Your home is your biggest asset so it pays to heed good advice when it comes to property matters. Each week the Real Estate Institute of Queensland provides a consumer watch to keep you up to date with all the latest industry trends that could affect you.

Make a good impression

June 14 | the REIQ

First impressions count – whether it’s the first time you meet someone or the first time you walk into a potential new home, often your original emotional reaction to that person or place will last long after you’ve said goodbye.

So when it comes to selling your home, having your property look the best that it possibly can, often helps it sell more quickly.

If would-be buyers fall in love with your home as soon as they step inside, they may be willing to negotiate more quickly and this can lead to a much faster sale.

Making low cost improvements and repairs, inside and outside your home, can have a dramatic impact not only on the property’s presentation but also on prospective buyers.

Tips to make your home leave a lasting impression:

• Spring clean – even if it’s not spring!

• A coat of paint can make a huge difference to a home; choose light colours
to brighten up dull rooms.

• Make sure all the doors and windows open and shut properly.

• Polish your wooden and tiled floors and have your carpets professionally cleaned.

• Make sure your bathroom, laundry and kitchen are spotless.

• Ensure your garden plants are healthy and neat. Put down fertilizer and mulch, weed your garden beds, and prune the shrubs and trees.

• Many potential buyers drive past a home before they inspect it so it’s important to keep your lawn mown and raked, and make sure your driveway and paths are swept (including the footpath outside your home).

As well as the above, why not also consider the following tips on the day of the inspection or open home:

• Double check that you’ve cleaned up everywhere. That means inside cupboards, under beds and skirting boards.

• Buyers are often concerned with how much light a home has. Open all curtains and blinds, and consider using some artificial lighting in very dark rooms.

• Make sure your home feels comfortable. If it's cold, considering heating the rooms; and if it’s hot considering cooling them.

• Make sure there is no clutter – so consider storing that collection of beer mugs or teddy bear ornaments.

• Double check that your valuables have been removed before the inspection.

For a list of REIQ accredited agencies in your local area visit www.reiq.com.au or phone 07 3249 7347.