The Block is up to thirteen weeks of blood, sweat, tears (and a few laughs). It’s all leading to just twenty minutes of auction action. This is what the contestants have been working towards since the beginning of the season, with hopes of selling their apartment for something above reserve price and pocket the dollars.
The same really applies to anyone wanting to sell their home. Whether it is the family home, or an investment property, everyone wants to sell above the reserve or for as much as possible. And here is what I know. It all comes down to the styling— yes it does!
This doesn’t mean you have to hire a stylist, but there are a few things you must do to ensure top price for your sale. The styling of a home plays just as much of a role in the buyers perception of the property as its great location.
Your job is to get the buyer over the line and that is where emotion comes into play. You are selling a lifestyle. So here’s how to do it:
1. Declutter: Take your emotion out of it. This means de-cluttering your personal items. We all believe we have a good eye and great taste, but sorry folks this is not always the case. Remove anything that’s too personal from your home’s interiors and put them in storage while inspections are running. This will help a potential buyer picture themselves and their belongings in your home.
2. Clean. And go the extra mile: Clean windows, window sills, bathroom glass, grout and blinds. Mow the lawn, tidy the garden and make the entrance sing! Easy to say they’ll see past all that if they like the place, but trust me, buyers want easy living and you want to show them they can find it at your place.
3. Should you cook a roast? Brew fresh coffee? Bake biscuits for open house? Nope. Keep it smelling fresh and clean. Fresh smelling candles, and lime or lemon cleaning products are the best to give that airy, bright, light smell.
4. Fix what needs fixing: Again, the last thing a buyer wants to do is leave with a list of things they are going to have to fix the moment they move in. Touch up paint work, make sure all the light bulbs are working and door handles are tight.
5. Make a big first impression : Buy a new doormat, and add fresh flowers as an easy fix to help set the tone for inspections.
Article written by Shelly Craft for nine.com.au
http://homes.nine.com.au/2016/11/04/13/39/shelley-craft-on-how-to-style-your-home-for-auction