A GUIDE TO PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

<p data-block-key="8jfz9"><span class="text-size-medium">Our aim is to assist you to achieve a result beyond your expectation – and we know that well-presented homes attract more buyers.</span class="text-size-medium"></p><p data-block-key="50sqq">We want to work with you to make sure your home is presented to its best advantage and has the maximum appeal. Experience tells us that sprucing up your home is well worth the effort and usually has a positive impact on the price.</p><p data-block-key="a6qn9">We suggest you consult with us before you carry out any major maintenance or alteration, but meanwhile there are many small, inexpensive ways of making your home more appealing and more saleable.</p><p data-block-key="b40rs">You might also want to consider having your home professionally styled. We can provide you with the details of people who are experts in this area.</p>

<p data-block-key="8jfz9">Ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned including steam cleaning the carpets.</p><ul><li data-block-key="9h8ub">Remove unnecessary furniture and clutter to make rooms look bigger. De-personalise your home as much as possible to allow buyers to picture themselves living there – not you.</li><li data-block-key="2ohcm">If needed, update inexpensive fixtures such as taps, showerheads and doorknobs. Clear kitchen benches and remove photos, notices etc from the front of the fridge. Replace any faulty light globes and attend to minor repairs such as dripping taps, creaking doors and sticking windows.</li><li data-block-key="e63jo">Make sure appliances are gleaming clean and operational.</li><li data-block-key="9n410">Make sure curtain tracks are gliding properly (if not use silicone spray, soap or candle wax on them).</li></ul><p data-block-key="a9gh2">Ensure all tiling and grouting is clean and in good condition.</p><ul><li data-block-key="b6gdn">Clean bathrooms and toilets regularly.</li><li data-block-key="44if6">Put fresh towels in the bathrooms before inspections.</li><li data-block-key="2b2n8">Clean mirrors, windows, exhaust fans and range hoods.</li><li data-block-key="813n8">Clean fly screens and fireplaces.</li><li data-block-key="6np2o">Remove posters from bedroom walls (they make rooms appear messy and smaller). Keep any ashtrays outside and make sure they’re clean (or remove them).</li><li data-block-key="cf6ov">Tidy inside cupboards.</li><li data-block-key="8l0bu">Remove pet bowls and litter trays for inspections.</li></ul>

<p data-block-key="8jfz9"><b><span class="text-size-medium">A WELL-MANICURED GARDEN FOR A GREAT INSTANT IMPRESSION</span class="text-size-medium"></b></p><p data-block-key="1m9d8"><b>Keep lawns mowed and tidy.</b></p><ul><li data-block-key="161bf">Weed garden beds and add fresh mulch.</li><li data-block-key="d9drr">Remove rubbish and garden clippings.</li><li data-block-key="64us">Store outdoor toys/garden tools out of sight.</li><li data-block-key="65fbl">Thoroughly clean any cubby houses and play equipment.</li><li data-block-key="5btdf">Add colour by planting flowering annuals, consider colours that pick up on the colour theme of your home.</li><li data-block-key="aai">Pots or tubs of flowers placed on the porch, patio or around the swimming pool can look quite spectacular.</li></ul><p data-block-key="5scnl"><b>Repair, straighten or repaint fences.</b></p><ul><li data-block-key="5cik1">Trim trees and shrubs that are covering windows and pathways.</li><li data-block-key="b55g1">Remove pet droppings regularly.</li><li data-block-key="d4e5u">Remove pet bowls for inspections.</li><li data-block-key="2el3e">Ensure your letterbox is secure and in good condition and free of junk mail.</li></ul>

<p data-block-key="8jfz9"><b>MANY BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR LIFESTYLE</b></p><p data-block-key="4cjpb"><b>Attractive well maintained outdoor areas have a lot of appeal.</b></p><ul><li data-block-key="c6kph">If you have a pool make sure it is sparkling clean.</li><li data-block-key="a7g9i">Ensure pool safety fences are compliant with local by-laws and that any latches and locks are working.</li><li data-block-key="f12om">Open garden umbrellas and clean outdoor settings.</li><li data-block-key="987gi">Clean the roofing on any pergolas.</li><li data-block-key="5rbon">Ponds and fountains should be cleaned and filled with clear water.</li><li data-block-key="aukcb">Any covered outdoor entertainment areas should be thoroughly cleaned.</li><li data-block-key="d6rlh">That includes barbeques, any outdoor kitchens, ceiling fans and heaters.</li><li data-block-key="9m6bm">Think about adding greenery in large artistic pots.</li><li data-block-key="bikjs">Sweep up leaves regularly and give timber decking a coat of oil or stain if it is looking shabby.</li><li data-block-key="atj71">Any paving should be pressure washed to clear moss and dirt.</li><li data-block-key="cr8o0">Keep bikes and garden accessories neatly stored and clear of pathways.</li></ul>

<p data-block-key="8jfz9"><b>THE FRONT OF YOUR HOME DON’T FORGET ABOUT CURBSIDE APPEAL</b></p><p data-block-key="94ghi">Quite often potential buyers will drive by a property before they organise to inspect it. With this in mind it’s important to pay close attention to the front of the property and how it presents from the road.</p><ul><li data-block-key="b7ge6">Freshen exterior paintwork or pressure wash the façade and repair broken windows.</li><li data-block-key="3gr3n">Remove cobwebs, spiders, mud nests and other insect litter.</li><li data-block-key="10bpu">Clean or re-paint the front door and invest in a new doormat.</li><li data-block-key="2oiue">Clean gutters, down pipes, spouting and fascias.</li><li data-block-key="djtm7">Wash window sills and clean windows.</li><li data-block-key="1f7i4">Check garden and exterior lights to make sure they’re all operating. Sweep path/driveway, remove oil spills.</li><li data-block-key="7sc93">Wash garage door, make sure it operates properly.</li><li data-block-key="ckv7o">Clean out the garage.</li></ul>

<p data-block-key="8jfz9"><b>CREATE A COMFORTABLE ATMOSPHERE WARM IN THE WINTER, COOL IN SUMMER.</b></p><p data-block-key="e046v">At open for inspections it’s important your home is welcoming.</p><ul><li data-block-key="dtgrl">Make sure your home is immaculate. That all beds are made and clean towels and tea towels are in the bathroom/s and kitchen.</li><li data-block-key="dmkcm">Ensure there is an abundance of natural light by opening curtains and internal doors.</li><li data-block-key="1crqe">Consider putting a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen and fresh flowers (that compliment the decor) on the dining room table.</li><li data-block-key="elg82">Turn on some lights to create a welcoming atmosphere, even during the day.</li><li data-block-key="e9036">Play soft background music to promote a mellow, welcoming environment. Turn off televisions.</li><li data-block-key="9esb6">Use essential oils, but make sure they’re subtle.</li><li data-block-key="d7a2a">Keep pets out of the house, and if possible out of the garden during inspections.</li></ul><p data-block-key="e0dj0">Your agent will ask you to leave your home during the inspection. This is because potential buyers will feel more comfortable if you’re not there. Your agent will take down details of everyone who comes to the open both for security reasons, and also to follow up later.</p>