Getting ready to put your property on the market? Time to make your home shine!
Here’s a handy checklist of the things you’ll need to clean, tidy and stage to help your home stand out, attract buyers and get the best price!
1. Clean Windows
Cleaning your windows is a must if you want to make buyers feel at home! Not only because clean windows make a home look more inviting and let more natural light in, but because clean windows indicate the property is well taken care of and maintained – something that is sure to be high on prospective buyers’ priority lists. Organise to have your windows cleaned – inside and out – before your agent organizes your property photos and first open home.
2. Tidy the Garden
It’s true that new owners may replant the garden in a style that suits their tastes, but that doesn’t mean an overgrown or weedy yard isn’t going to deter potential buyers. Remember, the aim is to eliminate anything that seems like more work for them, so an afternoon pulling weeds, mowing the lawn and tidying up the edges is time well spent.
3. Clean Bricks, Weatherboard and Plastercoat
Your home’s exterior is one of the first things potential buyers are going to see – so make the best first impression by having your exterior cladding power-washed by a professional. Getting rid of built-up grime and dust can make your brickwork or weatherboard look like new again, and – like having your windows cleaned – will be a clear sign to buyers that the property is well maintained.
4. De-Cobweb Fences
Unless you’ve had your property spider-proofed in the last year, it’s more than likely that you’re going to have a few webs along your fences. Though they may be small, spider webs can signal a lack of maintenance so get rid of them with a stiff-bristle broom and your garden hose.
5. Clean Paths, Patios & Driveways
Pathways, patios, decks and driveways can be easy to overlook, but having them waterblasted prior to listing your home is definitely worthwhile. Dirt or moss in outdoor spaces may seem minor, but buyers will be mentally making a checklist of anything they’ll have to take care of after they move in. Removing barriers to buy is a smart way to increase your chances of getting an offer!
6. Declutter Tools, Bikes & Toys
Used to seeing the kid’s bikes propped up against the side of the garage? Along with your spade, ladder, barbeque and recycling bin? It’s time for a declutter! While buyers understand that these items are part of everyday life, leaving them out for all to see can make your outdoor space seem smaller and untidy. Pop them in the garage or garden shed – out of sight, out of mind!
7. Increase Street Appeal
Increase the chance of buyers falling in love at first sight by enhancing your street appeal. If you’ve already had your house washed, windows cleaned and garden tidied all of the hard work is already taken care of. A few final finishing touches to really up the ante can include planting some cheap and cheerful seasonal flowers along the front of your house, cleaning up or repainting your letterbox, and buying a new welcome mat for the front door.
8. Stage Outdoor Living
Kiwis love spending long summers out in the backyard, so stage this space and help potential buyers imagine what it would be like for their family to enjoy the garden, deck and yard. Clean down the patio furniture, pop up the umbrella, and even add an outdoor table setting or vase of flowers cut from your garden.
Remember, InsideOut specialises in window cleaning and housewashing – so let our team take care of this portion of your home selling prep for you! We have window and housewash packages available – check our pricing page for more info.