Selling In Brisbane’s 2021 Housing Boom
April 2021 Brisbane Handyman services often gets called in to prepare Brisbane properties for sale and as a result have a good deal of experience on getting the maximum bang for your buck when presenting your house for sale in a competitive market and with the property market finally taking off in Brisbane it makes sense to present your home in the best light possible so as to get a jump on the competition and maximise your return.
Any faults picked up by the purchaser, or their building inspector, are likely to be used against you, the Vendor, to leverage a better price – often with a serious premium to cover their perceived risk – it makes sense to remove these obstacles if at all possible as this could save you some serious money. The following tips highlight some common problem areas:
Street Appeal
The single most important thing after price is actually getting prospective purchasers to view your property. You may have the best house in the street on the inside but if it looks average or worse from the street you could be disadvantaged. As any Real Estate agent will tell you – it’s all about getting buyers inside so even small improvements can help. TIPS: Make sure at least the front of your property is clean, fences, gates and paint are in good order and consider some new plants/hanging baskets etc. Paths, driveways and steps should be pressure washed and any gardens manicured. Consider some external low voltage lighting or even a few string lights as most purchasers make several visits to check noise and neighbours.
Clean & De-clutter
Most people would be surprised how well internal walls and trim can be rejuvenated by carefully using Sugar Soap and micro fibre clothes and mops so much so that painting is often not required. Keeping a home very tidy and clean for sale is probably the most stressful aspect of the whole process but definitely worth it. Nik-naks and dust collectors should be packed away for the duration so as to allow purchasers to picture their own furnishings and style instead. Now may be a good time to re-paint that green feature wall in the lounge that you love but may not be everyone’s cup of tea! Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes of all kinds so make sure to clean and/or replace grout, eradicate any mould with bleach based products and re- silicone showers and kitchen bench-tops. Did I say “cup of tea” earlier – I think you’ve earned it!
Paint
Paint touch-ups should be a last resort as they will show (especially at right angles to a light source) as the older paint changes colour and sheen as it ages. Much better to paint the whole wall and cut in to the existing walls in corners and external edges for a perfect finish.
Pay special attention to areas at eye level as they will be on show. TIP If you do not know the existing colour – try cutting a shallow section out ( just the paper not the plaster- this can be filled and painted later) about the size two fifty cent coins and carefully peal it back. Take this to Bunnings where they can colour match it to your satisfaction.
Repairs & Upgrades
Water damage and associated rot ring alarm bells with most people and is also connected with termite problems. This is likely to cost you far less to repair than giving a discount on the asking price. Other things to consider fixing are mould, flaking paint and plaster.
Upgrading bathrooms and kitchens can often be very expensive but re-grouting tiles and installing new silicon beads can make a huge difference for very little. If you are lucky enough to have standard cupboard sizes you can also opt for new doors, draw fronts and handles for a new kitchen look without the price tag.
Good Luck with your sale