Tips for Sellers

Selecting Your Agent

Are you wondering how to sell a property effectively?

At Hill & Viteri Property, we understand the importance of a smooth and successful property sale. Our team of experienced real estate professionals is here to assist you every step of the way, from preparing your property for sale to negotiating the best deal. 

With the right knowledge and guidance, you can maximise your chances of success when selling your house. That is why we’ve compiled a list of essential tips to help you make the most of your house-selling journey. Whether you’re a first-time seller or have prior experience, these valuable tips will help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market and increase your chances of selling your property efficiently and at a favourable price.

Selling can be a stressful time. That’s why it pays to employ a professional who can guide you through the process.

Your property is your largest financial asset. At Hill & Viteri Property, we understand the importance of presenting your property to the market in a way that maximises its value and attracts the right buyers. Our team is dedicated to employing the best marketing strategies to showcase your home and negotiating a price that reflects its true worth to you.

Making A Good First Impression

Create an environment similar to a show home
The best way to make a buyer “feel right at home” is to create an environment similar to that of a show home. Now obviously you cannot recreate the feeling of a perfect display home without starting from scratch, but there are some valuable techniques to learn from them.

Features of a show home

  • Neutral, clean and clutter free environment
  • The colours and decorating accent the home features
  • The smell is new and clean and the lighting is bright
  • All details are looked after, from the manicuring of the lawn to a floral arrangement in the entry

The impact of small details
Small details make big statements about the perceived condition of your property. A house that shows poorly as a result of an overgrown lawn, peeling paint or simply the smell of mildew may create the overall feeling that the property has not been cared for.
If your home leaves buyers with that impression it could cost you valuable time and money.

  • Do your walls have any cracks or holes?
  • Is it in need of painting?
  • Do your ceilings have any water stains, cracks or peeling?
  • Are your carpets stained or worn? Do they need stretching?
  • Are your appliances clean and in good condition?
  • Is your floor in good condition?
  • Is your tile grout clean?
  • Do your sinks drain freely?

Here are some tips to help you set up the interiors when selling your home:

  • Declutter: Remove all excess clutter from rooms, benchtops, wardrobes and other surfaces.
  • Enhance table settings: Prepare tables with flowers, place settings and consider adding a game or book on the coffee table for a cozy touch.
  • Upgrade the kitchen: The kitchen is crucial for the value of your home for sale. Consider replacing or refinishing outdated appliances. Improve the look of cabinets by installing new knobs or hardware. For particularly old cabinets, replace the doors or door fronts.
  • Freshen up the bathroom: Thoroughly clean the vanity, showers, tubs and shower doors. Purchase and set out show towels for an added touch of elegance.
  • Revitalise carpets: If carpets are dirty or in need of stretching, have them professionally cleaned or stretched to improve their appearance.
  • Organise the garage: Keep the garage neat and organised, ensuring there are no oil stains or unusual items that create clutter.

The Home Front

When it comes to selling your property, first impressions matter. The landscape surrounding your home extends beyond just the lawn and shrubs—it encompasses everything from the street to your doorstep. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that every component of your property’s casual landscape looks its best. In the real estate industry, this is often referred to as “street appeal.”

  • Maintain a healthy lawn: Keep the grass healthy by regularly fertilising, watering, mowing and edging it. 
  • Freshen up the landscape: Mulch the beds, trim shrubs and rake leaves to keep the landscape tidy and visually pleasing. Plant colourful flowers, remove weeds and clean up after pets to create an inviting outdoor space.
  • Power wash exterior surfaces: If needed, power wash the house, paths, deck or patio to remove dirt, grime and stains. 
  • Consider exterior painting: If the house’s paint is faded or worn, investing in a fresh coat of paint can be one of the best ways to increase its value. 
  • Pay attention to the doorway: The doorway serves as the focal point of your home. If it requires repairs or if the light fixture is outdated, consider addressing these issues promptly. 
  • Ensure clean windows: Sparkling clean windows contribute to the overall cleanliness and attractiveness of your property. 
  • Detail the mailbox: Give your mailbox a quick paint job to demonstrate your attention to detail. 
  • Minimise vehicle presence: During inspections, it’s ideal to have no vehicles parked at the home. However, if unavoidable, ensure that any vehicles present are thoroughly cleaned and detailed to contribute to a positive overall impression.

Roof, gutters, downpipes and driveway
The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front. A well maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property.
Neat and trim looking gutters and downpipes make a house look shipshape and help to keep the foundations dry. If these items are in disrepair, you can count on this being addressed by the buyers building inspector.
Consider the surface condition of the driveway, if it is an asphalt drive, have it professionally resealed, or do it yourself with a high quality sealer. If yours is a concrete driveway, power wash it to remove any stains. If needed, apply a concrete cleaning solution and then power clean.

Packaging – The interior
When considering a home to purchase, the buyer often visualises what it would be like living there. If the home is dominated by strong personal statements, buyers are less likely to feel comfortable, and therefore less able to visualise the property as their own. Personal statements are reflected in many areas such as the following:

  • Unusual wall colours or heavily patterned wallpaper
  • Heavy odours from pets, tobacco or cooking
  • Strong political or religious statements
  • Unusual art or furnishings

Appeal To The Sense

Engage buyers by creating an immersive experience within the property for sale.

There are many ways to create a more exciting and saleable interior at surprisingly little cost.
Below you will find some sensory selling tools that can have enormous impact when selling a house, as well as practical suggestions on how to improve each room.

Light
It is proven that people react more favourably to the property shown under bright light than dark. A little tip here is to replace all light globes with higher watts.

Colour
A fundamental rule when selling your house is to keep colour neutral and light. White, beige and grey are the most popular. However, light pastels have gained favour in recent years.

Sound

Creating a tranquil ambiance during home viewings is essential, but it’s important to be mindful of other noise factors that can impact the buyer’s experience. Consider potential distractions like barking dogs, noisy children, running dishwashers and lawnmowers. For a pleasing atmosphere, consider playing light classical or instrumental music to add an extra touch of serenity.

Smell

The power of smell is undeniable, and it can either work in your favour or against you when selling your house. Achieving the inviting scent of ‘new’ can be accomplished by thoroughly cleaning carpets and floors, or applying a fresh coat of polyurethane to natural wood or paint to walls. Conversely, it’s crucial to address any unpleasant odours, such as strong pet smells, tobacco or lingering cooking odours that could deter potential buyers.

The End Result

Enhance the saleability of your home by paying attention to details and creating a neutral backdrop that allows buyers to visualise their future. The dedicated sales team at Hill & Viteri Property is ready to assist you with expert recommendations to ensure your house sells for the highest price. 

If you’re considering purchasing a property through another company and need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable Hill & Viteri Property team. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide valuable insights for your buying journey.

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