When selling your home, the little things really matter because they indicate to a potential buyer the condition of the overall property. A buyer who sees a well-functioning surface feels comfort that the things they can’t see are also well-functioning.
Making minor repairs to your property, can add value and can prove for a smoother listing and settlement process.
THE INTERIOR:
Let’s start with the repairs inside of your home. Start by going room to room, analysing the walls, floors, windows and doors. Is the paint scuffed on the walls and doors? Are there any cracks in the windows? Is the flooring chipped? More often than not, when you actually start to look, you’ll find a lot of the above are actually present.
Repainting every room can breathe new life into the home and create those new home feels, particularly if you’re refreshing it with a neutral tone of paint. However, it can be pricey, so if you’re hoping to keep things to a budget, plastering up and painting over the chips on walls and doors has a similar effect.
Repairing window glass that has cracked is really a must do before putting your property on the market. Having cracked glass can set the illusion to potential buyers that the area isn’t safe, or the property isn’t in great condition.
While expensive, polishing hardwood flooring that has been scratched or marked, can add a lot of value to your property. To rid of any stains on carpets or rugs, have these professional steam-cleaned, and for tiled floors, re-grouting can provide a contemporary and clean feel.
It is also worthwhile going door to door in your property to assess the current condition of your security-screens, and if any are torn, to replace them, or for the minor holes, to stitch them back up.
Finally, tighten up those loose hinges and wobbly doors to ensure the property appears solid as it really is.
THE EXTERIOR:
Taking it outside, you can’t pass-up street appeal. It’s the first thing buyers notice, especially when they do a drive-by to check out the property before a home open.
Lawn porn is absolutely a thing! Gracing your property with recently mowed lawn using an edger to tidy up any messy lines, can add a whole new level of appeal to the property, both in photographs and in person.
A neat and tidy garden can also add value to the home. Ensure your garden beds have been weeded, are freshly mulched, and any/all bushes and shrubs are neatly pruned and trimmed. If you’re lacking in a garden or garden beds, an inexpensive and temporary way to brighten up the space is to seek some big pots from places like Facebook Marketplace, and dress them up with some beautiful flowers like pansies and violas, or rosemary bushes for a more contemporary, minimalist look.
For paved areas such as driveways and pathways, start by weeding them, and for an extra special touch, give them a good pressure hose as a quick and cheap way for an instant face-lift.
Areas that you can’t necessarily see such as gutters are also important to clean and rid of leaves and debris.
If you want to take this whole step to the next level, you can also request a structural and timber pest inspection prior to listing your property to really understand what needs to be repaired. Repairs and maintenance undertaken through advice from these reports, can be extremely helpful in making for a smoother settlement process, and can add significant value to your property.