How to give your home a competitive edge
By Deborah Bennett - Interior Designer

It's worth remembering that buyers don't negotiate a price for a home and then decide if they want to live there. Before price becomes a relevant issue, buyers will decide if they like the home and whether or not it suits their needs.

Therefore, it is critically important that you make your home as 'likeable' as possible.

It is never too late to significantly improve the presentation of your home for sale. For very little outlay you can add many thousands of dollars to the sale price.

• De-clutter all rooms and outdoor areas. You are not only preparing for a move in a few months' time, but aiming to show your home off to its best advantage.
• Be prepared for basic repairs and set a budget. Minor repairs around the home will lift the overall effect; things like leaking taps, broken glass, sticking doors, gate hinges and curtain fixtures.
• Make the most of natural lighting - leave doors, curtains and blinds open.
• If lighting is dull, opt for lamp lights rather than harsh overhead lighting.
• Bunches of fresh flowers and bowls of fruit add colour, perfume and impact.
• Magazines and books on low coffee tables offer friendliness, warmth and colour.
• In appropriate weather a warm fire burning in an open fireplace lends tremendous atmosphere. Ensure the hearth and grate are clean and safe.
• Cleaning and gardening - a thorough clean-up by a professional company will be easy to maintain throughout the campaign.
• Inspect your home as a buyer would - from the front gate to the rear fence - noting any missed areas or final touches to be made.
• Presentation is essential. It is vital that you make a lasting impression in the buyer's mind

Unlock the true value of your home. Use this handy checklist to add $$$s to your sale price!

Its all about making your house as clean, uncluttered and appealing as possible - without spending real money.

Before you start your clean-up, look at basic repairs:

Replace dripping tap washers.

Replace obvious broken glass.

Fix sticking doors and creaking boards. And dont forget the nice things:
Add colourful new pictures.

Or a quick repaint for a dingy wall.

And during sale time, a vase or two of cut flowers.

Front garden - entrance

Trim shrubs, mow lawn, sweep paths.

Clean doors, windows, de-cobweb.

Add a hanging basket or two.

Shake out or replace doormat.

Entrance hallway

Dust all surfaces, vacuum carpet, shake rugs.

Polish floors and furniture.

Clean and straighten pictures and frames.

Clean doors, windows, side table, shelves.

Lounge/dining rooms

Polish furniture, clean soft furnishings.

Vacuum carpet, shake rugs, wipe skirtings.

Clean windows, curtains, drapes, blinds.

Open up rooms for maximum daylight.

Make more room by storing some furniture.

Dust and straighten bookshelves, dressers, etc.

Water and trim indoor plants.

Kitchen, bench area

Clean floor, appliances, sink, benchtops.

Bin any foods past their use-by-date.

Freshen up - open windows, run fan.

Clear away wash-up gear, tea towels, sponges.

En suite, bathroom, laundry

Clean basins, vanities, showers, baths, toilets, troughs.

Clean floors, shelves, windows.

Polish tiles, benchtops, mirrors.

Tidy cupboards, storage areas.

Open curtains, blinds for maximum light

Clean washing machine and dryer.

Clear away towels, laundry, etc.

Bedrooms

Vacuum or polish floors, shake rugs.

Tidy wardrobes, cupboards, dressing tables.

Make beds, put away clothes, shoes, etc.

Open curtains, blinds, maximise light.

Garage, storage areas

Get rid of all rubbish, old cartons, etc.

Sweep floors, tidy storage, make easy access.

Outdoor Areas

Clean guttering and drains

Clean light fittings

Clean all outside windows

Garden areas - mow grass, trim shrubs, remove rubbish

Little money ideas

You may have carpet over a timber floor so get one floor polished just to show the potential.

Take the time to repaint your front door or replace the door handle. First impressions are important.

How about new colourful bedspreads - they can upmarket your bedrooms like nothing else - an you can take them with you!

For more information on home presentation contact
dbennettandassoc@netspace.com.au