Step 1 - Preparing for photos

The first part of selling your home is to ensure that the property is ready for photos. In this day and age people will look at the photos of the property before reading the text, due to the majority of us being time poor visualisation has become a large consideration when placing your property on the sales market.

Spring clean & de-clutter

Keep the property neat and clean looking. To much clutter and overuse of trinkets can draw the prospective purchasers eye to the item rather than the features of the property. Clear benches of toasters and kettles, ensure there is no washing left on the clothesline, clear spaces of trinkets and leave out the bare minimum.

Lights

Lighting makes a huge difference when it comes to photography. Ensure that all globes are functioning prior to the photo shoot, and change any globes that require replacement. This includes lamps and your range hood lights. Prior to the photo shoot turn the lights on to show a bright airy home.

Candles

Candles can look fantastic in photos - it sets an ambiance about the property.

Play to the properties strengths

Every property has it's strengths - play to them! If there is an area that is for outdoor entertaining - dress it up. Put out plates, cups etc - make it look like a display setting. If you have a pool - dress it with rolled up towels, if the kitchen is a major feature add a cookbook on a stand, a bottle of wine and a few wine glasses. Show potential purchasers the lifestyle the property can create for them.

Carpets & paint

Purchasers generally look for items that will allow them to push the price down. By doing a few things prior to putting the property on the market, it can make a substantial difference to both photos and the overall sale. If your carpets are looking shabby, get them cleaned, if they need stretching get it done, if there are walls that are marked paint those particular walls. The reality is that most people looking to purchase a property want a move in ready home.

Vacant home vs. staged

It is always a good idea to have a property staged if it is vacant. Again, most people are visual and having the ability to see the property set up gives them an idea of how they can place furniture, and what each area was designed for. There are numerous companies that specialise in staging homes for sale.

Step 2 - Presenting your home for inspections

The way you present the home for inspections should carry through from the photos, but there are also a few other items that will assist in a successful open home.

Decoration

Everybody has different taste when it comes to decorating. This is why it is best to de clutter and have everything as neutral as you possibly can. Decorations that always work well are flowers/plant in vases, mirrors on walls, a throw rug and decorative cushions on couches and beds, neutral bed linen, outdoor furniture to show a potential purchaser how an area can be used. Again, think of display homes - they set the scene for you, you can then imagine living in that home - you want to achieve the same thing.

Furniture use to show space

A common error that is made when marketing a home is placing a king bed in a small bedroom. If the bedroom is on the smaller side consider placing a single bed in the space. The same goes for furniture, large couches in a small living room will make a space seem smaller than it is. The idea is to make the property look spacious, airy and bright.

Ovens & wardrobes

Most potential purchasers will want to take a peek inside these - remember they are potentially looking at living in your property themselves. Make sure that your oven is clean and wardrobes are accessible.

Shoes

It is a great idea to ensure that shoes are not cluttered at the entrance for prospective purchasers to fall over. Try and place them away somewhere for inspections.

Mailbox & bins

Ensure that you clear your mailbox and hide the bins away neatly for the inspection. A cluttered mailbox usually indicates that no one is residing at the property, and bins can also give this away. 

Open the windows

This allows fresh air into the property. It is nice to walk into a property that smells nice and the airflow is great. If it is a cold day, consider allowing air in prior to the inspection then turning on the heater.

Pets

If possible it is best to conduct inspections when pets aren't present. It allows all prospective purchasers to walk through your home without the worry of letting a pet out.

Make yourself scarce

Most potential purchasers will feel uncomfortable if the current owners are present at an inspection. It is always best to allow your agent to conduct these so that they can get full feedback for you - something that rarely happens when the owners are present.

Music

Music is a great relaxant at open homes that can generally be quiet, and prospective purchasers can be hesitant to discuss among themselves. The easiest thing to do is put some light jazz or classical music on - not loud, just enough that there is a little background noise. There are now audio channels available on your television that can be utilised for this.

Step 3 - Relax - we've got this!

The last step is to relax. We will advise you of any items that we feel need attention, or some ideas for staging. We understand it can be hectic preparing a property for photos and inspections, and if we can assist in anyway - we are here to help!