Laing and Simmons

6 101 TIPS The Kitchen A visually appealing and functional kitchen is high on almost every buyer’s priority list and therefore warrants extra careful attention. 68 Avoid clutter. Clear benchtops of small appliances to maximise the appearance of workspace. 69 Check the benchtop around your sink and remove any dishes, detergent, brushes, etc., which may be cluttering the area. 70 Sinks, cabinets and benchtops should be clean and fresh. 71 Appliances (oven, cooktop etc.) should be thoroughly cleaned, inside and out. 72 Clear items from the top of the refrigerator. If you must use this area for storage, conceal items in decorative baskets or bowls. 73 Set the scene with an open cookbook, a basket filled with fruit, a vase of fresh flowers, or a ceramic mixing bowl and wire whisk. 74 Create the aromas commonly associated with happy homes. Bake some cookies, a loaf of bread, or pop a frozen apple pie in the oven. 75 If you have a breakfast bar, set two attractive place settings and place cushions on the stools. Bedrooms Imagine for a moment that you are in the Bed & Breakfast business. How would you decorate the bedrooms to appeal to a paying visitor? Naturally, you would make the beds with your best sheets and quilt. Maybe you would add a vase of flowers or place an attractive armchair in a corner. Every bedroom in your home should be inviting to prospective buyers. 76 Spacious master bedrooms are particularly popular among today’s homebuyers. To make your bedroom appear larger, paint the room in a lighter shade, remove excess furniture if the room is crowded and minimise clutter. 77 An ensuite off the master bedroom is considered a real bonus. Decorate the ensuite to coordinate with the colour scheme of your bedroom. 78 Virtually all buyers are looking for a home with plenty of storage space. Make storage areas appear generous and well planned. Remove and store all out-of-season clothing. Remove any items from the floor area - this will make a wardrobe seem more spacious. 79 Ensure wardrobe interiors smell fresh and clean. Hang an air freshener in the wardrobe for a pleasant fragrance. 80 Ensure all wardrobe lights are in working order. Add battery lights to wardrobes that lack built-in lighting, as illuminated wardrobes appear bigger and more attractive. 81 Encourage your children to actively participate in preparing your home for inspection, explaining why this is so important. Ask them to cooperate by making their beds and picking up their things prior to inspections. Consider offering a special reward if they willingly participate in your property-selling goals. 82 Have children pack away any items that are not currently in use and remove unused possessions. 83 Remove any crowded, unusual or personal wall hangings such as posters and store them until your home is sold. Bathrooms Take special care when preparing your bathrooms for scrutiny. Prospective buyers will inspect your bathrooms carefully, so be sure they are immaculate. 84 Cleanliness is the key! Ensure all surfaces are spotless. 85 Replace worn or dirty shower curtains and clean and repair tiles, grout and shower screens. 86 Clear vanity tops and put away all personal items and products. 87 Repair any taps that leak or do not function properly. Remove mineral deposits with vinegar or a commercial product.