The following steps are exhausting and exhaustive, remember, you don’t have to do it all, some items may not even apply. Keep in mind that by doing as much as you can it makes a better impression on the purchaser.
The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is clean. Keep lawns trimmed and edged, and the yard free of rubbish. Lots of healthy green plants in the kitchen, bathroom, entrances and verandahs look attractive and create a good impression. Clean and repair any front steps.
Open, airy atmosphere
Illumination is welcoming. Drawn curtains and drapes are lovely but can tend to dull the atmosphere. Make sure your home is well lit. Dark rooms do not appeal. Clean all marks off the walls to make rooms brighter.
Decorate and set the scene
Colourful flowers and some indoor plants helps set the scene of tranquillity and serenity – strategically place them throughout the home/unit. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. By redecorating the prospect is shown how good the home/unit can look.
Kitchens and bathrooms
These are the most important rooms in the home and must be presented in a spotless condition. Don’t leave dishes in the sink or the drain board. Some dishes cooked the night before may leave unpleasant odours. Dripping water discolours sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Fix any loose or broken tiles. If the mirror needs replacing, do so or at least give it a good clean. Tidy drawers and vanity, putting cosmetics, razors and toiletries away. Attractive bottles of perfume always look elegant. Put a posy or a bowl of potpourri next to the basin, or a display of decorative soaps.
Arrange bedrooms
Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
Obvious faults
The discovery of even a relatively minor fault by a potential purchaser often leads to a much more thorough search of the property. Reduce the risk of a guarded and tentative inspection; fix any faults prior to showing your home.
Repairs make a big difference
Small things such as leaking taps, loose knobs, sticking doors or windows put people on the defensive and lead your agent to make apologies for lack of maintenance. Minimise these annoyances, flaws detract from your home’s value and have them fixed.
Cupboards and wardrobes
Most genuine purchasers wish to know about storage and therefore inspect the areas. Tidy these spaces and make sure they are not overcrowded to avoid any impression of lack of space.
Not for sale items
Any favourite light fittings, curtains, blinds or any other item with sentimental attachment should be removed prior to your agent showing your home. It avoids complications when you get an offer from a purchaser.
Pets
Most people like pets, but some don’t. Make sure they are out of the way when purchasers are coming through. A barking dog will not only scare some, but also take their concentration away from inspecting your home. Remove kitty litter trays and pet food bowls.
Excess furniture
Too much furniture tends to make rooms look small and negatively influence a purchaser’s recollection of your home after they have left. Take advice from your agent if it is considered a problem.
Garage
Make sure all equipment and gear is placed as favourable as possible to given an impression of size.
List the features
There is a good possibility that the features you like about your home/unit could be the same ones a new owner will find attractive. Make a list of these and given them to your agent to help capitalize on them.
Encourage feedback
When an inspection is taking place make sure you are well out of range of the prospect. This will encourage them to speak freely and make comments to your sales person. Any negative comments can then be addressed immediately.