Once you have decided on your marketing strategy, had photographs taken and advertised your home far and wide, the next step is for buyers to come and take a look around, either in person or via a video walk-through. 

Hosting a home inspection can feel daunting if you haven’t done it before, but there’s a lot you can do to make it a success and help buyers form a connection with your property.

Decluttering

Decluttering prior to a move is always a good idea, but if you don’t have time to go through all your belongings in detail, you can pop things in boxes and either put them in the garage or into storage. Try not to stuff items in cupboards because your buyers may open them to see how much space there is. 

The goal of decluttering is to have your home looking tidy and organised, with few personal items. This allows the new owners to picture themselves living there instead of you. They start to view the home as their own and get excited about making an offer.

Deep clean key parts of your home

Obviously, it’s ideal to deep clean your whole home but if you have limited time you can focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and the areas that will make a first impression. 

People need to be wowed when they walk through the door and they are more likely to get up close with cupboards and sinks in kitchens and bathrooms, which is why these areas should be spotless. 

Have the windows cleaned

Sparkling clean windows can make a difference to that all-important first impression. It’s likely you’ll be busy with decluttering and general cleaning, so recruit a professional to take care of your windows inside and out quickly and effectively.

Freshen up

A buyer is ‘looking’ with their nose as well as their eyes, so do what you can to get rid of pet smells or musty odours. 

In terms of what to do before a home inspection, one of the things you shouldn’t do is cook a strong-smelling meal the night before. Odours of garlic or onion can be off-putting! 

Another idea is to have fresh flowers or scented candles/oils around your home. You could also bake a cake or a batch of biscuits right before you welcome visitors.

Don’t forget about your home’s exterior

Think about your home’s ‘curb appeal’ and what people first see as they drive up and walk to the front door. 

A pressure wash of the driveway, facade or pathway may be necessary. You could also consider adding some pot plants or fresh turf so your front garden looks neatly manicured. Wipe the front door down so it is clean and cobweb-free, and put a new doormat down to welcome your visitors.

Remove your valuables

For your own peace of mind, make sure valuable items that are easy to remove are not on display – it just makes sense.

Home styling

Styling may be an option if there is a lot of competition in your area or if you are seeking a top price for your home. House styling has been found to add to the final sale price by up to 10 per cent, so it can be well worth the investment. Often it’s as simple as rearranging the furniture and adding a few items, although it can also involve bringing in furniture to an empty home. 

Bonus tip: take a walk!

It’s best to stay away while buyers are visiting your property. Your real estate agent needs to be able to focus on the people who come to visit and you may make people nervous by being present. 

Trust your real estate agent; they will speak with potential buyers to get their feedback and hopefully have those offers rolling in. 

Thinking about selling your home in Mount Gambier? Contact us at Complete Real Estate today.