Tips for selling your home

Your house will probably never look better than when it’s up for sale! Television lifestyle shows, home magazines and real estate agents always advise sellers to spruce up their home during the sales process. And maybe you’ve heard some of the tricks before – such as clean the windows, display fresh flowers and make sure your home smells like fresh bread or vanilla.

But to really get the most value for your home, you might need to look at doing some larger jobs, including landscaping and de-cluttering.

Areas to consider:

• Fences
• Lawns
• Paths, driveways and paved areas
• Gardens
• Trees and shrubs
• Pools and ponds
• The building exterior
• Garage or car port
• Drains and guttering
• Indoors
• Storage areas
• Plumbing, air-conditioning and fans
• Plants
• Light and light fittings
• Carpets
• Kitchen
• Just before inspection

Fences

Make sure the fences are in good condition. Carry out minor repairs such as straightening loose posts and repairing holes.

Lawns

Make sure you keep your lawns neatly trimmed, including the edges. It also adds appeal if your lawns are green and weed free.

Paths, driveways and paved areas

Clean up any grease or oil marks. Remove all weeds from any cracks or joins. Keep these areas swept and tidy while your property is on the market.

Gardens

Keep your garden weed free and make sure your plants look healthy. Put down fresh mulch to make the gardens look well cared for, inhibit weed growth and reduce the amount of watering needed. If you've got bare patches, consider picking up some bright flowers. Trim back any climbing plants that may have got out of control.

Trees and shrubs

Trim back any branches are dead or too 'leggy'. Remove any limbs that block sun to windows. This will help make your home more appealing inside.

Pools and ponds

Make sure your pool is clean and sparkling. Any fish ponds and birdbaths need to be clean and clear of weeds.

The building exterior

Wash the walls, eaves and windows, or hire a professional to do it. If the paintwork is flaking don't decide to repaint without discussing it with your agent - it may not be worth the cost involved. Repair any broken windows and replace damaged flyscreens. Click here to find a Building Service provider in your area.

Garage or car port

Remove as much clutter as possible to make these areas look larger. Check the garage door moves smoothly and any locks are in working condition.

Drains and guttering

Make sure your guttering and drains are clean and clear of leaves or any other blockages.

Indoors

Give each room a thorough cleaning and clear away any clutter. Consider having your carpets steam cleaned. Fix any loose or squeaky flooring. Check that all the doors and windows open easily and that all door handles are in good repair. Clean all windows to allow in maximum light. You'll need to repair any damaged tiling or wallpaper and you should think about painting any chipped walls.

Storage areas

Make sure these are tidy and well arranged to give the impression of more space. This is a good time to get rid of odds and ends.

Plumbing, air-conditioning and fans

Make sure there are no dripping taps or pipes. Consider having airconditioners serviced before you put your property on the market. All ceiling fans need to be operational, clean and run quietly.

Plants

These can add a lot to the appeal of a house. If you haven't got any, think about buying some to brighten up your property.

Lights and light fittings

Check that all the lights are working and replace any blown globes. The fittings and switches need to be clean and in good condition too.

Carpets

If you have carpets, you should have them professionally cleaned to make them look their best.

Kitchen

The stove, refrigerator and sink all need to be at their sparkling best to make this room attractive. Clear the benches as much as possible to make it look larger.

Just before inspection

Put clean towels in the bathroom and clean tea towels in the kitchen. If your budget will stretch to it, buy new towels in a colour that complements your bathroom and put them out during inspections. Make sure the house smells good. You could put a few drops of vanilla essence in a hot oven, brew some coffee or light an oil burner. Open all the curtains and blinds and switch on inside lights to make the house look light and airy. Restrain any pets - unfortunately not everyone is an animal lover. Switch off the television. You might want to put some quiet background music on.

Finally, leave the house before inspection time. If the current owner is there, buyers may not take the time to look through a house properly because they feel they are intruding on the owners' territory. Go out and relax, and let your agent do their job.