The ultimate pre-sale home improvement checklist
To ensure that you get top dollar for your property, it is essential to tackle some pre-sale home improvements to make your property as appealing as possible to potential buyers.
Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa says that the pre-sale preparations become all the more important when market conditions are tight.
“With interest rates remaining high and economic growth remaining slow, qualified buyers can become scarce. To give yourself the best chance of selling for the best price possible, it is important to get the home in good selling condition before it hits the market,” he recommends.
To help homeowners get their homes ready for listing, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few of the top pre-sale preparations all sellers should tackle ahead of a sale:
• First impressions are crucial. Tackle some gardening and power wash the exterior of your home, including walkways and driveway. Clean windows and gutters to give your home a well-kept look.
• Remove personal items, bulky furniture, and clutter to create a spacious, inviting environment.
• A thorough cleaning is non-negotiable. Consider hiring professional cleaners, especially for carpeted spaces.
• A fresh coat of paint can dramatically transform your home’s appearance. Neutral colours tend to help buyers focus on the home’s features rather than bold paint choices.
• Replace outdated taps, showerheads, and cabinet hardware with modern, stylish options. Even small changes can make a big impact.
• Clean or replace grout to make tiled areas look new and well-maintained. Fresh grout can brighten up the entire bathroom.
• Address any leaks, cracks, or other visible damages in your home.
• Ensure all electrical systems and plumbing are in working order. These issues will need to be addressed anyway to receive your certificates of compliance.
• Inspect your roof and foundation for any necessary repairs. If there is noticeable damage to these areas, this will put many buyers off.
Ultimately, Goslett notes that preparing your home for sale involves a mix of aesthetic updates and essential repairs. “By taking the time to enhance your home’s appeal, you can attract more potential buyers and ultimately secure a better sale price. The goal is to create a welcoming, move-in-ready environment that buyers can envision as their future home. If you are unsure how best to achieve this, I would recommend that you lean on the advice and expertise of a RE/MAX agent,” he concludes.