Selling? Prep your home for the market, fast.

When getting your home ready for the market, there are several maintenance tasks you can prioritise to enhance the potential for a profitable sale. You’ll never get a second chance at a first impression, so it’s worth investing in the presentation of your property in the lead-up to your market debut.

1. Prepare for drive-bys.

Whilst a “for sale” sign turns head, it’s the home’s exterior that’ll hold attention. Many people do a drive by on a property to see what it looks like externally before they organise an appointment to see the inside.

That’s why it’s important to get the garden looking as good as possible. Mulch, weed, prune, and make sure the lawn and garden beds are looking good.

2. Prioritise outdoor living.

Kitchens and bathrooms are always the main selling points, however, Australians favour an outdoorsy lifestyle. We love our backyards, patios, and outdoor entertaining areas, and these spaces are becoming a priority for home buyers.

As a result, it’s only natural to prioritise these spaces when it’s time to sell — especially if you’re selling in the warmer months or the lead-up to summer. Make sure these are well-kept, tidy, and weed-free. If applicable, you could also add a fresh coat of paint. A beautiful garden (front and back) will go a long way too!

3. Less is more.

This cannot be overstated — less is more. When it comes to home opens and private appointments, get rid of junk and clutter. Ensure your home is as tidy as possible so that people have the best experience of your home and can visualise it as their own space.

A simple, minimalist look will always make a room feel bigger, as will letting in as much natural light as possible.

4. The small but obvious stuff.

In older homes, there may be small imperfections that have crept up overtime. Things like water stains, full gutters, dirty light switches or door frames, little knicks in the walls and paint will draw the eye, so it’s good to fix these up if you can. You should also make sure all the lights are working and replace globes or get the electricals fixed if needed.

5. Some bigger stuff.

Living in WA, our summers can be pretty unbearable at times. Buyers prioritise homes with good air conditioning, so fixing yours or installing a new one (or some ceiling fans) can add significant value to your property.

Similarly, if you have a pool, make sure the pump and filter are working well, and the levels are correct. You want your pool to look amazing as this will be a huge draw card for families. You should also ensure your garden has great reticulation so the garden is looking its best and is manageable for future homeowners.

6. Manage pest problems or bushfire hazards.

Depending on your location, you may need to ensure your house is adequately protected against fires or pest concerns. For example, if you live in the Perth Hills, bushfires are an added risk for your property.

Some suburbs seem to have more issues with rodents or cockroaches, or have hidden issues like termites. A professional property inspector will pick up on these issues, so it’s worth sorting them out before your property goes to market.

Do you know about the tax implications of selling your property?

In the whirlwind of selling, it’s easy to forget about the tax involved. We can help! Talk to us about the tax implications of selling your home, including guidance on capital gains tax, exemptions, and strategies to minimise your tax liability.

To talk about this and more, contact us today