A MATTER OF LAND

Tips to improve your property for sale

This week we have guest columnist Joan Latty who is sharing some tips on how to improve your property for sale.

When you decide to sell your property, the look and feel of it is very important, as prospective purchasers know exactly what they are looking for when making what is likely their single most important investment.

Here are some low-cost suggestions that will assist in making your property attractive for sale.

Ensure that the landscaping, lawn and flowering beds are free of weeds and dried trash. Wrap your garden hose neatly around the hose wheel or around the garden pipe. Remove all broken pipes, fittings, fixtures, flower pots and other debris from the yard.

Add some flowers to the entrance hall - red, pink or white ginger, heliconia, banana rose and pandan leaves are usually available in abundance. The driveway, carport and trash receptacle should be thoroughly cleaned. These are the areas that will be seen first and will sway the prospect one-way or the other.

Space is one of the top selling points for a home. Pack and sort all the items that you have been hoarding and donate them to a charitable organisation - you have no need to keep them. The prospect will be better able to picture him/herself in the space, and will have a better idea of how the space will work for him/her.

Ensure that all windows, flooring, furniture and closets are thoroughly cleaned. This will ensure that the property is welcoming and the prospects will want to live in the house from the first viewing. In addition, they are more likely to accept any beverage you have to offer!

Improve the look and feel by applying a coat of paint in the really soiled areas. Soap and water are very kind to oil-painted surfaces. Ensure that wall tiles in the kitchen and bathroom are cleaned. Remove pots and pans from the stove, sink and counter tops. Place fresh towels in the bathroom and light some scented candles. Also, some locally grown flowers will add value and make the space more inviting.

Prospects are swayed by their emotions, so:

Ensure that there is no scent of harsh chemicals and that air freshener is sprayed approximately half an hour before showing. Your pets should be out of view, as some prospects are not pet friendly.

Have light music playing softly in the background during your showing.

Open all windows and doors to allow air and natural light to come into the house. Prospects will find a bright and airy feeling comforting and appealing.

Make all internal and external spaces feel liveable and desirable. Prospects will want to take a second look and possibly make a decision before inviting the rest of the family.

Selling a home requires a little extra work, so be prepared to get the home in excellent shape by employing these low-cost options, which will go a far way in making your home more attractive to buyers.

Joan A. Latty is the manager, sales, marketing and administration at Victoria Mutual Property Services Limited.Keep sending your questions and comments and let's continue to explore A Matter of Land. Until next time, traverse well.Craig Francis is a Commissioned Land surveyor and managing director of Precision Surveying Services Ltd. He can be contacted for questions or queries at craig_r_francis@yahoo.com or his Facebook page Precision