DEC_08_SELWYN

2 18
[Edition datE]
Dressing your property
up for sale
Your house is on the market and you hope to get a
good price. While market performance will largely
influence this, presenting your home at its best will
help.
First impressions count from the moment
potential buyers view a property from the street to
the moment they walk through the front door.
Weed the garden, cut back unruly shrubs and
prune trees where needed. Kill off weeds in the lawn,
sprinkle grass seed over bald patches and fertilise the
lawn.
Indoors, tidy up. Get rid of excess or bulky
furniture, toys, books, hobby items or fitness
equipment and if too many photos on the wall pack
these away so the home looks roomy.
If there is a gap or a room needs enhancing, look at
what you have. A piece of furniture might be painted
up or an old leather bound book popped on the
coffee table. Shelves will also add depth to a narrow
space while mirrors may give the illusion of a larger
space. In entryways, add an easy chair, small table,
bookcase or large vase.
Awkward spaces such as coved ceilings in attics
or upstairs rooms might be converted into storage
shelving and the room given a purpose as an office,
playroom or extra bedroom so viewers can see how
the room might be used.
Stow possessions neatly in containers, shelving
or tidily in cupboards; highlighting the storage
potential within the home, ensuring it is clean and
tidy for viewing at any time.
Move the pets outside as not all buyers will be pet
lovers while some may suffer pet allergies putting
them off a house if they see a pet inside.
If parts of the house look tired, consider
renovating by painting walls, replacing worn carpet,
or modernising the kitchen, bathroom and toilet;
rooms that should sparkle. Replace tired cabinetry,
or the benches and cupboard/drawer fronts then
update old toilets, showers or kitchen appliances.
Modernising these rooms can lift the final selling
price.
Use consistent and light paint colours throughout
for balance and seamlessness, making the house
appear more spacious. An effect that is increased
when walls and curtains share the same or a similar
colour.
Consider the personality and purpose of a room.
Bright colours lift living areas especially if large and
open. However, bedrooms are suited to calmer softer
colours with just a touch of bold. Layer bedding or
use throws for effect along with cushions or a stuffed
toy in a children’s room.
With curtaining, smaller patterns or plain fabrics
are the rule for smaller rooms whereas larger
patterns make spacious areas cosier. If blinds or
drapes are past their best, replace these even if it is
only with neutral cotton curtains. The effect will be
worth it.
Eco-friendly features will also add value for some
buyers though not universally, however earthy
natural colours and features are popular. Consider
who your target buyers are likely to be and what will
appeal to them.
REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS Real Estate Specialists Ltd Licenced REAA (2008)
Local boutique
service specialising in
residential and lifestyle
property sales
• Professional and personable
• International award-winning service
• Cost effective, best value, client
focused
• Going above & beyond to achieve
results you deserve!
There are no bad times to call for
a confidential discussion of your
requirements with our team.
Lindsay Welch, Shane Jarvis, Wayne McFarlane, Mike Goatley,
Wade Goatley, Sharon Elley, Julie Coll
68 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston Ph. 0800 645 346 www.oneagencyres.co.nz