While some homes get sold in just a few days, others might linger for months. Have you ever wondered, why? It’s all about efforts spent on sales preparation prior to the property going on the sales market.
We do that all for you. Once the property is cleared, we can give you recommendations on how to get the best price for your home and some relatively easy options to be undertaken around the home. We have the expertise and experience and handyman services available to undertake all the work required.
In the real estate market, the way you present your property can make a reasonable difference in attracting the right buyers and securing the best price. This process requires strategy, preparation, and a little bit of know-how. It might involve anything from making essential repairs to doing a thorough, deep clean. Though it requires effort, the payoff is worth it as it leads to more offers and a quicker sale. In this blog, we have discussed all the essential aspects to consider before putting up the sale board for your home and the significance of companies that prepare houses for sale. Learn now for a better deal!
Preparing Your Home for Sale
1. Declutter and Organise
Decluttering helps highlight the space and layout of your home, making rooms appear larger and more functional. According to a survey by The Australia Institute, 80% of what we keep is never used, and by clearing out unnecessary items, you allow buyers to focus on the property itself rather than the contents of the rooms, it also allows a prospective buyer to imagine their own furnishings in the home when there are few items on show in the property.
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Create Storage Solutions
Organising isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about making the most of your storage space. Neatly arrange closets, cabinets, and storage areas to demonstrate their full potential.
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Stage Your Home Strategically
For those new to preparing a house to sell, home staging is a powerful tool that helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space, and it has been proven to increase the selling price and reduce the time on the market. The goal of staging is to highlight the best features of your property. This may involve rearranging furniture to make rooms appear larger, using neutral colour schemes to appeal to a broader audience, and placing decorative items that draw attention to architectural details. Professional staging services might seem like an extra expense, but they can significantly impact the final sale price. We can arrange this for you as part of our service package, upon request.
2. Deep Clean
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Make a Lasting Impression
As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression, and this holds especially true when selling your home. Whether you’re going through a separation, relocation, or selling your property generally, a thorough deep clean sets the stage for a positive viewing experience. Buyers often judge cleanliness as a reflection of how well the home has been maintained over the years.
Prioritise cleaning areas that see the most use, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entrance ways. Pay special attention to grout, tile, and surfaces that accumulate dirt over time. In fact, homes with kitchens and bathrooms in pristine condition are often considered deal-makers by prospective buyers.
Depersonalising your home is an important aspect of preparing the house to sell. It helps potential buyers envision themselves living there. Remove family photos, personalised decor, and any items that could be considered controversial or overly specific to your tastes. You can even opt for decluttering services to get rid of these items which we can assist you with.
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Highlight Key Features
Depersonalising doesn’t mean making your home bland; it means drawing attention to the architectural and design elements that make your property unique. Use neutral art pieces or decor that complement the space without distracting from its best features. Homes that successfully depersonalise and highlight their strengths tend to sell faster and at higher prices as they cater to the buyer’s vision.
Smart and Budget-Friendly Upgrades That Add Value When Selling
Addressing any visible repairs before listing your home is critical to getting your house ready for sale. Buyers are likely to notice even minor issues like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or chipped paint, which could lead them to question the overall condition of the house. You don’t necessarily need to make major renovations, but strategic improvements can yield a high return on investment. Some of the key upgrades are:
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Paint or Replace Exterior Doors
First impressions begin at the curb, right? There’s something undeniably appealing about a home featuring an accent door. While we pass through our front doors nearly every day, they often get overlooked when it comes to home updates. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective enhancements you can make to your home’s exterior and can significantly boost its value. A brightly coloured front door adds personality to all types of homes, including newer constructions. With just a small investment of some paint, you can make a great impact. Painting or replacing exterior doors is an excellent way to ensure a positive first impression for prospective buyers. And don’t forget about the garage door, either!
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Shed Some Light on Windows
Experts recommend replacing windows every 15 to 20 years, but the cost of new windows can be quite significant. Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly ways to ensure your windows remain appealing to potential buyers. Start by removing any broken or yellowing blinds and opting for soft, neutral curtains instead. Touching up any chipped paint on the trim and ensuring your windows are spotless will also help enhance their appearance.
Additionally, adding larger windows while getting your house ready for sale can allow more natural light into your home, so if window repairs are on your agenda, consider enlarging them as well. Modern windows are highly attractive and can add instant value to your home. If you lack the wall space or time for major renovations, simply painting the window casings to match the walls can create a significant transformation. Reducing contrasting colours in window casings gives the home a more timeless look, proving that sometimes less is more!
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Pressure Wash Siding of Home and Walkways
You may not realise how valuable a pressure washer can be until you use one in your home. Walkways might not seem like a “focal point” of your yard, but after a power pressure wash, they can become the standout feature! It’s easy to forget how dull surfaces can get when we see them daily; only after a deep clean do we recognise their full potential. Replacing or painting siding can quickly become expensive, so instead, brighten up your home—literally—by pressurer-washing the exterior. Whether it’s brick, limestone, siding, or stucco, you will witness an immediate transformation that will impress you.
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Refinish Hardwood Floors
Upgrading hardwood floors in the kitchen and throughout the house is one of the most affordable updates that promises an impressive return on investment when downsizing for retirement or selling your home. Hardwood floors appear scuffed or dated from years of wear. It’s hard to believe that there were times when people covered them up with tile, carpet, or vinyl—yikes! These beautiful floors are diamonds in the rough, and with minimal investment, you can maximise your home’s value. Instead of replacing your hardwood floors, refinishing them will provide the sophisticated look that buyers desire while still preserving your home’s original charm.
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Improving Lighting Fixtures
Updating outdated light fixtures is an often overlooked aspect of home improvement that can significantly affect the atmosphere of your home. Good lighting enhances the visual appeal of a space. Replacing old ceiling fans, pendant lights, or wall sconces with modern, stylish options can refresh your home’s look without a substantial investment. The cost of new light fixtures can vary widely but generally ranges from $50 to $500 per fixture.
Professional Help for a Smooth Process and Great Outcome.
Care to Move is a leader in this field, offering a full range of services for retirement relocation, divorce relocation, and more to ensure your home is sale-ready. Our offerings include decluttering and downsizing, waste removal, organising donations, finding storage solutions, and coordinating movers. We also arrange cleaning, maintenance, and home styling and even liaise with real estate professionals. Once the sale is complete, Care to Move assists with settling in and unpacking, making your transition seamless. With us, you get a one-stop solution for a smooth, stress-free home sale.
Conclusion
Selling a home involves more than just listing it on the market; it requires thoughtful preparation, strategic upgrades, and expert coordination to get the best possible price. Need Assistance with property management? Let our team of experts ensure a smooth, successful sale while you focus on your next chapter. Contact us at 1300 242 622 today and make your property sale a seamless experience!
