A quick checklist to consider.

LJ Hooker Warkworth provides the following list to guide you through the process of selling your property.

• How does the outside of your home present, is it worth a second look? An inviting entrance creates an important first impression!
• Check that things such as roofing, guttering, paint, woodwork and paving are all in good condition. Spending money to fix these things can potentially mean extra money in your pocket come sale time.
• Clean windows or any glass balustrades you may have. Also consider having your house professionally cleaned, this is an inexpensive way to instantly lift its appearance.
• Mow the lawn regularly, particularly before an open home, trim hedges, rake up the leaves, if you have a pool make it sparkle and hide away any pool equipment.
• If you are selling a tenanted property, consider offering the tenant a cleaner to come once or twice a week before the open for inspection. It is money worth spending and a good way to keep your tenant on side.
• Bathrooms and kitchens are the most scrutinised by buyers, ensure they are pristine and remove any personal items. Soap scum, mould, old shower curtains and dirty bathroom mirrors should be cleaned, removed or replaced!
• Make all the beds, fluff the cushions, vacuum floors, dust shelves and remove cobwebs that may be lurking inside and out.
• Ensure your home maximises light no matter what time of the day it is. Open the curtains and check all light bulbs are working. If you’re holding an evening inspection, light up your garden and consider using a few candles inside to further enhance the ambience.
• Selling your home is a great time for a spring clean, less clutter creates an impression of space so remove anything you don’t want to take to your new home. Most local councils will come and collect your rubbish free of charge or for a small fee. Another option is to consider giving your unnecessary household items to a charity, such as The Salvation Army or to hire a self storage space to de-clutter during the sale process.
• Pet odours and hair can be a big turn off for buyers so ensure there is no trace of your pet during inspections. This may mean steam cleaning carpet, hiding away their food and water bowl, toys and bedding.

Selling Style Checklist.

Make An Entrance - Front Yard

• Add interest to your doorway with potted plants.
• Pave a pathway to your front door.
• Spruce up your front door with a coat of paint.
• Consider improving privacy by adding a low wall at the front of your house.
• If your hallway is narrow and dark paint it a light colour and add a broad floor runner to make it seem wider.
• Invest in a new front door mat.

Living Style - Lounge Room

• Use neutral colours in your living space.
• Use receding colours like blues and greens to make the small space seem larger.
• Find a focus in your room. If you don't have a natural focus, add a feature wall.
• Ensure your carpets are cleaned. Marked or damaged timber floors are re-sanded and polished.
• Layout your living area to show how you live there.

The Room That Sells - Kitchens

• Fix the floor by lifting old lino and replacing it with new lino, polished floorboards or tiles.
• If your benchtops are scratched or stained, replace them with new laminate benchtops - it is not that expensive.
• New cupboard and drawer handles will add life to an old kitchen.
• A fresh coat of paint will cover cooking splatters and add life to a drab kitchen.
• Kitchen clutter must be cleared.

Soak Up a Sale - Bathroom

• Your bathroom must be spotless and tiles clean.
• Fix or replace cracked basins, toilets or tubs.
• Air your bathroom before inspections - bad smells are a buyer turn off!.
• Add a little luxury with plump towels, handmade soaps, a plant or flowers and some boutique bath products.
• If your bathroom is small maximise space by putting the towel rail behind the door.

Sleeping In Style

• Reduce the amount of furniture in small bedrooms to give the impression of space.
• Storage is important - consider adding built-in wardrobes.
• Add a little luxury with fresh linen, puffed pillows and extra cushions.
• Dimmer switches create atmosphere in a bedroom.
• De-personalise your bedroom but add little touches like candles and perfume bottles.

Step Outside - Backyard

• Trim your lawns and weed your garden beds.
• Defining your garden bed borders.
• Add a focal point.
• Give the illusion of space in a courtyard by using large pavers.
• Introduce colour with pots of whatever is in flower.

Finishing Touches

• Ensure all areas have been dusted, vacuumed and place new light globes in all rooms.
• Add colour to neutral rooms through accessories.
• Keep window treatments simple.
• Disguise small windows by hanging curtains from the top of the wall rather than the top of the window.
• Add elegance by extending your curtain drop so it pillows on the floor.
• Don't go overboard with patterned accessories as they create a cluttered feeling.