DO THESE 7 WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENTS NOW FOR A SPRING BUYER FRENZY!
Spring is usually when house sales are at their peak. Don't miss out, be ahead of the game by preparing now for the Spring buyer surge. Incredible profits can be made from relatively low-cost and simple improvements. All it takes is a little bit of time and effort.
1. Exteriors
The exterior of your house and the front garden are the first things potential purchasers will see when they arrive at your property. The front yard may be looking dull due to the impact of the earlier winter months. Reviving your lawn or garden is an important step to draw in potential buyers. Paint your fence, plant fresh spring flowers and mow your lawn to make your outdoor space look fresh and new again. Colours play a huge part in livening up the space and making the property look attractive.
There are many small projects that can add to the 'street appeal' and, listed below, are some tips that may assist you:
Paint any exterior surfaces of the house (if necessary)
Pay attention to your front entrance. Make it look as welcoming as possible
Repair and paint (if necessary) any fencing/gates/letterbox
Pressure clean driveways and paving to remove any oil stains etc.
Remove cobwebs from all surfaces
Clean windows and screens
Mow the lawns and prune any shrubs
Plant flowering annuals and shrubs in garden beds or, in pots near the house
Purchase fresh mulch for garden beds shortly before your first open
Similar projects should be considered for the rear of the house and back garden.
2. Create a welcoming entrance
Your front door is the first thing potential buyers will see when they visit your home, so remember to make it inviting. Paint the door if needed, replace any damaged hardware, keep decorations minimal and declutter the entrance area.
3. Clean & de-clutter
It is important to de-clutter by sorting and removing any excess items such as furniture, toys etc. If not needed in your new home, donate these items to charity or have a garage sale!
Clean walls, particularly in high traffic areas
Undertake a thorough 'spring' clean of all areas of the house paying particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom/s
Clean curtains and/or blinds
Clean windows
Clean light fittings and/or purchase new fittings to cover any bare globes
Have carpets professionally cleaned to remove any stains and odours
4. Maintenance issues
Now is the time to complete any home improvement projects you have under way and make any and all necessary repairs to your home - such as fixing anything broken or faulty.
If you have additional home improvement projects planned, make sure they can be finished in a short amount of time.
Before undertaking any major projects, such as expensive renovations to a bathroom or kitchen, it may be advisable to seek advice of a real estate professional to find out if such renovations will add to the financial return at the time of sale.
5. Lighting
Lots of natural light usually tops the list of things people are looking for in a home. This is great news if you own a home with ceiling-to-floor glass facing the afternoon sun, but that's not always the case. Fortunately, there are other ways to maximise the light in your house - natural or otherwise - and give the impression of having plenty of bright, airy space.
Replace dim light bulbs with higher wattage
Mirrors can also reflect light
Don't just pull open those heavy, dark curtains - replace them with something lighter
In areas of your house that are particularly dark, install some extra light fixtures
Prune any trees or vines that are casting shadows inside the house
6. Painting
You’ll want to inspect interior rooms for dirty or scuffed walls that need a fresh coat of paint. Paint the whole wall, don’t just do touch-up repair work, because it never looks as good. Also, if you have eccentric or loud wall colours, now is the perfect time to update to a more neutral palette. We recommend beiges, light greys, and off-whites.
7. Styling - finishing touches
Introduce soft furnishings like cushions, lamps, rugs, accessories and throws.
They’re a great way to introduce a colour scheme into the home in a subtle but effective way.
With cushions as cheap at $12 it’s also an affordable way to update your living space. Or invest in some classic key pieces which will hold their value and look great in any home.
Refer to magazine and style websites to see if you can incorporate some of the latest looks into your home.
Do you have any unique, antique or quirky items that could be a great interest or talking point? Sometimes, items like these can add character and charm to your decor
Remove worn carpets or rugs.
Straighten wall hangings.
If your kitchen or bathroom (or both!) are very dated, consider a mini-makeover, such as new benchtops, new taps, or even something as simple a new shower curtain!
Add some greenery. Large, leafy floor plants and tabletop plants add dimension, life and colour to an interior space. Plants are also particularly effective at filling dead corners and are especially important in hard-surfaced areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
To help make your property stand out from the competition, you’ll need to put in a bit of extra effort and polish. At All Properties Group our agents can help you pinpoint the stand-out aspects of your home and make the best of them. Call 07 3800 4111 and talk to an expert today!
