Everyone knows that first impressions count. So when it comes to selling your Surf Coast home, it’s critical you present it in its best light.
After all, the more appealing you can make your property, the more people will want to buy it. And the more competition there is, the more likely you’ll be rewarded with a faster sale at the best possible price.
But while selling property requires good preparation, you don’t need to undertake a full-blown renovation. Rather, it’s about getting all the small details right.
So whether you’re selling in Torquay, Jan Juc, Bells Beach or Bellbrae, here’s our guide on what to do before putting your property on the market
1. Clean, clean and clean again
You want your home to look spotless, as it implies the property has been well maintained. Curious buyers will want to check inside every door, so remember to wipe out cupboards, drawers and wardrobes and tidy the garage. If it all sounds too much, consider hiring professionals to deep clean your home.
2. Let there be light
Improving the lighting in your home will make rooms feel bigger and the property appear more attractive. Let natural light stream in by opening up blinds and curtains before viewings, and switch all lights on, particularly in any dark corners.
3. Clear out the clutter
You want buyers to imagine themselves living in the home, mentally arranging their furniture and family pictures as they view your property. That’s hard to do if the property is overflowing with ‘stuff’, so less is definitely more. Getting rid of the clutter can make your property look bigger as well.
4. Make sure your home smells good
Smells can be both bad and good. So, naturally, you want to eliminate unpleasant ones and replace them with more favourable ones such as freshly brewed coffee or a scented candle.
The problem is, our noses often filter out familiar smells such as pet or cooking odours so you might not even notice them. So ask a friend, neighbour or your real estate agent for an honest opinion: “I want to sell my house, does it smell?!”
5. Hide unsightly items
Not everyone likes animals. So if you have pets, leave them with a neighbour (if possible) and hide their beds, litter trays, food bowls and toys before viewings. You should also move other unsightly ‘everyday’ items such as cosmetics, soaps and dishcloths from the bathroom and kitchen countertops into less conspicuous storage.
6. Freshen up the interior
Paint makes everything look clean and brand new. So giving walls a fresh coat can make the world of difference to a property. As everyone’s taste differs, it’s always best to stick with a neutral palette rather than more vibrant or unconventional colours.
7. Add greenery
While you want your property to be neutral enough to appeal to everyone, you also don’t want it to be so impersonal it feels like a waiting room. Potted plants and flowers add life and colour while also smelling wonderful and helping to purify the air.
8. Maximise curb appeal
The outside of your property is the first thing every buyer will see, so you want to make sure it looks inviting. Make sure the front yard is tidy, the windows are sparkling, and any grass, trees and shrubs are trimmed.
9. Fix all the small stuff
Tackle all the repairs you’ve never got around to fixing, even if it’s just a leaky tap or loose tile. Small jobs like these might seem minor, but they can harm a property’s value by making prospective buyers wonder what else needs fixing.
10. Remember the power of signage
You might wonder if you really need a for-sale sign in this age of online listings and property portals. The answer is yes, because a signboard can still have a big impact by attracting the attention of potential buyers walking or driving past your home.
11. Price it right
“I want to sell my house, how much is it worth?” is always one of the first questions prospective vendors ask real estate agents.
But while you want to get top dollar for your property, never pick a real estate agent just because they provide the highest estimate. That’s because if you overprice your home, it will linger on the market and, ultimately, get stale.
12. Choose your real estate agent wisely
The best real estate agents in Torquay, Jan Juc, Bells Beach and Bellbrae have an in-depth understanding of the Surf Coast’s property market. They’ll know how to market your home effectively so it gets the attention it deserves from buyers, maximising your final selling price.
Conversely, a bad real estate agent could try and win your business by over-inflating your property’s value, then do minimal work promoting your home.
Getting the best price possible for your home – whether it’s an ocean view property for sale in Jan Juc, or beachfront property for sale in Torquay – involves more than planting a ‘For Sale’ sign in the front yard and uploading the listing online. Experience and strategy matter.
Looking to sell your property? Natural Real Estate are expert real estate agents for Torquay, Jan Juc, Bells Beach and Bellbrae. Contact the team on (03) 5261 4711 or fill in this form to organise an obligation-free appraisal of the likely sale price of your property.