Selling Your Home – No Second Chance At A First Impression
Author: Daniel / Category: Real Estate MarketingThe enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The delicate hint of vanilla from a scented candle. Tempting traces of a home-baked cake.
If just thinking about these has got your senses going – imagine the effect they will have on potential buyers for your home. A vanilla pod or a couple of coffee beans placed in a warm oven is the simplest thing to do – but it can be the cleverest thing to do if you’re trying to sell your home. This is just one idea of many that will add instant appeal to your home before you put it on the market for sale.
And it’s all about instant appeal. It’s quite amazing how many people make massive decisions in an instant. It actually only takes someone around a tenth of a second to form an initial – and often lasting – first impression. A little effort can add value to your home, improve its selling price and importantly, it will make those important first impressions count.
So what can you do?.
The first thing to do is to look at your home with a critical eye. Cosmetic improvements can add significant value. You may see a sandpit – a buyer may see an empty garden bed. Your pets may be part of the family, but a potential buyer may just see lots of pet hair and grubby paw prints. Does your home have kerb appeal? Is your home tidy and presentable? Are there signs of wear and tear – like peeling paint, cracks in the walls etc?.
A real estate professional in Victoria Park property says the value of almost every property will be boosted with a make-over before the house goes on the market. Here are some points to consider :
· A coat of fresh paint works wonders. Choose neutral colours that have universal appeal.
· Remove all clutter, both inside and outside the house and tidy up (kerb, garden etc)
· Give windows a thorough clean to ensure clear visibility and to maximise views
· In the garden, mow the lawn, rake leaves, sweep paths and driveways, clear gutters, weed and prune. Flowering plants create instant appeal. To neaten up empty flower beds, scatter a layer of bark or wood chips.
· Your ‘street appeal’ is a key aspect of the first impression.
· If you have a pool ensure it’s clear of leaves and algae and the water looks inviting and clean.
· All storage areas, such as garages should be neat and tidy, and easy to get into.
· For a fresh update and a warm welcome, replace old door mats.
· And inside – clean and tidy is the golden rule.
· A homely ambience is good, but any excess furniture and personal items should be put into storage. Some people rent modern furniture to update the look of their home.
· When it comes to bathrooms – nothing less than spotless. No rust, dirty rings, leaking taps, stains or mould.
· Carpets should be professionally cleaned
· Give bedrooms a stylish update with some new scatter cushions, throws, bed linen, rugs etc – look at decorating magazines for some inspiration and ideas.
And on open day – you may want to consider these ideas to create a fantastic first impression:
· Gentle background music will create a welcoming tone.
· Gently heat the oven before the open day starts and place either some coffee beans, a cake or a vanilla pod into the warm oven. Your kitchen will be imbued with a subtle but inviting fragrance.
· Light a scented candle in the bathrooms and powder room.
· Put away tell-tale signs of a pet, such as dogs bowls and ask a kind friend to look after the family pets for the day
· Put away small items such as clothes, knick-knacks etc – and ensure the laundry doesn’t look like a laundry!
· Kitchen and bathroom benchtops will look longer if they are clear
· If the weather is warm, open some windows
· On cold days, warm things up with an inviting fire or heater.
· Place fresh flowers (preferably gorgeous ones from the garden) in strategic places eg on the kitchen table, dining table, bathroom vanity, bedside table and entrance.
· If need be, turn on interior lights but be careful of overdoing it. Too many lights on during the day is a clear signal that the house is dark.
A pre-sale makeover does take a bit of effort, time and may cost money. However, there’s no doubt that your investment will pay dividends say experienced property professionals in real estate Victoria Park. A small effort will make a big difference if you’re committed to getting the best possible price for your property.













