Transform your family home into a showroom for prospective buyers, with a few small improvements that go a long way to ensuring your home stands out in the crowd. Create an immaculate canvas that invites prospective buyers in and allows them to see the potential in your property. From decluttering and de-personalising to updating and refreshing, here are 8 tips from real estate experts on getting your home ready to sell.

1. Declutter and tidy

There aren’t many things that are as off-putting to prospective buyers as a home that is overloaded with clutter. Trying to imagine how your own possessions will fit in the home is challenging when you’re faced with so many distractions! To create a tidy space that’s free of clutter and to showcase a home with plenty of storage:

• Put away items of clothing and laundry
• Tidy paperwork into a drawer
• Pack away pet beds
• Arrange to store oversized furniture off site
• Clear kitchen work surfaces of appliances other than the basics
• Remove fridge magnets and kids’ artwork
• Tidy windowsills and bookshelves, and store anything extra out of sight

2. A fresh coat of paint

While you may love the dark shade of your accent wall or the bold wallpaper in your bedroom, potential buyers may find it a bit overwhelming. Give rooms a fresh coat of paint in neutral, soft colours such as a light shade of grey, soft cream, or classic beige. Remove outdated wallpaper and wall coverings. And don’t forget to refresh ceilings and trim in a clean white paint to create a perception of space.

3. Update the fixtures and fittings

There’s no need to hire a professional to completely renovate your home when a simple swap of fixtures and fittings will do well on a budget to create a more modern look. Change out old light fixtures, bathroom fittings, door handles and window treatments to update your home on a budget. And give kitchen drawer handles, light switches, and baseboards a thorough clean if these don’t need to be replaced.

4. Fix the problem areas

Take a step back and see your property through the eyes of a prospective buyer to identify the niggly problems you’ve been ignoring for years. This is your chance to spruce up those areas in your home that need to be fixed or replaced. That dripping tap, the window that doesn’t close properly, or the carpet that’s lifting in the hallway; sometimes it’s the littlest of things that detract buyers from the appeal of a property.

5. Professionally clean carpets

Shiny floors and freshly vacuumed carpets are an absolute essential when selling a home. Give the floors a thorough clean or consider having them professionally steam cleaned. It will do wonders for improving the state of the carpets and help remove any odours from pets or cooking.

6. De-personalise your home

To give your home its best chance of appealing to the largest number of prospective buyers, de-personalising it is key. With a neutral colour palette and all personal mementos removed, there’s nothing to distract prospective buyers from fully appreciating the property’s features and noticing the permanent fixtures rather than the cosmetic details.

7. Style your home to sell

Another important way to ensure your property stands out from the crowd is to get help from a professional home stylist. Someone who can advise you on how best to arrange your own belongings and furniture to maximise appeal and provide tips on what to keep and what to get rid of. If your budget allows, completely remove all belongings and style the property using professionally sourced furniture to create a neutral space.

8. Find a great real estate agent

To showcase your property in the best possible light and improve your chances of securing the highest sale price possible, work with an experienced, professional real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the property market in your area and has a track-record of successful sales. Do your homework and get references from family and friends. Meet with potential candidates before choosing someone you feel comfortable with and confident in delivering what you need.

Selling with confidence

As your home is one of your most significant – and potentially largest – assets, selling it can often be an emotional process. Working with an expert real estate agent – such as those at Harcourts – will help ensure the sales process is simple and stress-free, and that you’re supported at every step of the way with guidance and input.

To find out more about selling your home with Harcourts get in touch with the team, and for all your finance needs or mortgage advice talk to a Mortgage Express mortgage broker.

While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken by Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) for any errors or omissions. This publication does not constitute personalised financial advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any investment in or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication. A Disclosure Statement is available on request and free of charge.

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