Laing and Simmons

4 101 TIPS Exterior First impressions count. Don’t let your property’s exterior turn a buyer off before the interior has a chance to turn them on. Check your property’s exterior carefully for any necessary maintenance required. 31 Colour has the power to attract. A tub of colourful flowers on the front step adds a welcoming touch. 32 If you have a front veranda or deck, set the stage with attractively arranged outdoor furniture. 33 Consider using an attractive welcome mat to greet buyers when they come through your front door. It can also encourage them to wipe their feet and keep dirt from tracking through the property. 34 Check to see that all doors and windows are in good working order. Give special attention to exterior doors. Clean and paint doors if necessary. 35 Replace any broken or cracked windows. 36 Screens should be free of any tears, holes, dust and cobwebs. 37 Inspect all locks to ensure they are functioning properly. 38 Check for loose or missing tiles and clear out gutters and downpipes. Touch up peeling paint on gutters. 39 Check for mildew or stains on exterior bricks or concrete. Power clean if necessary. 40 Remove dust and cobwebs. Garden 41 Ensure the grass is neatly mowed, raked and edged. 42 Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to complement your house. 43 Consider adding seasonal flowers to your garden. 44 Add bark mulch around your shrubs and trees to instantly freshen and renew garden beds. 45 If you have room, set up your badminton or volleyball net to suggest a scene of family fun. 46 It is important to devote at least one area of your garden to outdoor living. Buyers will respond favourably to a designated outdoor entertaining area. 47 Consider dressing your outdoor setting with a tablecloth, plates and glasses. Bring out the barbecue tools and buyers will almost smell the steak and onions cooking. 48 If you have a wooden deck, ensure the wood is not too faded. A quick coat of stain or paint may be in order. Check your fence for any loose or broken posts and replace any rotted wood. The driveway The surface of your driveway should be beyond reproach. After all, it’s one of the first things a buyer sees. 49 Sweep and wash the driveway and walkways to remove debris, dirt and stains. Remove any oil stains if possible. Repair and patch any cracks, edge the sides and pull up any weeds. 50 The driveway is no place for children’s toys. The front entry No matter how big or small, the front entry of your home deserves particular attention. 51 Study your entry hall and ask yourself what kind of first impression it creates? Dried flowers or a small plant can make a striking focal point on a hall table any time of the year. Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a well-placed mirror to give the illusion of space. 52 Your entry hall flooring will be observed carefully by the prospective buyer. Make sure the surface is spotless and add a small rug to protect the area during showing. 53 An entry cupboard (if you have one) will be the first one inspected, therefore make it appear roomy. Remove all off-season clothing and add extra hangers.