If you’re selling your property, then consider this …

If you’re selling your property, then consider this …

There are many things you can do with décor that will improve your chances of selling your home and it can be relatively inexpensive.

Have someone with a fresh pair of eyes, point out areas of your home that need work and consider the following.

Lose the emotion

Once you decide to sell your home, think of yourself as a businessperson rather than as the home's owner. Look at things from a financial perspective and remember that you are not selling just a piece of property, but also an image and lifestyle.

Selling during winter months

Winter is typically a slow time of year for home sales so it may take longer and you may not get your asking price.  Put the time to good use by getting your home sale-ready for the warmer months.

Declutter everywhere

Less is definitely more - clear counters, windowsills, tables and all other visible areas.  Then tackle cupboards and drawers, as virtually nothing is off-limits for curious buyers.

Depersonalise your space

The goal is to create a relatively blank canvas on which buyers can project their own visions of living there, but you need to get the balance right – don’t over-neutralise everything so that it is completely devoid of charm.

Clean and stage

The key is getting your home properly staged and prepared.

A professional can evaluate the current condition and belongings in your house and determine what elements will improve your chances of selling.  It's important to take their advice and not take offense at suggested changes

Often it comes down to a very good clean and reorganising your knickknacks and bookshelves in a whole new (that is, better) way.

Create balance and flow

If you don’t have a lot of it, create the perception of space by changing furniture layout, highlight thoroughfares and use strategically placed mirrors.

Do the repairs

Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Huge makeovers, not so much. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market.

Paint is a wonderful and relatively inexpensive thing. Bright colours can be a turnoff, so you’re a lot safer with neutral colours.

Pay attention to chips, scratches and holes. Touch up skirtings, kickboards, walls, ceilings and doors to make the house look cared for.

Curb appeal and entertainment areas

By investing some effort in relatively easy fixes, like planting flowers, adding pots and planters, repainting your front door and mowing the lawn you’ll invite buyers in and they’ll hopefully realise the potential of your property.

Get advice before renovating by talking to a professional as there are less expensive decorating things you can do to enhance your property.

Storage  

This is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of.

Light it up

Second to location, good light is the one thing that every buyer says they want in a home.

Conduct an odour test  

Horrible smells can be a deal breaker, and the problem is that you might not even notice them. 

Hide the pets

Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl of pet food, smell the cat litter box or have pet hair stuck to their clothes.