Simple home updates that could improve your sale price

You don’t need a full-blown kitchen renovation to catch the eye of a home-buyer. Cleanliness, curb appeal and quality finishes can all check the boxes of a successful sale.

First impressions count

The front of the home sets the expectation for the rest of the property. A lush-green lawn, a tidy garden and well-painted exterior all add up to a great first impression.

“If you have the time to fertilise the lawn, make the lawn really nice and green. Add fresh mulch and make the front of the house present well,” says Sydney vendor advocate Kathryn Fantov, of Innovative Property Advocates.

The front door and windows may need a freshen up, too. A fresh coat of paint on the door and window ledges can make the property pop. White plantation shutters across the whole front of the house gives a neat, uniform look.

“I love the look of shutters. Shutters, even though are slightly more expensive, will give a really nice look from the front,” says Mark Brice, co-managing director of Half Price Blinds.

Roller blinds, which let in light but still maintain some privacy, are perfect for the bedrooms and living areas.

Freshen up your linen

You may not realise how much your doona cover has faded over time, but potential buyers will notice.

“Display bed linen is my first go-to, I always suggest white as it’s hotel-like and buyers always feel indulged with crisp white towels and linen. I think adding high pillows also works well,” says Melbourne real estate agent Nicole Gleeson, of Kay & Burton.

Cushions can add a splash of colour and towels displayed in bathrooms should be new and unused.

Add a touch of homeliness

Aim for the look of a hotel, but add a touch of homeliness with fragrance, cleanliness and freshness.

“We love vendors that have their homes so clean they just feel amazing. It gives the buyer a sense of luxury as we don’t always get to live like that on a daily basis. They need to feel the dreamlike cleanliness and a scent of freshness with fragrance,” says Gleeson.

Herbs picked from the garden and bowls of fresh lemons can be placed on the kitchen bench. Fill a vase with fresh flowers or light candles.

Take the inside outside

Emphasise the use of all available living space. Outdoor areas extending well beyond a “comfortable” season are big selling points.

“If you put outdoor blinds on your patio area for example, it’s like a mesh. It’ll definitely stop the heat and the glare and let a bit of air movement through. It’ll stop a lot of water coming in,” says Brice.

Aim for matching colour or texture from the inside of the house with the outside living area. Cushions, rugs or items of furniture can make the transition from indoors to outdoors seamless. Adding blinds, potential buyers can easily imagine a new, liveable area.

“Blinds will definitely extend the outside season. It’ll be a lot more comfortable,” says Brice.

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