Presenting your home in the best possible light is one way you can make your home as easy to buy as possible.  Here are some tips to help you:

First impressions

• Stand in front of your home and imagine you are a potential buyer.  Does it seem attractive from the footpath?  Are there any obvious problems that could be easily remedied (e.g. areas of flaking paint)?
• Is the front of your home tidy and inviting?  Some ways to make it more attractive include making sure the lawns are mowed, the paths swept, the garden weeded and any rubbish cleared away.  Consider planting some flowers or shrubs for instant landscaping appeal.
• The entranceway and hallway should be clean, clear and uncluttered.

To improve or not to improve
Some people spend a significant amount of money on home improvements to make their home more attractive when they come to sell it.  However, you should think carefully before doing so.  Cosmetic improvements such as touching up paintwork or spending a bit of money on some plants for the front of the house will usually be worth the expense.  While major renovations may make your home more saleable, they may not necessarily make it more valuable and you may not recoup your renovation costs. Refer to the renovating page for more information

When buyers are coming to an open home:

• Make sure your home is tidy and uncluttered throughout.  Store away any unnecessary clutter if necessary
• Put any smelly rubbish out
• Put vases of flowers in the main rooms
• Leave lights on in dark areas or rooms
• Open all curtains and blinds
• Make sure the house is warm in winter
• Leave some windows open in the summer
• Make sure your home has a pleasant aroma (e.g. grind or roast some coffee beans)
• Make sure pets are outside or away from your home
• Leave your car out of the garage – it will make the garage look larger.
  

Next page | Selling and buying another home >>

The content on our site is for information only. You should obtain professional advice relevant to your circumstances. Our lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply to all loans. Contact us for more details.