Are you thinking of selling your property? Are you in the process of talking to real estate agents? Before placing your property with an estate agent, you may want to take a step back and consider whether your home is fit for sale. You don’t want to make the mistake of selling your home before it is market ready. The last thing you want to do is discourage any potential buyers. First impressions count!
To assist you, Hire A Hubby has put together a list of the top five common mistakes you will want to avoid when it comes to selling your home.
1. Forgetting to Declutter and DepersonaliseÂ
Every home owner comes with a little bit of excess or personal stuff, but too much on show will distract from your property’s potential. Decluttering your home can be therapeutic as it relieves stress and provides a sense of achievement. Remember, buyers like to picture themselves in the house – without you! Any personal items should be removed from sight to help buyers with their visualisation. This includes those family portraits and University Degree Certificates. Less is more as they say.
A popular reason for people wanting to move is because they’ve run out of storage in their current home and are usually seeking something bigger. If your property suffers from a lack of storage, you may want to consider the cost for having some storage units built. Why not ask one of our Hubbies to come and view your property and quote you for some home storage solutions?
If you don’t want to add storage solutions to your home, try to declutter and remove as much excess furniture to give the home a sense of space and minimalism. You could always hire a storage unit while your property is being sold.
It’s important that your property looks its best, both inside and out. If your walls are over-personalised by your taste in decor and style, you may want to tone them down by painting them in a light neutral colour, you will appeal to a much broader range of potential buyers. Giving your home a fresh coat of paint also gives it that crisp and new appeal.
For the cleanest and most efficient painting job, always seek a professionals help. Get Hire A Hubby to give your property a fresh coat of paint.
2. Overlooking Street Appeal
The front of your property is what people will first see when they walk or drive by. It is also the first thing you see every time you come through your front door. Don’t overlook the value of street appeal. It is vital that your home looks its best from the street, in order to bring in any potential buyers. Remember – First impressions count!
Take a look at some of the other properties in your neighbourhood. See what they are doing and make a note of any that look good and stand out. It may help you to make a list. You should start from the front of your property and check to see if anything is broken, in need of repair or replacement.
Items to check from the front of your property:
- Door numbers – Are they dirty, old, or in need of replacement?
- Front Door – Are there any chips in the woodwork that need filling? Does the door require a new lick of paint?
- Exterior Walls – Do you have any cracked paint, dirt, mould or faded colour? Repainting the exterior of your home is the perfect way to give your home a quick revamp.
- Wheelie Bins – Make sure your bins are clean from spills and smells and are kept neatly or preferably away from sight.
- Check your Fences – Check you fences are in good condition or call Hire A Hubby for any repairs.
- Clean the Gutters – Remove any debris including dirt and leaves. High pressure clean along with the roof. *
- Roof – Check the roof for any loose or damaged tiles. *
* Working on roofs and gutters can be dangerous so please contact Hire A Hubby if you think it is beyond your ability or if you don’t have the right equipment.
By tending to any problematic areas of the home now, you are reducing any conflicting matters that buyers may have with their negotiations.
Tips: It may help you to make a list. You should start from the front of your property and work your way inside and through to the back.
3. Forgetting to Fix Minor Interior Repairs
When it comes to repair jobs, you want to make sure you are on top of fixing them. Any blemishes, no matter how big or small will soon build up. Neglecting these damages can prove costly and leaving them for the next home owner to deal with can be off-putting. Repairs can markedly improve the appearance of the house.
You should look for:
- Floors – Check your floors for wear and tear. Are there any scratches that need filling? Do any floor boards need replacing?
- Walls, Skirting Boards – Ensure any visible holes are patched up. Could the wall do with a fresh coat of paint?
- Light Bulbs – Do they all work or is there need for replacement?
- Tiles – Replace any damaged or broken tiles. Clean any existing tiles and grout.
Our Hubbies will take care of everything for you. We can fix and repair your damages and thoroughly check everything else including re-tiling, grouting and repairs to your walls, windows, doors and floors.
Tips: Replacing your kitchen and bathroom fixtures is another quick way to give your home that upgrade before selling it. Sometimes, the littlest of changes can make all the difference with buyers. If you have dated looking wall tiles, a cheap option and hack is to simply buy some tile paint rather than the costly method of retiling.
4. Unfriendly Odours
The last thing you want is for a potential buyer to be put off by an unpleasant smell emanating from your home. Offensive smells will give buyers an immediate negative reaction. You want to stop the cause of these odours before it comes to selling your property.
If you suspect an odour, try to eliminate the cause. If you are unsure where the smell is coming from then:
- Give your home a good clean including cleaning out the fridge, cupboards and drawers.
- Open your windows for ventilation.
- Clean your drains.
- Wash any internal bins.
- Look for leaks in the bathroom.
If you find your property has a musty, earthy odour, you may want to check your property for mould. Mould is a fungus that can cause serious internal problems with a property and to its contents. It can grow into all sorts of materials including plaster, behind walls, between cavities and under floorboards. It is usually associated with dark, damp and poorly ventilated areas. You would usually find mould in bathrooms, kitchens, wall and roof spaces as well as storage areas.
If you suspect mould, call Hire A Hubby to come and inspect the area. Our Hubbies will help eliminate the cause and protect your home from reoccurrences.
5. Neglecting the Garden
Many sellers focus too often on the inside of the property and overlook the importance of having an attractive and tidy garden. If you have a lawn, you want to make sure it is cut and in good condition with no weeds. Prune trees and hedges and add fresh mulching to your garden beds for a neater and low maintenance look. Having a high-maintenance garden can put off potential buyers. Remember, less is more. A minimal looking garden will draw attention to the space around it.
If you have a deck or Pergola, you may want to check it for wear and tear. It is important to keep them in good condition and have them oiled at least twice a year. Our Hubbies can help rejuvenate your existing deck or build you a completely new one, just in time for the warmer weather.
If your pathways are looking a little untidy and need some TLC, you should call Hire A Hubby to come tidy them up. We can even remove the dirt, moss, mould, and stains using high-pressure cleaning equipment on concrete or stone pavers. It’s an economical way of making your pathways look brand new again as well as making them safer to walk on.
Speak to your local Hubby today about our outdoor maintenance services. From landscaping to repairing paths and stairways, there is no job too big or too small.
Call Hire A Hubby
Selling your home should be a positive experience. If you avoid these mistakes, you should be clear from any pitfalls and ensure the maximum result.
Give Hire A Hubby a call on 1800 803 339 or click here to book a quote today.
