Spring is traditionally the hottest time in the housing market, and even though we’re currently suffering through the winter chill, it will be here before we know it. Buyers come out of their winter hibernation for the spring selling season, and sellers spruce up their homes to show to best advantage in the warm days ahead. If you are one of the many thinking about listing your home for sale this coming spring, here’s what you’ll need to do.
1. Air it out
After being closed up all winter, houses can become a little stale and musty. Start by cleaning the windows and flyscreens, and air the house out each day. Let the cold air out and the warm air in to freshen up your home. In older houses or where ventilation is poor, you may also need to attend to any mould or mildew spots that have appeared during winter.
2. Spring clean
Everybody loves a good spring clean, and when preparing your house for sale, it’s even more important. Start with the following:
• Top to bottom: The number one on your spring cleaning list is, of course, a thorough top to bottom clean. Along with your regular vacuum, mop and bathroom clean, get on top of things such as dusty ceiling fans, skirting boards and window sills. Attack that mould in the bathroom, and give the oven, stove and range hood a thorough going over. Windows, doors and walls will all benefit from a good wipe down, which will make your house feel like new again.
• De-clutter: Throw out or donate anything you don’t use, and make sure everything you are keeping has its place. Limit personal items such as photos, as a simple, clutter-free home allows the prospective buyer to see themselves in the space.
• Cupboards and storage: Buyers look in cupboards, so if yours are full to the brim and overflowing, it will suggest that storage is a problem. Clean out your cupboards and make them look as spacious and clutter-free as possible. Any excess household items such as Tupperware, appliances, cords, linen or odds and ends should be boxed up in preparation for the impending move and stored neatly in your garage or shed.
3. First impressions count
The ‘drive-by’ is where first impressions count. If your property looks tidy and well maintained, you will tick all the initial boxes that buyers have. Make sure your lawns and gardens have cast off the winter woes, and lift your kerbside appeal with these tips:
• Prepare during winter by planting some spring colour.
• Rid garden beds of overgrown weeds.
• Trim back hedges, shrubs and bushes.
• Fix any unsightly cracks or issues in paving and garden edges.
• Pressure wash your driveway and paved areas.
• Give the outside of your house a hose down to get rid of spider webs and any dirty marks.
• Touch up paintwork and trim.
• Check guttering and fascia, and remove any leaves or debris.
4. Maintenance
Now is the time to tackle those things you were going to get around to ‘one day’. Fix up loose or chipped pavers, reattach that piece of guttering or eave, fix any doors that are sticking or handles that are coming loose, check window seals, and recoat the timber deck. Whatever it may be, making sure your house is in good condition isn’t just a great selling tool, it will also make sure that any pre-purchase building inspections and reports come back with ticks of approval.
5. Freshen up your decor
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make a tired room come to life. A change to the colour of the towels in the bathroom, removing clutter from the kitchen bench, or adding a decorative lamp to an entryway can easily bring life to a room and appeal to potential buyers. Consider things such as adding throw cushions on your couch, and brightening up your outdoor area with some new pot plants. Remember to keep it simple, and your home will feel fresh and ready to attract that perfect buyer!
Spring is a great time of year to sell, as long as you’re prepared and your property looks it’s very best.
By Darel McBride
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