Hanlies Properties Paarl - Preparing your home to sell

Please note that when a potential buyer looks at your home he will react to first impressions and small details. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that your home attracts a buyer at first sight. When viewing your home, prospective buyers must be at ease, unobserved, comfortable and free to voice their feelings. We recommend that you be away from your home if possible.

The sales person knows the Buyers requirements and can best emphasize the features of your house. Do not discuss anything concerning the sale with the client, never apologise for appearance as it only accentuates or distracts. Never try to sell furniture to a client before a deal is completed.

KERB APPEAL

Make sure that all exterior paintwork is in good condition, flower beds and lawns are trimmed and weed-free, roof and gutters are in good repair and the front entrance is clean and inviting. Many a potential purchaser has turned down a property because "he didn't like the look of it", yet the accommodation, position and price would have been perfect for him.

DRIVEWAY, GARAGES & CARPORT

Ensure that the garage door is in good working order, the garage neat and tidy, the driveway free of weeds and grease or oil marks and the carport presentable.

PATIOS & STOEPS

Attractive outdoor furniture will help to enhance this area. Cut back creepers, which prevent light from entering adjoining rooms. Keep all steps clear of hazards.

SWIMMING POOLS

These must be sparkling and clean. If algae growth has marked the marble coating, consider calling in the experts and have the pool acid washed and treated.

WINDOWS

Replace cracked or broken panes, wash windows, check fittings and paintwork. Curtain rails must be firmly attached to walls and curtains should be clean and properly hung.

DOORS

Check and wash paintwork, polish handles and locks, oil hinges and tighten door knobs.

CUPBOARDS

Untidy or overcrowded cupboards suggest inadequate storage space.

FLOORS & CARPETS

Professional steam cleaning will rejuvenate a tired looking wall-to-wall carpet and a good polish will bring out the natural beauty of a wooden strip floor. If need be, replace Novilon flooring in kitchen and bathroom - a small amount spent can make a great difference to the final selling price.

LIGHTS & LIGHT FITTINGS

All should be functional and globes replaced where necessary.

KITCHEN

Stove, refrigerator and sink should be spotless, all work space should be clear.

PLUMBING

If basins and bath tubs cannot be spring cleaned, re-enamelling is relatively inexpensive and adds value to your home. Replace broken tiles, fix noisy or leaking toilets, repair all dripping taps and repair broken putty around the bath, basin and shower. A new set of colourful towels and a few flowering pot plants in the bathroom make all the difference.

GARDEN & SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Besides neat and tidy, a few trays of flowering annuals in strategic places will highlight the beauty of your garden. If a sprinkler system is part of your special fixtures, make sure it is in proper working order.

PETS & ODOURS

Both can put off potential buyers. Unfortunately, not all people feel comfortable with animals and most people are offended by smells. However, if necessary put a few drops of vanilla essence on a saucer in a hot oven, this will cover up any mishap.