How to dress your house for a sale

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With a little consideration and effort, small changes can go a long way towards making your house more appealing to potential buyers...

What is something you do almost every day, often without giving it a second thought?  Why ‘dress for success’, of course.  A no brainer, and in today’s economy especially, the only way to go.

So doesn’t it make sense that ‘dress for success’ applies to one of life’s most important ventures – selling your house? Of course!

In order to de-stress the process, here are a few things to bear in mind:

First impressions last 

Your potential buyer’s first impression is of paramount importance. That means you need to pay special attention to the exterior, drive by, and appearance of your property. That means no peeling paint or overgrown garden.

After all, it would be disaster for someone to think “Oh my – this is just a fixer upper” (translation – a money pit), and then just drive on by.

Inside and out – always put your best foot forward  

Don’t make the buyer have to imagine what the house would look like, if only it was cleaned up. This seems obvious, but stay away from fostering any negative thoughts.

When displaying the house, try to use soft and neutral colours, so the buyers can easily picture how their own treasured possessions will look inside. Remember, it is their vision that counts, not yours.

Be patient and gracious, not pushy 

Let the buyer focus on his own needs, not yours (to make a quick sale). Cosmetics, appearance, and positive vibrations are crucial. We’re going for the subliminal here - Positive Emotional Connection.   

Such touches as putting fresh flowers throughout the house, the warm welcoming smells of coffee brewing, throwing the windows wide open to show your (hopefully neat) gardens, can do wonders for making a potential purchaser feel at home.

On the practical side, a few common sense, inexpensive, tips are in order:

• Make sure your house is sparkling clean.
• Pay special attention to bathrooms. Brightly coloured, fluffy towels and fresh, scented soap, please.
• Vacuum thoroughly, and consider shampooing the carpets.
• Consider new knobs and pulls for drawers and cabinets.  This will make a fresh, well-kept impression. 
• Make sure all appliances are in good working order.  And remember to check and replace all burned out light bulbs.
• Mow the lawn, and trim the shrubs and trees.

And don’t forget...

In South Africa, it is common practice to include all fittings and fixtures in the sale of the house unless otherwise stated. If you are attached to any of your custom curtain rails, light fittings or your satellite TV dish, make sure you take these down or replace them before you start showing your house. 

Otherwise after the sale you could have an angry purchaser who feels they’ve been misled on your hands!

This common sense ‘dress for success’ approach will keep both you and your house on the fast track, without breaking the bank. Remember – stay focused, and have fun!