Selling Tips

Professional secrets on selling your home

How prospective buyers initially feel when they view your home will make a big difference to your chances of a quick sale. Your Professionals real estate agent will advise you on how to prepare your home for sale, but here's a few of the trade secrets that have made the Professionals one of the most successful real estate groups in Australia:

Your Checklist - preparing your home for inspection

Check the state of repair and cleanliness of the brickwork and fascia boards. A quick hose, brush down or lick of paint may make your home instantly more presentable.

Remove loose items such as toys, balls and tools from around the garden.

Keep the lawns and gardens looking fresh, paying particular attention to weeds and dead leaves. Be ruthless in cleaning out the garage, carport and sheds.

Keep your garbage bin as concealed as possible and odour free.

Oil hinges and catches on gates and sheds, and repair any damaged fence panels.

Roll up the garden hose, clean the barbeque area.

Keep the windows clean inside and out, and repair any cracks in walls and ceilings.

Remove unwanted items to give a feeling of spaciousness.

Have the curtains, blinds and drapes in pristine condition.

Don't hide things in cupboards, as the prospective buyer is likely to look everywhere.

Watch for small faults that you may take for granted, like loose door knobs, leaking taps, lifting surfaces, cracked windows, warped doors, blown light globes, faulty switches, chips in plaster and scratched skirting boards.

Remove any mould from the shower recess, and place air fresheners or fresh flowers in the toilets. Place fresh towels in the bathroom.

Keep the oven, stove and microwave spotless. Remove dirty plates from the dishwasher.

Be aware of odours. If possible, create a pleasant aroma by making a fresh pot of coffee or baking some bread.

Remove unnecessary fridge magnets and associated items from the fridge door.

Have a bowl of colourful fresh fruit on the breakfast bar or kitchen bench.

Put some quality "lifestyle" books or magazines on the coffee table showing your interest in "beautiful" homes.

In warm weather, have the airconditioner running. Keep it on low to keep the noise down.

In cooler weather, have the fire burning - Turn central heating on low for a warm atmosphere.

Remove all valuables and minimise the number of personal photos on display.

Keep pets outside or better still, keep them away from the house when it's open for display.

Have some soft music playing in the background.