How to prepare your home for a spring sale

Spring is here, and despite a cautious mood in some markets, many are expecting a strong spring selling season.

So, if you've decided to take the big step of selling your property this spring, what can you do to prepare your property for sale - ensuring it is presented in its best light, and helping you achieve the maximum price.

Tidy the house

• Declutter shelves and cupboards.

• Throw out or give away anything you don't use.

• Remove as much from the house as you can.

• Consider hiring storage if you don't have anywhere to keep surplus items.

• It's easier to show the home's form and flow if it's streamlined and uncluttered.

Clean the house

• Clean glass doors and windows. The crisp spring sunshine will illuminate your house in the best light if glass windows and doors are sparkling clean.

• Dust blinds, or even have them professionally cleaned.

• Have carpets steamcleaned.

• Wipe down cupboard fronts.

• Clean fireplaces.

• Dust the house relentlessly!

Finish repairs

• Take a walk around the home and see if anything needs repairing.

• Consider if the house needs painting, even if only in some sections. Is the paint peeling, are cracks appearing? Dirty walls can be miraculously cleaned with a coat of paint.

• Does timber need staining or oiling?

• Do windows need repairing?

Prepare the garden

• Rake up dead leaves.

• Remove weeds.

• Prune dead winter growth, but be careful not to remove new buds.

• Fertilise any lawn and garden beds.

• Keep the garden hydrated so it is flourishing by the time you are opening your home for inspections.

• Lay mulch to provide a consistent texture through your garden, and to hide empty or unkempt patches.

Styling the house

• Consider having your house professionally styled. Many homes on the market are styled these days; you don't want yours to look shabby in comparison.

• Refer to magazine and style websites to see if you can incorporate some of the latest looks into your home.

• Do you want to leave a few carefully chosen personal items? If so, which ones?

• Remove worn carpets or rugs.

• Straighten wall hangings.

• If your kitchen or bathroom (or both!) are very dated, consider a mini-makeover, such as new benchtops, new taps, or even something as simple a new shower curtain!

Preparing for open house inspections

• Consider hiring furniture and home accessories if yours are looking tired.

• Take a last minute walk around the home before you leave. Has anything been left behind? Does anything stand out?

• Some owners and agents like to burn oil to create a pleasant aroma and calm mood.

• If appropriate, turn on some music. Quiet background music is the most appropriate choice here.

Lastly, get a second opinion

• Once you think the home is ready, invite a trusted and knowledgeable friend around. Ask their opinion and seek advice.

This article was originally publish on The Real Estate Conversation.