Easy ways to ensure your home appeals to buyers - John McGrath

For sellers needing to list their home in this new property market, there are ways to attract more buyers. Presentation is everything when it comes to achieving a premium sale price, and more so than ever in this changing sector.

Your house has to emotionally connect with multiple buyers, and where you can, create some competition. So street appeal like your front garden matters while inside, the home needs to look clean, light and spacious.

If you’re thinking that all of this sounds obvious, you’d be surprised how many sellers forget to consider these points, or only do so at the last minute. But planning your property’s emotional appeal should be done well in advance, as ideally, you want to sell within 14 to 21 days of listing.

Your front garden alone can quickly attract, or detract, both drive-by and open home buyers. Neglected outdoor areas can also mean a neglected home.

But a professional maintenance company can mow your lawns, weed your gardens, and prune or trim your hedges and shrubs. Alternatively, you can do this work yourself.

Also consider heading to your local garden nursery and buying pot plants with flowers, herbs, and even small trees. Pot plants can instantly give your gardens a colourful and attractive update and they’re an especially good idea for apartment or townhouse owners where outdoor space is limited.

While tidying your garden, thoroughly clean and declutter verandas, patios and decks. Check for loose nails and damaged areas and clean alfresco furniture.

Declutter and tidy your interior spaces as well, and for spaces that need repainting, always choose a neutral colour. Don’t forget to wash the windows, especially in rooms that don’t receive much natural light. Seal gaps in wet areas and ensure all power points and tapware work.

Before open home inspections, add flowers or other scents and appealing items to your home, and play soft music.

If you have the budget, hiring a stylist can help with presenting your home in the best possible way. Stylists think visually and they can immediately identify what can be done to enhance a room’s appearance. They can also hire furniture for you and organise painting and repairs.

Most importantly, stylists are objective about your property’s appearance, and can give you advice on what changes your house needs to attract buyers in your area, including furniture and general style.

It’s important to remember that while you might not like your stylists’ advice, selling your home isn’t about your style and taste. It’s about ensuring your home appeals to a range of buyers, who will generate competition for your property and help you achieve the best possible sale price.