1. CLEAN & DECLUTTER Make your move easier by beginning the packing process now.
• Clear and remove items you don’t regularly use. • Neaten loose items by stacking and packing into storage areas. • Stylish crates and wicker baskets strategically placed within cupboards can help neaten the look of your storage areas. • Consider donating items that haven’t been used for some time. • Throw away items that are broken or damaged. • Shred and dispose of paperwork that is no longer needed. • Consider temporary storage for bulky pieces of furniture and any other items you don’t need.
2. DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION This step will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises during the sale process.
• Inspect your walls and floors for water damage. • Check for plumbing leaks. • Make sure your windows don’t have broken seals. • Check for any signs of insects or rodents. • … and fix any problems that you find.
For older homes, a common practice is to have a pre-sale building & pest inspection carried out.
3. ELIMINATE ODOURS Don’t mask household odours with air fresheners, which can be overwhelming and cause allergies in many people. Rather, include freshly cut flowers, or burn essential oils and/or scented candles. A bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen is a nice touch.
4. WALLPAPER & PAINT Feature wall colours and wallpaper trends are transitory and can “date” a home to the detriment of current buyer tastes. Many buyers want to see a blank canvas where they can inject their own personality. In order to make your home appeal to the largest possible audience, remove old wallpaper and paint your walls in white/neutral colours in a satin/matt finish. Don’t forget to repair any nail holes or other damage before painting, and be sure to touch up ceilings and trim as needed.
5. FINISH PROJECTS & REPAIRS Now is the time to complete any home improvement projects you have underway and make all necessary repairs to your home. You’ll most likely find a buyer more quickly and the sale process will be much smoother if everything that needs to be done is taken care of. If you have additional home improvement projects planned, make sure they can be finished in a short amount of time.
6. CLEAN OR REPLACE FLOORING Carpets should be shampooed and treated for stains. Tile and hardwoods should be thoroughly swept and mopped to a shine. Any flooring that is stained, damaged or worn beyond repair should be removed and replaced. Hardwood floors that are scratched or have lost their sheen should be refinished.
7. FRESHEN UP FIXTURES & HARDWARE Light fixtures, bathroom mirrors, taps, showerheads and cabinet hardware can all be replaced for very little money and make a huge difference in terms of visual appeal.
8. CREATE A WELCOMING ENTRANCE Your front door is the first thing potential buyers will see when they visit your home, so remember to make it inviting. Paint the door if needed, replace any damaged hardware, keep decorations minimal and declutter the entrance area.
9. STAGING An important part of showing your home, staging can be done yourself or by professionals. Place furniture to maximize the feeling of space and light in your home, with an eye to how rooms flow into each other. If your decor isn’t cutting it, you can move your belongings into storage and rent furniture and artwork from a home staging service on a monthly basis.