With the Easter break only days away, it’s the perfect time to prepare your property for sale by doing some work around the home.
Although it might seem like a daunting task, the good news is that making your home saleable doesn’t take a lot of effort and can be reasonably inexpensive.
Firstly, though, if you’re planning to list your property soon, it pays to talk to your agent. This will ensure the work you’re planning to do doesn’t have a detrimental effect on the asking price of your home.
First impressions count
Let’s face it. If you want people turning up to view your property, the last thing they’ll want to see is the worse house on the street. So let’s start there.
Some general garden maintenance is the first order of the day. Are the lawns mowed and edges trimmed? And while the mower’s out, what about the nature strip?
Have a look at your trees and plants. Are they a bit overgrown? Could they do with a trim? How about weeds? If they’re running rampant throughout the garden, slip the kids a few dollars to get them pulled.
Some other things to look out for:
- Get rid of dead plants and flowers, and any weeds in the driveway or pavers
- Spread some mulch around the garden beds and under your trees
- Wash all paths and clear away leaf debris
- Replace any sad features in your front yard, such as garden lights and letterboxes
- Use pot plants to soften the front entrance
- Update your welcome mat
Around the back, the same rules apply. Clean, tidy and clutter-free is what you’re aiming for.
- Clean your pool [if you have one] and any pool furniture
- Pick up the kids’ toys and put them away, and get rid of old broken and empty pots
- Get the broom and bribe the kids [again] to get those paths, verandahs, and patios swept
- Re-stain any decking
- Replace any sagging, ripped and tired shade cloth on the pergola
- Highlight focal points such as garden art or large trees
- Style your outdoor living areas and think about hiring outdoor furniture if yours is looking daggy
- Divide large outdoor spaces into dining and relaxation areas
- Freshen up the outside by adding flowers and repainting any areas that are cracked or peeling
Don’t forget to wash the windows, wipe down the doors and pull those soursobs out of the gutter. And, if the outside of your house is grubby, hit it with a pressure washer to bring it back to life.
So, that’s the outside sorted; let’s look at the inside.
Time for a reward because you’ve got the outside looking pretty schmick. Grab a choccy Easter egg and go your hardest because you’ll need the energy to tackle the inside.
Even though we’re doing the work over Easter, it’s time to think Spring clean. A really deep clean is what we’re talking about.
Before you begin, though, have a good look around and think about de-cluttering. What can be put away and what can be chucked out altogether? Most buyers prefer the minimalist look.
Pop on the rubber gloves and break out the Jasol, Spray’n Wipe or whatever other cleaners you prefer and make every surface sparkle. Open the cupboards and cleans the tops and fronts, and don’t forget the handles. Those light switches are probably grubby too.
Kitchen appliances will need a good seeing to, including the stove, oven, fridge, microwave, kettle, etc. Give the kitchen sink a decent scrub along with the taps and plugs. If the taps are a bit second hand, replace them with something spiffy if you’re handy or ring a plumbing mate to do it for you.
Re-introduce yourself to the duster [no, not your partner], and give everything a thorough going over. Look out for sneaky cobwebs and those dusty wall vents [does anyone really know what they’re for?], skirting boards, window sills, light fittings, bookshelves and any ornaments.
How are the floors? Could the carpets do with a steam clean? If they’re wooden, give them a big polish.
Other things you might want to consider:
- Don’t go overboard but patch and paint any walls that need it, including any cracks
- De-clutter the bathroom and make sure it shines. Replace any cracked tiles, clean the shower screen and mirrors, replace the tapware if need be, and pop some fresh towels on the rails
- Get fastidious about the loo. It should be so clean and shiny, prospective buyers will need sunnies
- Remove any personal items that may be displayed around the house
- Make the house as light as possible. Clean those windows and swap out any dark curtains and blinds for something breezier. Sorry, but those ’70s and ’80s cushions, rugs, throws, doona covers, etc., need to go. Replace the whole lot with something light and bright.
- Check the light bulbs and make sure they’re dust-free and as bright as they can be
- Make sure all the windows aren’t jammed and perhaps throw them open to get rid of the smell of last night’s Lamb Korma
- Take a long hard look at your furniture. If it’s a bit of a mixture of Ikea and Salvos, you might want to consider getting [or asking your agent about] a stylist to stage your property for sale when the time comes
So, there you have it. The place looks a million bucks, and you can now sit back and relax with the family knowing you’ve done your utmost to get your property as ready as it can be for sale.
Time to peel the foil off a chocolate bunny and tuck into the ears or toast those hot cross buns with lashings of butter.
Whatever you prefer, the team at McGrath hope you have a happy and safe Easter.