Outside Appearances are Important

Scanning the internet of homes for sale in my local area is always interesting as a Home Stager.  It is interesting because it gives me an idea how in many cases, home owners do not understand the importance of looking at their home through 'buyers eyes'.

Looking at a home through 'buyers eyes' needs to start at the outside of a home and continue all the way through to the back garden.  The outside of your home is your first impression, so you need to make sure that you create a great first impression so that you can entice prospective buyers out of the car, down the path and in your front door!

This home is on the market for mid to high $500,000.  The garden although established is overgrown, not only obstructing the view of the home, but also providing prospective buyers with the impression that they will need to spend a lot of time tidying up and maintaining the garden. 

There is structure and symmetry to this garden, but again it has become overgrown and does not create a good first impression.  

This house screams work, work and more work!












So if you are thinking of selling your house, or are wondering why it hasn't sold, walk outside and take a look at the first impression you will be creating through 'buyers eyes'.   Remember the outside is just as important and the inside.

Get ready to sell

I love moving house.  I love the prospect of going to a new area and discovering the neighborhood, restaurants and meeting my neighbors.   I also like the idea of getting my home ready for sale. 

It is important to remember that the Real Estate market has slowed, and it really is a buyers market!   So, in order for you to ensure that your house stands out from all the other homes in your area – take some time and plan.   Planning is a key factor to ensuring the best presentation of your home for sale.  

Planning will make the world of difference; - I bet you wouldn’t go on a trip overseas without a plan; it is no different when you are going to sell your house.  

So where do you start?   Start by making a list, this can include: when you would like to have the house ready for sale, which real estate agents you want to speak with about listing your house, looking at homes already for sale,  and what at the priority things you need to do around the house to help show it as its best. 

I know from experience that when the decision is made to sell, that the two most important things we tend to focus on are – how much I will get for my house; and how quickly will it sell?   These are two equally important and related considerations.    

It is a proven fact that the length of time your house is on the market is related not only to the price you have listed it for, but also the way that you present it to prospective buyers.  Unfortunately, if you haven’t taken the time to plan and prepare you home for sale, you may face the situation that you home will be on the market for longer than you would like, and that you will need to adjust your price down to attract potential buyers.  When selling your home it is important to get a good price in the least amount of time available.

What are the three main things to tackle?

1. Street appeal

The exterior appearance of your home is the first thing buyers will see when they decide to visit an open house or arrange an inspection.   Street appeal creates a buyers first impression, so if you don’t give them a positive sense about your house at the beginning, they will continue to judge the rest of you home by their ‘first impression’.  Make sure the outside of your home is clean, simple, and well-maintained. Remove weeds and overgrown shrubs. Keep the lawn edged, watered, and fertilized. Trim your trees and shrubs. Don’t forget to put a fresh welcome mat in your front door. You may want to consider power-washing your home’s exterior or give it a fresh coat of paint, if needed.

2. Home maintenance

With so many homes to choose from, buyers are turned off by homes that are in poor condition. Make sure that all systems, roof, appliances, flooring, windows, doors, lights, fans, electrical outlets, wallpaper, paint, etc. are in good working condition and all visible repairs have been completed.

3. Cleanliness and Orderliness

Buyers are turned off by dirt and odours. Clean your home thoroughly including the windows and flooring. You can hire cleaners to help you out. A home filled with too much furniture and other items can look messy and crowded    Organise everything including cupboards and wardrobes.  If you have excessive furniture and items, pack them up and store them, - it will certainly make it easier for you when you have sold and are ready to move.

If you are still unsure of what to do, or where to start - contact Vicki at Décor Interior Style 0430 195 940 and we will be more than happy you help you get your home ready for sale so you can start your new life.