Spring and summer are the most popular months to sell a home and Rob Druitt of Druitt & Shead First National Real Estate has some advice on how to make your home the hot item this summer.
Homebuyers thoughts will naturally turn to patios, outdoor entertaining areas, landscaping, air conditioning and pools during the warmer months.
‘First impressions are critical and nothing is more off-putting to a buyer than entering a stuffy, hot house on a 30-degree day, which is why it’s important to make your home summer-friendly,’ Rob Druitt said.
‘With sunny days and gorgeous blue skies, everything is on display. Flowers will be in full bloom, trees will be fully leaved and yards should be kept as tidy as possible.’
Walking through the front door, homeowners should assess the first impressions created and position furniture so that rooms have an ‘open’ feel. Place fresh flowers in vases and pictures on the wall to give the property extra vibrancy.
Remove any clutter, and while family photos are great, limit them to no more than three.
Be sure to have the kitchen and bathroom spotless and any used towels replaced with clean ones.
Most importantly, ensure any items requiring maintenance have been taken care of such as door handles, torn fly screens, broken window latches, light switches, light shades, leaking taps, doors opening and closing properly and clean carpets.
‘If you have air conditioning, make sure it is in good working order and put it on when you are expecting potential buyers to be coming through,’ Rob Druitt said.
‘If you don’t have air conditioning, make sure you open as many windows as you can to let in the fresh breeze and keep windows clean.’
According to Rob Druitt the key area of a property during summer is the back yard, where buyers will envisage an area for the kids and a space to entertain.
‘Australian’s love their barbecues in summer and can’t go past a good functioning back yard,’ he said.
‘Make sure the barbecue is clean and looks to be in good condition, ensure the lawn is always mowed and presentable, and the landscaping is tidy with beautiful healthy plants that have been well-watered in the days leading up to any inspections.
‘On the day of the inspection, give plants a light spray of water for a clean crisp look if water restrictions are not in force in your area.’
Home owners should consider hiring or borrowing some plants, especially leading up to the front door.
For those with a pool or spa, be sure to keep them sparkling clean and leaf-free from crystal clear water to clean tiles at the top and bottom of the pool. Make sure any pool equipment is neatly stored away.
‘Don’t forget the fence, gate, paths and decks. These should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and any cobwebs and free of peeling paint,’ Rob Druitt said.
Other tips for selling a property in the summer are:
– Schedule inspections for a time during the day when rooms are bright and have maximum sunlight shining in, but preferably not the hottest part of the day.
– When having an open house, limit the number of people in the property at any one time. Too many people may make it appear smaller than it really is and reduce the viewer’s potential to see the possibilities of the property.
– Keep pets out of the property during inspections and music at a minimum.
– Get rid of unsightly garden rubbish which detracts from the appeal of your garden. This goes for the garage, old sheds and any outbuildings.
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