ULTIMATE HOME SELLERS CHECKLIST

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1 ULTIMATE HOME SELLERS CHECKLIST DON'T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE HOW TO GET THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR PROPERTY ON THE SUNSHINE COAST MARK LAWSON

2 Introduction The time has come to sell your home or investment property. This can be a very exciting time as you prepare to make the next steps in your life, whether that be and upgrade, downsize, tree change, sea change, retirement or just to cash out. Whatever your situation, you need to make sure you DON'T LEAVE MONEY on the table when you decide to sell. Making the extra effort with your preparation can really be the difference between getting an average sale price or below as opposed to getting the highest possible price that the market will pay. With my ultimate home sellers checklist, you can be assured you don't miss any of the important details that may not be at the front of mind in this busy and sometimes stressful time in your life. There is no easy fix to making your property stand out from the crowd, but it's all the small details that come together to create a highly desired and marketable asset. If you follow my checklist which can be applied to most property types you will be on your way to a succesful sale and creating wealth through your biggest financial asset. Good Luck and enjoy the journey!

3 DECISION TIME Think about the reasons why your selling, Review your financial position and your investment strategies. Talk to a qualified mortgage broker and review your mortgage and loan structures. Decide on the timing of the sale, start with the end in mind - when do I want to be in the place I am going to? Consider the time for preparation of the property, agent selection, marketing preparations, the selling period and settlement times. How is the market? Is it the right time for me to be selling in this current market? Do I have this choice, will I still have this choice if the market crashes or interest rates rise? What price? You should think about 3 prices 1. The green light price - Your wish price 2. The orange light price - the price you would sell and fair market value 3. The red light price - the price you really don't want to have to sell for! What marketing? Which channels to focus on and who is the ideal customer for my property? Where do they hang out when looking to buy property?

4 LIVING & DINING ROOM Remove clutter and then remove clutter again - seriously, Less is more! Rent a short term strorage shed if you have a lot of stuff. Either become a professional cleaner or hire one, DON'T underestimate the value of a professional cleaner - get testimonials before you hire. Downsize furniture, remove large or bulky items that make the open space appear small. Deodorize the room, remove any odours or smells, it can pay to have an honest opinion from a friend or neighbour as they will smell things you won't be able to detect. Remove pet items and if possible send pets to family or friends whilst the property is on the market. Open curtains and windows, Let the natural light in. If the property is vacant consider staging with furniture or the very least digitally stage it. Painting - the cheapest way to add value! remember light, bright and neutral. Set the table - dont over think it. Remove personal items and photos, the buyer wants to see themselves in the property. Have the temperature just right around 24 degrees

5 bathrooms Bathrooms are one area you need to have absolutely spotless, this means no mould or grime, Talk to me about the products you need for these areas. If mould is particularly visible consider repainting (only after mould has been fully treated) and installing an exhaust fan or whirlybird. Fix any leaking taps and consider new handles and spout if existing is old an outdated De-clutter benchtops, this includes all your day to day toiletries, toothbrushes, handwash - everything! Including the stuff in the shower, potential buyers don't want to see your personal hygiene products on display. Hang luxury towels and floor mats Have nice accessories on display - think Luxury hotel or spa, nice smelling soaps, oils, candles and consider flowers or a small plant to create that freshness. Polish mirrors with Windex and buff with dry paper towel to give the new look. Remove all cleaning products from sight and ensure no paper towel marks or wet streaks are visible. No excess toilet rolls, these are a part of everyday living but not an item to showcase a property and create a spa like experience for buyers to fall in love with.

6 bedrooms Bedding linen should be clean if not new where possible and have plenty of plush pillows and a luxurious throw on the bottom of the bed Bedside tables to have lamps and no other clutter Tidy up your drawers and cupboards as buyers may open them to check size of storage spaces A large artwork can make a space look art gallery like and add character to a room If a large bedroom, create areading nook with a comfortable looking lounge chair as the centerpiece In children's bedrooms don't be afraid to disply a few toys but don't over do it, make it inviting so the kids that visit fall in love with it. Some reading books should be organized to create that homely feel Make sure all the walls are clean, paint if required

7 KITCHEN Your kitchen is the family hub and needs to be meticulously cleaned. Make sure counters are clear with only a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers displayed Fridge magnets and personal photos should be removed from the fridge Display some of your best cookbooks, have neatly stacked, consider displaying one open on a stand Have your pantry well organized, clean with no crumbs Make sure your oven and stove top is clean and no odours, use serpol on stove tops to remove stains Wipe down outside of cupboards so no streaks are visible, consider a professional cleaner Have a fresh coffee aroma for inspections

8 outdoors If you own a pool this needs to be sparkling clean with pool toys packed out of site and all landscaping looking pristine. This is the centrepice of your outdoor living space so make it shine High-pressure cleaning on all outdoor surfaces of the house, driveways, paths, paving and pool areas. Repaint fences and touch up walls where required Lawns to be mow, whipper snipped and weeds removed from garden beds, re-mulch if required and plant out dead zones of your garden as required. A feature pot plant can really make your outdoor space pop Install a new house number and letterbox that gives your home street appeal. The buyers that do a driveby or look at the photos online omay never consider your place if it does not have god street appeal. Empty and hose out wheely bins Clean up pet droppings and hose away Replace any lighting that is not working, consider adding LED ligting to enhance the brightness Clean BBQ and outdoor kitchen area Set up outdoor settings or stage to give that feeling of relaxation Clean out debris in gutters and on roofing

9 MAINTENANCE Have carpets professionaly steam cleaned Replace or repair any faulty door handles or doors that don't close smoothly Fill any cracks in walls or tiles with gap filler and paint over if required Replace any lightbulbs that are faulty, preferably with LED lights Dust all fans and light fittings All windows should be spotless and streak free, use Windex and finish with dry paper towel Clean your front door and clear entrance way of any shoes or other items, put down a new welcome mat Get rid of all cobwebs