Cleaning, Repairs and Landscaping Before Sale.
Before spending money on major improvements, get the basics right.
Before spending money on major improvements, get the basics right.
A clean, tidy and well-maintained property can improve:
Photography
First impressions
Open homes
Buyer confidence
Overall presentation
These jobs are often more important than expensive cosmetic upgrades.
Start with cleaning.
A proper clean should cover more than the obvious areas.
Focus on:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Floors
Windows
Skirting boards
Light fittings
Cupboards
Outdoor areas
Garages
Entry areas
Pay attention to anything buyers are likely to notice during an inspection.
Remove clutter.
Clutter can make rooms feel smaller.
Ask the vendor to reduce:
Excess furniture
Benchtop appliances
Personal items
Boxes
Toys
Storage overflow
Garage clutter
The aim is to make the home easier to inspect and photograph.
Fix obvious maintenance issues.
Small defects can distract buyers.
Look for:
Leaking taps
Broken handles
Loose cupboard doors
Damaged flyscreens
Missing light globes
Doors that stick
Chipped paint
Cracked fittings
Broken locks
Most of these jobs are inexpensive compared with larger renovations.
Do not try to fix everything.
Some properties have a long list of minor issues.
Prioritise the ones buyers are most likely to notice.
Ask:
Is it visible?
Does it make the property look neglected?
Is it cheap to fix?
Will it improve presentation?
If yes, it is probably worth considering.
Landscaping should be simple.
The aim is usually to make the outside look tidy and cared for.
Useful jobs may include:
Mowing
Edging
Weeding
Pruning
Mulching
Removing dead plants
Cleaning paths
Pressure cleaning
Tidying outdoor furniture
You do not need to redesign the garden.
Focus on the front.
The front of the property creates the first impression.
Check:
Lawn
Garden beds
Fence
Driveway
Front path
Letterbox
Front door
Porch
These areas should look clean and maintained.
Do not overcapitalise.
Avoid recommending expensive landscaping or repairs without a clear reason.
Before spending heavily, ask:
Will buyers value it?
Will it improve presentation?
Will the vendor recover the cost?
Can the same result be achieved more cheaply?
Keep the work practical.
If the vendor needs help with upfront costs.
Some vendors may prefer not to use available cash before settlement.
Where suitable, the agent can explain that Property.Credit may offer approved funding options for eligible pre-sale expenses.
Fees, approval and conditions apply.
Agent Action Plan.
1. Walk through the property
Make a short list of cleaning, repair and landscaping jobs.
2. Prioritise visible issues
Start with the areas buyers will notice first.
3. Get quotes
Use real costs for anything that needs a contractor.
4. Keep the list realistic
Avoid unnecessary renovation work.
5. Set a deadline
Complete the main jobs before photography.
6. Recheck before launch
Walk through the property again once the work is finished.
Clean, repaired and tidy usually beats expensive and overdone.