Seven Costly Sins

Part two of a seven part series, the ‘Seven Costly Sins’ that home owners commit when selling their home.

Sin 2 - Displaying your home ineffectively

The age-old adage 'first impressions count' has never rung truer than when selling your home.

Not presenting your home well will reduce its perceived value and this could cost you thousands. Buyers have a lot of choice when it comes to homes for sale. So what can you do to make sure yours creates that perfect and lasting impression?

The good news is it doesn't need to cost the earth to create the right look and feel. There are a number of simple and cost effective tips that will give you a much greater chance of selling your home quickly and for maximum price.

Cleanliness

Top of your list should be cleanliness. A gleamingly clean home gives the impression that the home is well looked after and maintained. Pay particular attention to bathrooms and kitchens as grime in these areas will instantly turn off a potential buyer. Be sure to overhaul cupboards, drawers, the pantry and even the fridge!

While you may think you've spring-cleaned to a level your mother-in-law would be proud of, remember that cleanliness needs to go beyond the house itself to include household items such as couches, bedspreads and accessories.

.....remember to make your windows sparkle!

Street Appeal

The front of your house is where potential buyers will decide whether to enter or not.

Your front door is your first chance to create a perfect and lasting impression. Consider repainting the entrance way. Small topiaries or shrubs in pots and a new doormat make entrance ways inviting.

Make sure gardens are overhauled and maintained. Trim bushes and edges, mow lawns, remove leaves, remove all weeds and lay fresh bark where needed. Where available keep your vegetable garden current and plentiful.

Ensure fences are free of mildew and graffiti and paths are free from moss.

Remove all toys, sports equipment and tools etc from your yard.

Depersonalise

Your staging aim is to depersonalise and de-clutter your home so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there. Imagine you're trying to achieve a similar look to a stylish up-to-date hotel. Remove ALL accessories, particularly personal treasures and photos and then 'add back' in a minimalist fashion. Pack up excess contents like toys, appliances, clothing, manchester, books and furniture and store these off-site or tidily in the garage.

Space and light

Mirrors provide that sought after sense of space and also assist in lightening a room. Try a few large feature mirrors on the largest wall of a room. If your budget is tight ask to borrow these from family and friends or purchase second hand.

Tips - Before an open home:
- Remove any pets so they won't detract from the house
- Ensure your home is warm
- Freshly brewed coffee or baking has a calming, homely effect on buyers emotions
- Put fresh towels throughout the house and toilet rolls in the bathrooms
- Consider fresh flowers and fruit bowls
- Turn on lights to instantly brighten up a room
- Play soft background music similar to that of a cafe
- Have a washing basket on hand to collect any last minute clutter and take it with you

This is an extract from “How to avoid the Seven Costly Sins homeowners commit when selling their home” written by Mark Lambie

Mark is a top performing Sales Manager with Ray White in Christchurch and can be contacted via email (mark.lambie@raywhite.com), mobile (0274 400 200) or visit his website

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and should not be taken as advice. It reflects the opinions of the writer only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of New Zealand Home Loans.

Seven Costly Sins - Sin #2