Selling

• Stand across the road from your house and review its "street appeal"
  
• The gardens & lawn should be maintained and well presented - mow the lawns and mulch where necessary - Remove weeds and turn soil to give it a fresh look
  
• Sweep all the walkways - remove and newspapers or leaflets, bikes and toys laying around
  
• Park extra cars away from the property
  
• Trim back shrubs
  
• Clean windows and window coverings inside and out
  
• Replace all cracked or broken glass
  
• Make sure the roof and gutters are in good condition & remove sticks and leaves from gutters
  
• Make sure all gates work well (handles turn and lock smoothly)
  
• Replace broken fences or missing palings
  
• Keep your garage, shed or carport clean and remove all unnessary items. Allow buyer to get a feeling of space

• Ensure the house is clean and tidy


• Think about the layout of rooms and reconfigure the main areas if necessary


• Maintain all sealants throughout such as windows, tubs, shower, sink etc


• Repair any small fault that is clearly visible (eg. loose doorknobs, cracked windows, chips in walls)


• Touch up paint and chips where appropriate or apply fresh, clean paint throughout


• Keep plumbing and all appliances in working order


• Keep pet areas clean - the kitchen and bathroom should shine!


• Enhance the spaciousness of each room, too much furniture makes the rooms appear smaller and cluttered


• Open curtains to allow as much light in as possible


• Rub lavender oil into door-jambs to provide a soothing, clean smell

Appearance is everything! Open up your home, appeal to their sense of smell and create the right mood for potential buyers. Here are a few tips to consider before an open house. Remember, you may want to see the potential buyers and be there to answer questions, but more often than not the buyers will feel more comfortable if the owners are not present.

• Try to be out of the house when buyers inspect as they feel more comfortable
• Make sure the house is a comfortable temperature
• Brew some coffee before each inspection (freshly ground is best) - the aroma creates pleasant associations for buyers
• Place a bowl of fresh fruit with a variety of colours in a prominent position and put fresh flowers in main rooms for colour and fragrance
• Make sure the curtains and blinds are open
• Quick once-over with vacuum cleaner
• Put dishes away, unless setting a formal display for decoration
• Make beds and put all toys and clothes away
• Turn the television off
• Keep pets out of the way (take them for a walk) and make sure their areas are clean and odour free

• Secure jewellery, cash, prescription medication and other valuables


• If people unaccompanied by an agent request to see your property, refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment


• Leave a number where you can be reached if you are going away, even for the weekend