Cheat sheet: Top 10 tips to maximize your sales price

To get the edge, you need to present you property in pristine condition so it appears hassle free to potential owners. Unless they’re buying a property that needs renivation, buyers generally want the condition of the property to be good so they can move in or rent it out without spending any money. Small issues such as creaked cupboards, broken light fittings or damaged window screens can mount up – prompting buyers to flick your listing into the ‘too hard’ basket. We often see properties that fail to achieve their full worth because of lackluster presentation and when I attend viewings when we’re looking to buy, I find the same mistakes over and over again. There are a few simple things that almost anyone can do that will have a positive effect on the sale price of your home, without costing the earth.”

Fix it

If you tie up the loose ends to small repairs, you property will look attractive, trouble-free and instantly livable. “For every pound in repairs your home might need, you could lose two from the sale price. If something needs to be repaired, whether it’s a fence or cracked tile, then get it done before you sell.

Outdoor space

First impressions really do count. If there’s an outside area, like a deck or balcony, put a small table and chairs there to emphasize the outdoor aspect.

Manage the temperature

On inspection day, make sure the temperature is comfortable. Turn on your cooling or heating, depending on the season.

Spruce up the bathroom

Mould is common in older homes, so use a household cleaner to clear it up. Investors could also use mould-resistant paint for an ultra-clean finish. A grimy shower screen is a no-no, and consider replacing your shower curtain. Homewares and furniture stores like lKEA sell different designs for next to nothing

Maximise storage space

If the property is you own, one of the biggest things you can do is to clean the storage and pantry. When they’re really cluttered, they look smaller than they do when they’re sparser. You don’t want them completely empty, but if you get about 50% of the content out of the way, it will create the illusion of space.

Let there be light

Turn on the lights no matter the time of day, and replace broken light bulbs. Also maximize natural sunlight by opening drapes and blinds.

Pristine Kitchen

The kitchen should be “gleaming spotless, hygienic and sparkling – inside and out. I recommend baby oil to leave stainless steel appliances “shining like new.” Also, make sure you clean inside the oven – greasy kitchen appliances are a major turn off.

Declutter

To make the property look as large as possible, clean out the clutter. This includes everything from the contents of drawers to the decorative home wares on your dining table. A great idea, if you have a small space, is to use a glass table you can see through, rather than solid.

Refresh the garden

Consider adding some fresh mulch to the garden beds. It’s literally as cheap as chips, and it’s a great way to put fresh natural color in an older garden. It also pays to grab a broom and brush down cobwebs or dust.

Window treatments

At a minimum, you need to have quality window treatments. Without curtains or blinds, it just feels like a big echoey cave. Window treatments really soften the space.

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