A few tips that can make a big difference when selling your home
By Russ Downing
When you make the decision to sell your home, you are entering a crowded field. Not only from all the other private sellers but also from the many developers who are trying to sell their brand new homes.
Buying a home “Off Plan” is very tempting in that the buyer can choose colors, tiles and make minor room modifications. The downside is the buyer has to weight 7 to 12 months to enjoy his new abode while it is being constructed.
As a private seller, in addition to being able to move in quickly, you also have the advantage of WYSIWYG, “what you see is what you get” and that’s been an important factor to a lot of my clients over the years. They want to see exactly what their money is buying them, not what a developer tells them it will.
However, it’s not all roses. I’ve walked into resale homes with clients that looked tired, worn & dated. I already knew what they were going to tell me when we walked out…. next!
So, if you want your home to stand out you need to make it so. It needs to shine and the best place to start is with your exterior walls. Address peeling or chipping paint and bring your home into its fully glory. Pay attention to trim and rafters too, and inspect any rotten wood as that scares potential buyers and could certainly be a sign of a bigger issue like pests that you want to act on. Then, take time to clean up the windows and shutters. Dirt, debris, water residue; all of these elements accumulate and can leave a film on windows.
Also, tending to small details like light fixtures, doorknobs, doorbells and welcome mats are all small things that pack a big punch. All it takes is replacing dim bulbs, scrubbing away dirt and perhaps replacing an old doormat with one that gives a welcoming first impression!
Your yard and entertaining areas might also need some TLC. Clear away any dead leaves or branches, trim back overgrown plants, add flowering plants for color and your home will instantly be more inviting. Take a good look at your patio furniture. Highlight your outdoor living spaces by washing and replacing worn out pieces. If you have an outdoor kitchen and haven’t used it for a while, give it a good deep clean and make sure to troubleshoot any potential issues so you don’t have any unexpected surprises when showing a potential buyer.
It goes without saying that the inside of your home is just as important, if not more so, then your exterior when it comes to a potential buyer’s impressions. Give the nooks and crannies of your house the royal treatment. Your interior walls should be washed and the areas that are not cleaned everyday should be wiped, dusted, mopped and vacuumed.
Get a fresh start and begin your purification spree at the top – top of cabinets blinds, shelves, ceiling fans, light fixtures, etc. Then you can work your way down and finish with the baseboards and flooring.
Your kitchen and bathrooms are of utmost importance. Clearing clutter and wiping cabinets and drawers inside and out is a great place to start. Also, scrub grout and check for cracks so they can be sealed.
Don’t forget the appliances, give them some extra attention attacking the grease and grime. While cleaning your different rooms be sure to look for leaks or drips that you may not have noticed.
It’s not Rocket science, but the tips above can make the difference between a quick sale or a long languishing road ahead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Russ Downing is Managing Director of HOT Hua Hin Property and has for the last 9 years headed up the Hua Hin judging team for the Thailand Property Awards, widely seen as the Academy Awards for the Thailand Property Sector. Russ’s articles have been translated and re-printed in a large popular Chinese magazine and he has had 3 of his luxury listings chosen for the Wall Street Journal’s “House of the Day” feature with near worldwide exposure in the WSJ’s U.S., European and Asian editions as well as online.
If you are looking to purchase or sell a home in Hua Hin contact Russ at 084 387 5699 or russ@hothuahin.com, www.hothuahinproperty.com.