Tips to sell your house faster
Tip one: Before you even consider listing your property, call your bank and inform them of your decision to sell the property (this only applies if you are still responsible for the home loan or bond). The bank needs to give you a reference number in order to proceed.
Tip two: Look at the outside of your property with a critical eye: The front entrance is the first thing a potential buyer will notice.
Be honest with yourself, does any repairs or maintenance work need to be done?
Is the garden well-maintained and tidy?
Is the grass cut?
Are the front windows clean?
Could the front door do with a fresh coat of paint?
"Make sure that the property's general maintenance is up-to-date - this means no cracks in the wall, no broken windows, no squeaky doors, etc."
Tip three: Before prospective buyers set foot on your property, the following three things need to get done:
➢ Declutter your house: Put anything that takes up unnecessary space out of sight such as magazines, toys, dirty dishes or any other bits and bobs.
➢ Depersonalise your house: Hide any photos or personal memorabilia. "Potential buyers want to visualise how they can fill the space and will have difficulty if a space is too personal," advises Zani.
➢ Deep-clean your house: Clean your property from top to bottom: Vacuum, mop, dust and tidy up.
On the morning of the showing or before the potential buyers arrive:
➢ Open all the windows, curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light and fresh air as possible.
➢ "Create a welcoming atmosphere by switching on all lights in your home," says Zani. "Open doors, drapes, blinds and heavy curtains."
➢ Try to showcase the property's best features. For instance, light the fireplace during winter and put the air-con on during a hot summer's day.
➢ If you want to reinforce a homey vibe, have a fresh cup of coffee on hand as soon as potential buyers arrive or place a vase of fresh cut flowers in a strategic place.
"Inviting aromas leaves a lasting impression," explains Zani.
➢ It might seem obvious but remember about the small things such as making your bed, putting down the lid of the toilet and double-checking that the kitchen, main bedroom and bathrooms are clean and inviting.
➢ Invest in new hand towels or put your best towels on display in your bathroom.
Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com