Selling your house: here's how to make a great first impression on buyers

As a homeowner, putting your house on the market can be a daunting experience. It’s hard to know how much to spend on making your property look its best, let alone where your money should be going to get the best bang for your buck. Invest too much and you risk over-capitalising; too little, and you may not achieve the best possible sale price.

The good news is there are a number of simple and inexpensive things you can do to ensure that your house makes a great first impression on potential buyers. Here are some insider tips from real estate agents on how to create that wow factor:

Play to your property’s strengths

Play to your property’s strengths: take a creative approach to emphasise your house’s uniqueness.
Photo: Jennifer Soo

Desiree Hough, a residential sales agent at Ray White’s Lower North Shore office in Sydney, recommends a creative approach to styling that emphasises your house’s uniqueness and creates an emotional connection with the sort of buyers you’re targeting.

“Add a feeling of warmth and personality to the house, based on the character of the home and who you think is going to look at it,” she says.

“In one of my houses, the stylist put an old-fashioned typewriter with an old-fashioned book and a pair of specs in the study, so it looked as if someone had just walked out the door. In another, we put a lovely jug and glasses outside.

“There’s nothing worse than a generic look to a property. I find buyers push back on that a little bit – they don’t react so well to it.”

Get your hands dirty

Ensure your yard is immaculate.
Photo
: Iriana Shiyan

Benjamin Smith, principal at Brisbane Real Estate, advises his clients to make sure the front of their house, including their yard, is immaculate.

“People start to buy the house when they pull up in their car,” he says.

“If they don’t like what they see there, you’re off to a bad start.

“Then, if it’s nice inside, it cements the desire to acquire.”

Your to-do list should include ensuring that your lawn is healthy and freshly mowed, flower beds are weeded, hedges trimmed, paths swept, garden hoses rolled up neatly and, where necessary, that new tan bark is laid down.

In addition, make sure your front fence and gate are tidy and presentable – if a coat of paint won’t suffice, you may want to invest in new ones.

Make sure the ratty stuff is out of sight

Store everyday items such as brooms and kitchen appliances somewhere inconspicuous.
Photo: Supplied

Marcus Washington, a sales consultant at Harcourts in Pakenham, Melbourne, recommends that sellers hide rubbish bins in the garage or on the dead side of the house.

Pet bedding, cats’ scratching poles, kids’ toys and items such as brooms should also be stored away somewhere inconspicuous.

Pay attention to the details

The little things count: scented flowers and fresh flowers to create comforting aromas.
Photo: Jennifer Soo

Before the open for inspection,  Mr Washington encourages sellers to check that all indoor and outdoor globes, including the kitchen rangehood, are working, and that all the windows are sparkling clean.

“Inside, [sellers] might consider getting a professional clean to give it that extra sparkle, as well as dry cleaning or replacing the carpets,” he says.

“If there’s any dirt marks anywhere, people will pick up on it.”

He is also a fan of scented candles – warm, comforting aromas such as vanilla or cinnamon are good options – and fresh flowers.

In winter, make sure the heater is on high; in summer, that the air-conditioner is on.

“You want to make sure people are comfortable,” he says.

Choose your real estate agent wisely

Finally, make the effort to find a real estate who is personable – nothing beats a warm welcome when you turn up to an open-for-inspection.

“It’s important to have an agent with a smile on their face,” says Ms Hough.

“Make potential buyers welcome, have the house open, not musty, and a show a little bit of respect to them.”