESTEND AND INNER DISTRICTS OF BRISBANE
  • Trim all shrubs and garden edges;
  •  Fix and paint fences;
  • Plant flowers and remove weeds;
  •  Remove all garbage and junk;
  • Sweep garden paths;
  •  Paint over chipped or dirty walls;
  • Clean gutters and unblock drains;
  • Fix creaky floorboards and oil door hinges;
  • Clean out your storage areas;
  •  Inspect and repair suspect pipes;
  • Clean up paintwork, inside and out;
  • Steam clean your carpets.

Once it's on the market ...

ALWAYS SPOTLESS: Clean your kitchen and bathrooms every day. You never know when the estate agent will ring to ask if they can come and inspect.

HAVE TIDY CUPBOARDS: People always open cupboards when inspecting a property. Have a big clean-out and replace items tidily to show what attractive storage spaces your property has. Lend most of your stuff to friends, if need be!

CONSIDER PLANT HIRE: Some people have hired plants and shrubs to beautify their property, and substantially increased its value. Check whether your local nursery provides this service, and how much it costs.

BUY INDOOR PLANTS: Another way of enhancing your property that's inexpensive. Plus, they outlast cut flowers. AND absorb odours too!

THE NEAT, SPACIOUS LOOK: This is important, so if your next house is smaller or a different style, get rid of excess furniture via private sale, garage sale or an op shop.

SMOKE OUTSIDE: Non-smokers (and reformed smokers) take lots of points off if your home is impregnated with tobacco smoke. That's the big ooh-waa! They notice it immediately, even if you don't.

Inspection day ...

COOKING SMELLS can be welcoming (bread, cake, coffee) or repugnant (onions, liver).

FRESH AIR is always a good idea.

PETS: Not a good idea to have them around during an inspection, even if the prospective buyers are animal-lovers. Take them away or leave them with friends.

FRESH FLOWERS always enhance a room.

SMALL VALUABLES like jewellery, money, credit cards etc: It's in your own interest not to put temptation in anyone's way. Remember, people will open cupboards and probably other things.

YOU, THE OWNER/S: Resist the urge to stick around during the inspection. Your presence could inhibit prospective buyers from negotiating a price with your agent.

LIGHTEN UP: Just before you leave, turn on all your lights, especially if your home is dark. But if possible, arrange inspections to take advantage of times of the day when your home may be seen in its best light.