6 ‘Selling Differences’ Revealed

What are the ‘selling differences’ which help convince buyers to purchase your house?

Here are some things you need to consider to compete effectively with other sellers in your area.

 

A.                      Repairs       

Repairs are essential when it comes to selling your house. Plan accordingly and allocate sufficient time to get it all done.

 

 

• The rule of thumb is, if something needs to be repaired, fix it! There are probably many things in your house that you have simply become used to over time, things that you have been promising yourself that you will attend to but never did. Well, now is the time. The buyer will mentally add up the cost of repairing all those minor flaws and end up with an amount that is generally much higher than what it would cost you to do the repairs.

 

• You might be saying to yourself “these repairs are no big deal” but the buyer is thinking “if the owners didn’t care for these little items, then what about the roof and piping?” Needed small repairs and perceived owner neglect will either lower the purchase price or lengthen the time required to sell.

 

• Check all walls for peeling paint and loose wallpaper and remedy to the best possible standard in the time you have available. Don’t assume that buyers are not handymen and women too, most of us can spot a shoddy job when we see it!

 

• Large repairs: in today’s climate of open disclosure and vigilant professional home inspections, the rule is “Treat a buyer as you would yourself”. Repair any problems with major systems or offer an allowance for the buyer to make repairs after closing. Always disclose anything that you know about your property. Having been a consumer yourself, you know that buyers will more readily make a purchase decision with someone whom they can trust.

 

 

B.                      Clean       

Clean as a whistle plays a happy tune! Clearing your way to an open home and sale.

 

• Every area of the home must sparkle and shine! Time spent will be well worth it. Would you rather buy a clean car or a dirty one? Would you hurry to buy a pair of shoes with mud on them?

 

• Clean all windows, inside and out. This helps make the house sparkle.

 

• Clean all carpeting and area rugs. Clean and polish tile and wooden floors.

 

• Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary. Pay attention to the kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

 

• Clean and polish all light fittings.

 

 

C.                       Be neutral!

 

The very best sales person is someone who knows how to be neutral.

 

• Be cautious about selecting colours when painting or replacing carpets. Your objective here is to make your home appeal to the largest possible buying segment. Ask yourself “how many of the available buyers would be able to move into your house with their furniture without the need to replace carpets?”

 

• Forget your personal taste. The market is always demand driven! The average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting and bold wallpaper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colours with neutral tones. Two coasts of white paint may be the best investment you ever made.

 

 

D.                      Space

This is not about creating the illusion of space. It is about making space look spacious.

 

• Arrange furniture to have the rooms looking spacious. Remove large items taking up space.

 

• Dispose unneeded items and pack up your collectables. Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch. Dispose of unneeded items.

 

• Remove all clutter and make it a habit of picking up clothing, shoes, and personal possessions each day for possible showings.

 

• Organise and empty your closets to maximise the space in them. Leave as few items as on the floor or shelves as possible.

 

• Use light to create a sense of space. All curtains should be open. Turn on the lights everywhere in your house before the showing and be sure to replace any burned out light bulbs.

 

 

E.                       Atmosphere

 

When placing yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home. Keep in mind your sense of smell as you go through the checklist. Create the atmosphere of your home as a place that is safe and warm, and in good condition.

 

• A clean smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odours from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. That may have adverse effects on potential buyers. Remember that some people are much more sensitive to odours than others. Smokers rarely notice the odours of tobacco that fill their homes, and pet owners may be oblivious to the objectionable cat or dog odours.

 

• You can use products like air fresheners, and room deodorisers, but the best strategy is to remove the source of the smell rather than covering it up.

 

• If smoking or cooking odours have permeated your home, have your carpets and furniture cleaned, and air or dry-clean your curtains.

 

• Mildew odours are a no-no. Don’t allow wet towels to accumulate in hampers or dirty laundry to pile up in closets.

 

• Once unpleasant odours are removed, consider adding delightful ones. Recent studies have shown that humans have strong, positive responses to certain smells. Cinnamon, fresh flowers, a bit of bread baking in the oven are excellent ways to enhance your property sale.

 

 

F.                       Setting the stage

 

This part of preparing your home for sale is the most fun and involves the use of colour, lighting, and accessories to emphasise the best features of your home.

 

• Study ads or furniture showrooms to see how small details can make rooms more attractive and appealing. The effect of a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, a basket full or birch logs by the fireplace, a scented candle etc., can make a difference.

 

• The use of a brightly coloured pillow in a wing chair or a throw rug on a couch can add dimension to an otherwise sterile looking room.

 

• Always let light into your rooms. Replace heavy curtains with sheer white panels.

 

 

Remember, never apologise for things you cannot change. The buyer will either decide to accept or reject the property regardless of the words you say.

 

Lastly, remember that you must present your home in the best possible way with complete honesty!

 

 

—

If you would like the help of this real estate agent – here’s what to do:

 

Call Peter Taliangis on 0431 417 345 or 9330 5277 or email peter@professionalsultimate.com.au

 

Peter Taliangis

 

Licensed Real Estate Agent – Sales and Property Management

 

Professionals Ultimate

 

http://www.professionalsultimate.com.au