The importance of presentation

When presenting your property for sale there is a world of truth to the saying ‘first impressions are the most lasting”. Before inspecting a property, potential buyers and renters tend to drive by the property to have a quick first look before deciding whether to inspect on open days.

Your property needs to stand out from the long list of properties that a buyer will see so it is essential that they see it in the best possible light. Simply put, the better your property looks, the better your sale price is likely to be.

Clean, tidy, well-maintained.

3 key factors of presentation that will show your property at its best:

  • Clean the property from the inside to the outside and make it look like a home to live in
  • Make sure there is no clutter around and everything is in order; give a well-maintained appearance.
  • Like a used car, property that looks clean, tidy and well cared for will sell better than one that is run down.
  • If you see something that might need to be maintained, it may be worthwhile to have these repaired

Decoration: different tastes, different approaches.

Everyone has different tastes in style and decoration. To play it safe and allow your clients to see themselves in your home, it is better to go for a more neutral decoration style for your open homes.

Here are a few items to consider when decorating your home for sale:

  • Paintings or mirrors to give a homely feel to blank walls
  • Vases and plants for a feeling of life inside
  • Single beds create the feeling of more space in smaller rooms
  • A maintained, watered garden with outdoor furniture will allow clients to see potential and opportunity in outdoors areas

Presentation property checklist

The moment your property goes onto the market it is essential that you ensure it looks its best

Here are our top tips for presenting your property:

  • Pavement appeal: The front of the house is the first thing you see. Remove weeds, garbage, make sure the garden features attractive pot plants, is watered, and the pavement is swept.
  • Clean and bright: Always make a final check of everything before giving a viewing. Doing a once-over ensures you deliver 100%. Fine details such as clean windows and dusted interiors makes a strong difference to the look and the feel of a place.
  • Cut the clutter: Your clients should be able to imagine themselves in the property. Remove the clutter, keep style to a simple and clean approach. Its easier to paint your own picture when there is a blank canvas for you.

Set the scene:Create the scene you are after and putting in the extra effort can really pay off. Hiring furniture, having minor repairs done or having stains removed can help you create the look that can set the scene for potential clients.

  • Fix it: Make sure what should work can work. Get repairs done, whether this is applying fresh paint, making sure doors open and close. From leaking taps to a broken bulb, these minor details are all issues that are part of basic maintenance and are all part of the first image a client takes in when viewing a property so make sure that a client isn’t faced with problematic living space but potential living space.
  • Freshen up: Pets and smoke leaves a smell so make sure to open the windows, spray a deodorizer or even provide fresh coffee, flowers and brochures to greet clients when they enter the property.

Lighten up: Mirrors and lights can make a room appear larger and more welcoming. Increase the sense of space with mirrors and lights and leave all internal doors open.

  • Pets: Don’t leave pets in the property as this can be a distraction and may deter some clients. Always clean and tidy up after your pets and take them out of the property during open time.
  • Warmth: Not too hot and not too cold. That’s room temperature. Make sure you utilize air conditioning and available heating systems to make your clients feel comfortable. If it’s a hot summer day, put on the air con, if it’s freezing and raining outside, turn up the heat to give the home a warm and inviting feel from outside.