Owning a home is the original Aussie dream. It’s about claiming your patch of good old Aussie lawn and still makes perfect economic sense.
Whether you’re looking to cash in on this real estate bubble before it pops—or simply wanting to move to a bigger home — selling your home can often be more stressful than dreamy. Not only do you have to find a real estate agent (well really you don’t have to look too far as you’ve already found us!). You need to prep your home for open homes and worry about the packing up and moving of your entire life.
It’s almost enough to make you want to live in one home for the rest of your life—just as people did in your grandparents’ day. Then again, we live in different times now…one where we continue to chase the lifestyle, conveniences and surroundings we want.
So as busy as selling a home may seem, it really isn’t so bad if you break it down into a few simple rules. If you don’t believe us, read the rules for yourself.
Fuss over the façade. Your home’s future owners do not want to worry about repairs and renovations as soon as they move in. So make certain they don’t. Be sure to have your home immaculately clean before you invite prospective buyers over. Invest in some up to date interior pieces if yours is outdated – it doesn’t have to cost a fortune and these days in Australia many of our budget department stores have great, on trend home wares for a fraction of the price they used to be. And invest in minor renovations if necessary. You’d be surprised what a coat of paint can do.
Focus on the fine details. Prospective buyers will leave no stone unturned when they visit your home. They will test every light switch, run every tap, and lift up every toilet seat. Everything—and we mean everything—should be in working order before your open house.
Double check for blown out light bulbs and leaky taps. Scrub the bathroom and clean up any ring around the bowl, tub scum, and any other nasty surprise. Add some fluffy towels and declutter the benchtops.
Don’t settle for maybes on safety. Ensure that there are no safety hazards anywhere on your property. Something as small as uncovered powerpoint can scare off buyers, especially parents of small children.
Create a soothing selling atmosphere. Imagine the last time you visited a bed and breakfast. Your home should be as welcoming and accommodating as that. One easy way to accomplish this is by brightening up the place. Turn on all your lights for your visitors. Plus, fluff up your bedroom. After all, most people want the bedroom to be the most comfortable spot in the house. Make sure it is—at least when buyers are around.
Clear the joint. Along with the last rule, there is the standard real estate practice of vacating the premises when buyers come for tours. This is done for good reason. Buyers are there to evaluate your home, not meet your sisters, sons, cousins, and cats. So get out well before the inspection starts – go for coffee or a spot of shopping!
Cut the clutter. All of your stuff can get in the way, too. That’s why it’s important to start packing and storing your personal belongings as soon as you know you’re going to move. A decluttered house is a cleaner looking house and a more attractive house. You don’t want your prospective buyer opening a closet and having a bowling ball fall on their head, do you?
And, finally…..take a deep breath. Never let the home-selling experience overwhelm you. Sure, there are a load of responsibilities to take care of. But that is what your real estate agent is there for. We handle all of the grunt work for you. We do all of the hard talking with the buyer. We make all the follow-up calls. And we showcase your home for you. Your job is to start finding your own next dream home.