How to Prepare a House For Sale - looking from the buyer's perspective

When selling your home, it is important to see it as a potential buyer will, so that you can make it as appealing as possible.

The tour

Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. An easy way to do this is to simulate the buyer’s tour. Begin right at the start, get in your car and drive around the block. Notice the street as you arrive at the house. How easy is it to find the house? Is the number easy to see? Place colourful pots at the front door as a focus when walking towards the house. Sweep the porch and front steps.

First impressions

Look at the view from the front door. There should be four or five attractive focal points, such as art, furniture or a view through a door or window.

The emotional decision of whether to buy or not is often made in the first 60 seconds, so bring the buyer to the living room as soon as possible. Once again, there should be four to six attractive items to look at, in the places your eye naturally falls when standing in the doorway. Views through into another room are ideal, as they give a sense of space and draw the buyer through the house. Place an attractive item to be seen through the door.

Outdoor views

Views into the garden are also excellent. A seat at the end of a garden view adds interest and allows people to judge the size of the garden. Outdoor furniture conveys the appealing idea of outdoor living and dining. Take down umbrellas if they reduce light inside or block the garden view.

Create a sense of space

Clear away as much as possible so that flat surfaces are empty. A simple, uncluttered look makes it easier for the buyer to understand the layout of the house. Straighten books in shelves and create gaps for simple decorative objects to give a sense of order. If you have collections of objects, such as framed photographs, arrange them in one group rather than having them spread around a room.

The kitchen bench should be as clear as possible, with appliances put away in cupboards during viewings and Open Homes. Remove unnecessary ornaments.

The view into each room

Each room should look attractive from the door. A small chair visible from the door allows the buyer to imagine themselves sitting in that room, and this gives a sense of belonging.

Rounding off the inside tour

End the tour by bringing the buyer back to the living area, to round off the experience and reinforce the first impressions. At this point many buyers will pause to discuss their impressions, so make sure they are given space to do this. If they like the house, a second view of the living room will help them feel at home

Outside

Seats, pots or statues, and gates or arches from one area to another draw people through the garden, leading them on from place to place. Walk around the garden yourself and see what attracts you. Consider buying or borrowing extra items if more is required.

Time to sell?

Putting effort into preparing the house well can increase the sale price and reduce time on the market; it also gives a welcome feeling of control during the sale process.

Good luck!

Book a Preparation for Sale consultation today to add $1000s to the price of your house! Telephone 03 3519369 NOW!

Jennifer Manson at Home Style offers a Preparation for Sale Consultation and a furniture rental service for homes on the market (Christchurch, New Zealand only). Call 03 3519369 for more information.

For more resources in preparing your home for sale, click here.