Make sure you spring-clean before selling

Spring and summer provide the perfect conditions for a sellers market, says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and Chief Executive Officer of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

He notes that homeowners who are thinking of placing their property on the market may want to take advantage of the fact that there are generally higher volumes of buyer foot-traffic during warmer seasons.

According to Goslett, the property market generally sees an uptake in sales as the temperatures rise, making the seasonal change an ideal time for would-be sellers to prepare their homes for listing on the market.

He provides a list of things homeowners can do to get their homes show-day ready.

First impressions count

Simply put, when it comes to property, appearances matter. If buyers have the choice between two homes in an area that offer similar features and are within the same price bracket, then the determining factor will be the condition of the property and the buyer’s overall first impression thereof.

“The first impression of a home will be created by the prospective buyers’ sensory perception of the property. It will be based on what they see, hear, smell and feel when they first enter the home. All of these elements will contribute to and influence the overall feel of the home, which will generate an emotional response from buyers. If this experience is positive and results in a favourable impression, it is more likely that the buyer will feel compelled to make an offer,” says Goslett.

Get a trusted second opinion

Homeowners often have an emotional attachment to their home, often making it difficult for them to have an objective view. Because of this, it is advised they get a second opinion with regard to what improvements might need to be made.

“Rather than avoiding input from others, homeowners should seek honest opinions that focus on the good and bad aspects of the home. If the homeowner is worried about possible conflict with friends or family, a trusted estate agent will give their honest opinion with regards to what should be done to make the home more marketable,” advises Goslett.

Spring clean!

Once the areas of improvement have been identified, it is time to make the necessary changes and do a proper cleanup. Apart from washing and scrubbing every nook and cranny, spring cleaning also entails decluttering your home.

“Attention should be paid to every detail in the home. Although the homeowner may not notice minor defects in and around the home, buyers will be looking for things that are wrong with the home. Remember, your home is competing with others in the area, so it is imperative that every effort is made to ensure the home is in its best condition, especially considering there may be newer homes on the market,” advises Goslett.

Allow buyers to picture themselves living in the home

It is important for sellers to make buyers feel as welcome as possible in the home. Potential buyers need to be able to view the home at their own leisure to visualise themselves living in the space. “Ways in which homeowners can make buyers feel more at ease is by packing away personal items such as photos. This will help the buyers imagine themselves in the home. It is also best to decorate or paint the home in neutral, muted colours with only a few well-placed items to add interest and warmth. Sellers can aesthetically enhance the home with fresh flowers or potpourri in the bathroom. Home-decor magazines are a great source for tips,” says Goslett.

Get rid of bad odours

Unpleasant odours can drive prospective buyers away. Traces of food, pets or smoking and other disagreeable odours can kill deals fast. It is best to get rid of bad odours before showday.

“Ensuring the home is showday ready will be a vital element in setting the property apart from others in the neighbourhood and will give the seller the best possible advantage in a competitive real estate market,” Goslett concludes.