The 10 focal points vital to selling your home include a vibrant garden, appropriate fencing and a clutter-free home, according to building advisory service Archicentre.
Archicentre says the 10 factors that make the biggest difference when trying to sell your home are:
- Vibrant garden
A landscaped garden is like having an extra room. For maximum resale value, vendors look to create an attractive ambience by enhancing facades with carefully chosen vegetation. This is often a mixture of indigenous plants that require little watering and exotic plants as the highlights. Pebble mulch not only ages better than woodchips but helps keep the garden looking clean and bright.
- Fencing
Fences can be cheap but make sure the fence is compatible with the style of home. Picket fences can enhance a period-style home like an Edwardian or Victorian but on a modern house they’re unsympathetic.
- Orientation
Show how a north-facing garden can flourish on a sunny day. Set up some well-oiled teak outdoor furniture (umbrella, table and chairs), barbecue and a sun lounge. The benefits will be obvious.
- Pergolas
Sun-shading devices such as pergolas can make for a fine, leafy addition, particularly when covered in deciduous plants. They provide shade to windows, define outdoor living spaces and provide a simple but effective link between indoor and outdoor spaces. A big selling feature admired for their practicality and pleasantness.
- Repainting
A new coat of paint is the best value for money. Colours should always be neutral and elegant. As a highlight, a cement-based paint can provide a simple textured finish and additional visual pizzazz.
- Cracking
Patch wall gaps and cracks, sand and fill with a flexible sealant. Be careful to colour-match the existing render or finish or it looks dodgy and puts off potential buyers.
- Polished floorboards
Floorboards are better than worn carpet. Pull up the carpet, sand and polish floorboards using an odour-free, water-based stain. Seek the advice of a floor specialist before undertaking this project. Carpets can harbour bacteria. Opt instead for wood or linoleum.
- Roofs
Cleaning tiles can make the roof look new. Lichens can be removed with copper sulphate from a hardware store. Clean out gutters, replace rusted sections and remove cobwebs.
- Declutter
Keep surfaces clean and neat. Remove knick-knacks, souvenirs, children's artwork, sporting equipment, toys, scatter rugs, pet food bowls, baskets and scratching posts. A sparsely furnished layout equates to good living.
- Ambience
Decorate the interior with plants, vases or single feature sculptures. Burn a nice, subtle fragrance oil. Open the window to get a breeze going. Enjoy the serenity.
See full article here: http://www.apimagazine.com.au/property-investment/the-10-key-factors-when-selling-your-home