Sale Preparation Checklist
- Get the property detailed thoroughly
- A few hundred dollars spent sprucing up the property will increase the saleability and more than likely increase the sale price
- Obtain a building and pest inspection report. – This allows you to have necessary repair work done prior to sale. A 100% clear report can be used as a selling feature for buyers
- A certificate of compliance should be obtained from the Local Council if you have recently undertaken major building works
- If there is a current lease, check the expiry date and termination requirements and advise your property consultant
- Make a note of all the inclusions and exclusions. That is, everything that will be included or excluded in the purchase price and remaining at the property after completion.
Presentation
First Impressions Count – Dress For Success!
Spending a little time preparing your property to present at its absolute best before it is shown to a prospective buyer is paramount. The preparation you put into getting your property ready for sale can be the difference between getting a standard price and getting a great price. And, the best part is, it’s not hard, time consuming or expensive.
The following suggestions will help you prepare your property to create an instant, positive impression.
Exterior Impressions
- House paintwork clean and in good repair – discuss with your property consultant if major work is still to be done
- House number and letter box in a visible position
- Guttering cleared and in good repair
- Garage/carport clean and tidy and no visible garbage
- Repair any cracked or broken windows
- Hedges and shrubs trimmed, edges and lawns freshly cut
Interior Impressions
- Ensure the front entrance is welcoming by having it clean, tidy and uncluttered
- Replace all light bulbs, and leave some lights on to create atmosphere
- Attend to minor maintenance issues such as sticking doors and windows, dripping taps, paint touch-ups, etc
- Ensure the temperature inside is comfortable (cool or warm) as necessary
- A vase or two of freshly cut flowers can create positive ambience
- Create the sparkle by washing down walls and windows, having the carpets cleaned and polishing all mirrors
- A spotless and tidy kitchen may clinch the sale, so have benches clean and uncluttered
- Bathrooms and toilets should glisten – add a nice touch with scented soaps and display your best towels
- Now is the time to declutter and tidy wardrobes, cupboards and pantry to make them look very roomy
- Eliminate odours by using scented pot pourri, oil burners or air fresheners
- Open blinds and curtains to allow the natural light to flow in
Creating an Atmosphere
- Turn the T.V. or radio off to eliminate distractions and instead quietly play relaxing background music
- We love your pets, but some of our visitors may be allergic or frightened of them. Please tidy up after them and have them absent or contained during inspections
- The delicious aroma of brewing coffee or fresh baking will convey a very homely impression
- Please do not hover around as it may make your visitor uncomfortable
Remember, your Watt Realty professional knows what their particular buyer is looking for and how best to present your home in the most emotionally appealing way to them.
Timing
Buyers for good quality property can be found all year round. With the marketing process having become far more sophisticated than in previous times, the issue of timing is less critical today than in the past. The time required to sell property that is accurately priced will typically vary between two and six weeks.
Method of Sale
When it comes to selling your property, there are several methods to choose from. Each has its own advantages and it is advisable to speak to your property consultant about the benefits of each method.