How to sell your house for more money.

Spring is almost here, and that’s when Kiwis start browsing listings and going to open homes

Selling a property is one of those times when the goal is crystal-clear. You want potential buyers to feel motivated to open their wallets and offer you the largest possible sum of money.

For that, they need to fall in love with your home.

Of course, you could always call a professional home staging company or pay for a fancy makeover. But there’s an equally smart way of getting the benefits of presentation without paying a home stager’s fee.

Here’s the Sue Tierney Mortgages guide to presenting your house for sale.

Get an outside eye.

Over time, property owners stop noticing things around the home. We simply get used to the way things are, and may lack the time and energy to deal with niggling flaws.

There’s an easy fix for this: Recruit the unbiased eyes of a frank and honest friend.

A beady-eyed friend will spot the wonky step on the porch, the inconspicuous hole in the bedroom wall, the discoloured area on an otherwise clean shower cubicle. As the saying goes, “Our dirt is always clean.” (Sadly, a prospective buyer won’t see it that way.)

Or maybe they’ll tell you that Grandma’s antique table makes the room look cramped. Or the handy array of spices and utensils that suit your style of cooking don’t show your designer kitchen in its best light.

You want strangers to walk in and say “Wow!” Far better to have a friend point our your home’s flaws than have a potential buyer walk away with a poor impression.

Tip: Have your friend stick Post-It notes on everything that needs attention. And don’t hover – let them walk around the house at their own pace, without distraction. 

Crib from the best.

Another way to elevate your property is to observe the spaces that those with plenty of money and taste live in.

You don’t have to knock on any upmarket doors or buy a pair of binoculars. Just spend some time on YouTube or luxury websites.

It’s not about ogling expensive goods and gilded fittings, but observing the trends they follow. These people have the services of the best designers in the world, so take your cue from them. 

Quite often, it’s the small things that count. Do they have an array of stuff on the bathroom vanity or just a single candle? Or my pet hate – stickers showing energy ratings on their appliances. Remove them and store them on a piece of paper tucked away in a drawer.

You could also subscribe to luxury home and interior design magazines to get insights. Remember your goal is not to get seduced by lavish and unattainable lifestyles, but to observe the way these spaces are tastefully presented. 

Less Kardashian. More common sense.

Tip: Plants will always look healthy in upmarket settings. So if you’re aiming for lush luxury, make sure your plants don’t have dead leaves and a neglected appearance.

Get the benefits of home staging without the expense.

Once you’ve had a friend tell you your property’s flaws, and gleaned ideas from upmarket sources, it’s time to look at some targeted changes. Let’s assume any glaring flaws, such as a shabby chair, have been removed. Now, what else can you add to bolster that all-important first impression?

Would a framed poster add character to that bland living room wall? Could you upgrade your lampshades for a modest sum? What about replacing those mismatched bath towels with some brand new ones on sale from Briscoes? Or adding a few signature pieces, such as a designer knife block (which of course you’ll take when you sell). 

This is a large part of what home stagers and knowledgeable real estate agents do. We’re suggesting that it’s possible to get most of the benefits for very little outlay.

Tip: TradeMe is your friend. With careful shopping, it’s possible to pick up furniture and chattels in good condition for just a few dollars. Or maybe you could borrow a few stylish items from friends if you’re really looking to save money.

What happens next?

With a little time and effort, it’s possible to present your home in the best possible light and reap the rewards at auction time. Then you’ll have more money to put down on your next place.

As always, we’re here to talk whenever you’re thinking of going to the market. From when to sell first, to reducing your mortgage rate, it’s all part of the service.

Click on the link below to set up a call. There’s no charge.