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When the time comes for you to move on from your home, there are a few things to consider before registering your property for sale or rent. It may not necessarily be fixing things that are broken, but it will give your home that curb appeal and boost your home’s value in the market.
Many people don’t think that it will matter or is important, but this is where you can expedite the sale of a property. Potential buyers do not like to see a dirty, cluttered or musty smelling property but will find a spotless “lived in” one very appealing. Here are our top repairs to consider before listing your home
1. Repaint the walls
This is the most cost-effective way of refreshing a property. It’s besides the paint: it shows people that you care about maintaining the property and this will set them at ease that you have probably been taking care of other things as well. Choose neutral colours throughout so potential buyers can let their imaginations run free instead of their attention being arrested by unsightly purples, oranges and blues.
2. Cleaning the carpets, tiles and floors
Make sure there are no stains, cracks or dirty grouting anywhere. This applies to wall tiles as well. If your home is carpeted in areas, deep clean them and make sure it smells fresh and odour-free. If you have animals, remove any traces of hair, stains or scratch marks. As for the furniture that has been damaged by a pooch or kitty, replace it or try and cover it up with a throw.
3. Declutter balconies and terraces
Avoid using outside areas as dumping grounds for dead plants, toys, old washing machines, furniture and bins. After all, potential buyers want to see how you as the current owner enjoy your outdoor areas and if they will too. If they see clutter and detritus on your balcony, it will create the impression that you neglect the property in general or have run out of space, as will they if they bought it. Install flower boxes, repaint benches and clean outside areas. Light fixtures should all be working properly. You can even stage the area a little bit prior to a viewing with a tea/coffee tray on a table, a throw or towel, some fluffy pillows and a book or two.
4. Pack away unnecessary things
Avoid using outside areas as dumping grounds for dead plants, toys, old washing machines, furniture and bins. After all, potential buyers want to see how you as the current owner enjoy your outdoor areas and if they will too. If they see clutter and detritus on your balcony, it will create the impression that you neglect the property in general or have run out of space, as will they if they bought it. Install flower boxes, repaint benches and clean outside areas. Light fixtures should all be working properly. You can even stage the area a little bit prior to a viewing with a tea/coffee tray on a table, a throw or towel, some fluffy pillows and a book or two.
5. Get rid of the smell
This is not really a repair but could be if you find something that causes a bad smell such as a clogged drain or leak. Make sure there is no mildew or damp anywhere: not in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms or showers. Get a new shower curtain that is mildew-resistant and treat any problem areas with a professional solution. This will kill spores and prevent recurring bouts of mould and mildew. If the mould caused some blemishes or discoloration, wait a few days after applying your treatment and then re-grout and repaint. Also get rid of limescale around taps, faucets, drains and shower heads and pop a scented block into the toilet cistern to keep every flush a joy during viewings. Potential buyers will use your bathroom at some stage and the last thing you want is them staring down a stained and musty toilet bowl. Keep some potpourri around the house and buy a time-release home deodoriser plugged in before, during and after viewings. A home that smells good is the smell of money!
If you need more help to sell or rent your property fast, we can help. List your property with us and we can also give you tips and guidelines on how to best present your property to potential clients.
