Open Home and Inspection Tips
- Maximise natural light by opening all curtains, blinds and doors. Looking out through sparkling clean windows helps too!
- Create a welcoming atmosphere – the air conditioning on in the warmer months helps. Turn lights and lamps on to increase the illuminative effect.
- One or two well placed fragrance ‘plug-ins’ or candles can make your house smell wonderful!
- Take your ‘larger’ pets i.e. cats and/or dogs out during open homes and inspections – they can distract the potential purchasers.
- Relaxing, background music does work – try it during your open homes.
Presenting Your Home
- First impressions count – clean up the external entry area, wash the front door, buy a new doormat, remove cobwebs from exterior lights and ensure your letterbox is secure. Pressure washing all paths, driveways & concrete is recommended.
- As you walk around the outside of the house, use a critical eye to assess what really needs to be done apart from the minimum ‘housekeeping’ presentation items. Things to do could include: cleaning the fascias, spouting, windows, sills, flyscreens, doors and garage door; cleaning out the guttering and downpipes; removing cobwebs; repairing broken windows; repairing and/or painting fences; ensuring external lighting is working; tidying the garden by removing fallen/dead leaves and rubbish (a new layer of mulch works a treat); trim edges and mow your lawn regularly. Clean and tidy outdoor entertaining areas; remove dog toys from the back lawn and store the kids bikes in the garage. If you have a pool, ensure it is at its dazzling best – all year ’round!
- On the inside there are a lot of little things you can do ‘presentation-wise’: steam-cleaning the carpets gives them new life while removing household clutter creates the impression of space. Don’t have any squeaking doors or ‘catching’ curtain tracks; clean exhaust fans, range hoods, fireplaces and appliances which are ‘on show’; replace light globes and tidy cupboards. Ultra-clean tiles, grout, glass and mirrors in bathrooms really makes them sparkle. Clean all kitchen surfaces until gleaming and tidy the pantry cupboard! A vase of flowers or greenery from the garden in the centre of the dining room table is a lovely added touch!
Tips for Buyers
- Decide on how much you can afford to invest to purchase a property.
- Confirm your affordability with your bank, lending institution or broker.
- Shortlist some suburbs or areas where you would like to live; location is important in terms of transport, schools, shops etc.
- Think about the style of home, and the accommodation you ideally need.
- Start to research the market by reading your local Real Estate Guide or reaching out to one of our agents.
- Spend time looking at properties that suit your requirements on the major website portals.
- Attend open homes in your chosen areas.
- Getting to know one of our property consultants will help guide you through the buying process and keep you updated with new properties as they come onto the market.
- When you find a suitable property, be prepared to put your offer in writing. Offers may be unconditional, subject to finance, subject to the sale of your existing property or subject to a satisfactory building inspection. Our professional property consultants will be pleased to assist you with all aspects of this procedure and you may also seek the advice of your own solicitor to approve any documents before you sign.
- Settlement is normally 21, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days from the acceptance of your offer, but this may be varied to suit either your own or the vendor’s particular requirements.
Once you have made your purchase you will need a solicitor to provide conveyancing services. This will include title and local Council searches. They will advise you of the final amount required to finalise the purchase and prepare all documentation for the final transfer and settlement.