Top 10 selling tips

Contrary to popular belief, homeowners don’t need to spend a lot of money to realise a strong return. Research suggests making small home improvements prior to selling is a worthwhile investment.

As well as boosting the sale price, results also show improvements made can reduce the time on the market.

Here’s our top 10 recommended home improvements:

1. Lighten and brighten

One of the most noticeable, yet economical improvements includes cleaning windows, wiping all light fixtures and pruning trees to maximise natural light.

2. Clean and de-clutter 

Clean entryway, buy new front door hardware, remove excess furniture, board pets and get rid of odours. 

3. Kitchen and bathrooms 

Make the most obvious improvements first. These include replacing damaged tiles, repainting if colour is dated or poor quality, repairing damaged counter tops, touching up cabinetry and replacing the toilet seat. 

4. Stage the home

Often the secret to a quick sale. Decorate the house with fresh flowers, play music and remove personal items.

5. Repair electrics/plumbing

Before showing the house all defects to light switches, overhead lights and plumbing fixtures should be replaced. 

6. Repair damaged floors

Keep floors clean at all times and if necessary replace worn out vents and patch, repair or replace flooring. 

7. Landscape

Mow, trim and re-sow bare lawns, remove all debris, secure fences and add colourful plants and flowers. 

8. Replace or clean carpets

If carpets are not faded or damaged, consider shampooing to improve smell and appearance. 

9. Exterior touch ups

Give special attention to garage, front doors and window and door frames and blistering paint. Tired fences, holes in gutters, missing tiles on the roof, etc should be attended to. 

10. Interior touch ups

Retouching may suffice. Also consider removing dated wallpaper, whitewashing dark panelling, having leaks, watermarks and cracked ceilings repaired.