To win buyers over, agents need to help vendors look beyond the basics and create a polished, emotionally appealing home that can stand out from the competition.
As buyer hesitancy persists, sellers are being urged to focus on their home’s presentation now more than ever, in a bid to achieve a premium sale price.
McGrath CEO, John McGrath, said boosting a home’s visual appeal was essential to emotionally resonating with buyers, allowing sellers to outdo the competition in the slower market.
“Planning your property’s emotional appeal should be done well in advance, as ideally, you want to sell within 14 to 21 days of listing,” he said.
“If you’re thinking that all of this sounds obvious, you’d be surprised how many sellers forget to consider these points, or only do so at the last minute.”
McGrath said sellers should particularly pay attention to the interior of a home, ensuring it is light, clean, and spacious.
“Don’t forget to wash the windows, especially in rooms that don’t receive much natural light,” he said.
According to Interior Vaults director Justine Wilson, by demonstrating a home’s lifestyle and functionality through staging, sellers can achieve up to $50,000 more for the sale price.
She said furniture should be placed in a way that maximises the space available, while sellers should create a cosy atmosphere with the use of cushions, lamps, ambient light, mirrors, and warm colours.
For McGrath, aside from aesthetics, it was important to show that the home was in good condition by making repairs where needed.
“Seal gaps in wet areas and ensure all power points and tapware work,” he said.
Prior to open home inspections, McGrath said sellers should add flowers or other scents and subtle decor items to their homes, and play soft music.
For those with the right budget, he said that hiring a stylist can help present a home in the best way possible by identifying what can be done to enhance a room’s appearance.
“Stylists are objective about your property’s appearance, and can give you advice on what changes your house needs to attract buyers in your area, including furniture and general style.”
Additionally, McGrath said sellers needed to thoroughly consider street appeal, including the front garden.
“Your front garden alone can quickly attract, or detract, both drive-by and open home buyers. Neglected outdoor areas can also mean a neglected home.”
He said that while sellers can carry the work themselves, it was also worthwhile to hire a professional maintenance company to mow lawns, weed gardens, and prune or trim hedges and shrubs.
McGrath said sellers should consider buying pot plants with flowers, herbs, and even small trees at their local garden nursery.
“Pot plants can instantly give your gardens a colourful and attractive update, and they’re an especially good idea for apartment or townhouse owners where outdoor space is limited.”
He added that when tidying their gardens, vendors should clean and declutter verandas, patios and decks, checking for loose nails and damaged areas, while cleaning alfresco furniture.
McGrath said it was important to remember that while vendors might not like their stylists’ advice, selling your home wasn’t about their own taste and preferences.
“It’s about ensuring your home appeals to a range of buyers, who will generate competition for your property and help you achieve the best possible sale price.”
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