First impressions | Basics around the house | Inspection |
Cost effective Advice | Your market segment

When selling your home you are likely to be inundated with well meaning advice from all quarters.

Our team does not profess to know it all, but we do have a depth of experience which will provide an excellent resource for you.

A handy tip is to take a tour of your own home as if you were a buyer - remembering to remove the rose coloured glasses if you can. After all, not all buyers will have a pair!

The following tips provide a summary of ideas which have led to optimum results for past clients.

First impressions last the longest

The first thing a prospective buyer will notice is how your property looks from the street. You may think that the median strip is not your responsibility, but it will add to the appeal of your suburb if it is kept neat.

Go over the exterior of your home with a discerning eye and pay attention to your garden, lawn and exterior presentation - ie. paint work, window frames, front door, paving and so forth. The front fence (if you have one) will immediately set the tone, so make sure it is in good condition. In winter, pathways may be slippery, so keep them clear.

Cars parked along the length of driveways or on footpaths simply highlight the lack of parking available. 'Old bombs' will also create a negative impression. It's well worth sweeping your front verandah. Leaves love verandahs and buyers love verandahs but there's not room for both - uncluttered is best.

The entrance is your final 'high impact' first impression opportunity - make it worthwhile. Keep in mind that mirrors add dimension and maximise light.

Look at the basics around the house

It takes just a few minutes to check all the doors, windows and cabinets to be sure they don't stick or squeak. Tighten loose door knobs and fix any minor problems which may put a buyer off.

Inspection basics

In the main bedroom remember to make the bed - extra pillows always look inviting. In the en suite/bathrooms don't forget the fan, it is easily forgotten yet so simple to clean. Clear toiletries away and close the toilet lid. Clean towels, quality toilet rolls and flowers do more than most tilers to create a good impression and you can take it all with you. Also clear clutter and never obstruct windows in the children's/spare bedrooms.

The furniture also sets the scene - don't leave it up to the buyer's imagination.

The kitchen should always be spotless including windows and exhaust fans. If you are short of cleaning time, always start in the kitchen. Clear what bench space you have so if it is limited, it will look bigger. Also don't clutter a carport - it will impact on your sale potential.

Redecorate for a quick sale - a new coat of paint will generally provide a tremendous return. Faded wall paper, peeling paint, marks on the walls, scuffed woodwork and marked carpet are all buyer turn offs. Cosmetic touches cost little and are a great investment.

Cost effective Advice

Tiling, plumbing, cabinet wiring and roofing rarely provide a return when commissioned immediately prior to a sale. Market umbrellas are a great alternative to a pergola - and you take them with you. Serious landscaping is better done for your own benefit - not just prior to listing your home on the market.

Your market segment

In assessing the preparation work for your property, it is best to first establish the general market segment it fits into.

A is fully renovated (nothing left to do)

B is partially renovated

C is totally original (needing renovation)

The most saleable categories are A and C.

We will always argue on your behalf that the B group has the most to offer. However, history proves that buyers are less likely to pay the premium in the category. And so it can be said that -

C = the highest price for the least effort

A = the highest price

B = the best value sale price

For more information contact Toop&Toop on +618 8362 8888