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Preparing your home to sell
When viewing your home, prospective buyers must be at ease,
unobserved, comfortable and free to voice their feelings.
We recommend that you be away from your home if possible.
The sales person knows the Buyers requirements and can best
emphasize the features of your house. Do not discuss anything
concerning the sale with the client, never apologise for appearance
as it only accentuates or distracts. Never try to sell furniture
to a client before a deal is completed.
KERB APPEAL
Make sure that all exterior paintwork is in good condition,
flower beds and lawns are trimmed and weed-free, roof and
gutters are in good repair and the front entrance is clean
and inviting. Many a potential purchaser has turned down a
property because "he didn't like the look of it",
yet the accommodation, position and price would have been
perfect for him.
DRIVEWAY, GARAGES & CARPORT
Ensure that the garage door is in good working order, the
garage neat and tidy, the driveway free of weeds and grease
or oil marks and the carport presentable.
PATIOS & STOEPS
Attractive outdoor furniture will help to enhance this area.
Cut back creepers, which prevent light from entering adjoining
rooms. Keep all steps clear of hazards.
SWIMMING POOLS
These must be sparkling and clean. If algae growth has marked
the marble coating, consider calling in the experts and have
the pool acid washed and treated.
WINDOWS
Replace cracked or broken panes, wash windows, check fittings
and paintwork. Curtain rails must be firmly attached to walls
and curtains should be clean and properly hung.
DOORS
Check and wash paintwork, polish handles and locks, oil hinges
and tighten door knobs.
CUPBOARDS
Untidy or overcrowded cupboards suggest inadequate storage
space.
FLOORS & CARPETS
Professional steam cleaning will rejuvenate a tired looking
wall-to-wall carpet and a good polish will bring out the natural
beauty of a wooden strip floor. If need be, replace Novilon
flooring in kitchen and bathroom - a small amount spent can
make a great difference to the final selling price.
LIGHTS & LIGHT FITTINGS
All should be functional and globes replaced where necessary.
KITCHEN
Stove, refrigerator and sink should be spotless, all work
space should be clear.
PLUMBING
If basins and bath tubs cannot be spring cleaned, re-enamelling
is relatively inexpensive and adds value to your home. Replace
broken tiles, fix noisy or leaking toilets, repair all dripping
taps and repair broken putty around the bath, basin and shower.
A new set of colourful towels and a few flowering pot plants
in the bathroom make all the difference.
GARDEN & SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Besides neat and tidy, a few trays of flowering annuals in
strategic places will highlight the beauty of your garden.
If a sprinkler system is part of your special fixtures, make
sure it is in proper working order.
PETS & ODOURS
Both can put off potential buyers. Unfortunately, not all
people feel comfortable with animals and most people are offended
by smells. However, if necessary put a few drops of vanilla
essence on a saucer in a hot oven, this will cover up any
mishap.
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