What sells a house? Not what you might think

It's interesting how a seller might spend time and money on preparing their house for sale, only to find that all their time, effort and expense is wasted; the buyer will be persuaded by something entirely different to expectations and purchase the house because of a shed attached to garage, or a folding ladder to the attic, or a semi-developed vegetable patch in the garden because they are vegans - or something as inconspicuous as a large bookcase.

Sometimes sellers have upgraded their house with a new kitchen or bathroom, or had a modern fireplace installed, and repainted everything white - but the buyer is specifically looking for a house where he or she might run a business and what they really want is a place with high ceilings.

The unique and canny points of persuasion

In fact, you may have gone through your home meticulously to ensure an impressive presentation, and undertaken all the expected adjustments such as minor repairs, and adding a couple of pot-plants - but nevertheless there are a number of aspects that many sellers rarely consider as important. Here's a list of extra precautions when selling to ensure you catch an interested market from every angle.

Be clean:

Sometimes a clean, spotless, and shining house is so pleasing that prospective buyers may clinch a deal purely based on this fundamental aspect. A messy house leaves a bad impression, and if the buyer can't imagine his or her way through that, your sale may be dead in the water.

Furniture arrangements:

Seriously, if the house is clogged with so much clutter that it seems like an old warehouse, this is hardly going to persuade buyers that the abode would be a perfect home for them. People do tend to imagine their own furniture in a house they are contemplating, but if things are so badly arranged it gives the impression that nothing really fits and that somehow the whole house is at odds, then the impression is hardly enticing.

Painting the walls:

Sometimes a lick of paint does the appearance of a home a power of good. But always keep that lick of paint as neutral as possible. Not everyone likes a range of intrusive bright colours, which in their own way may actually darken a house. Sometimes the mere fact that the painting has to be redone all over again, can put a buyer off. Most buyers are persuaded by a clean palette that will not clash with their furniture and décor ideas, and which will inspire their imaginations to do their own thing.

Lighting:

Light in a home can be cheerfully effective, whether electrical lighting or natural lighting from unfettered windows. The rule is: maximise light in your home as much as you can. Remove heavy drapes, cut back bushes outside a window, and install more lamps and external security lights. Decent lighting gives a warm, welcoming feel.  Avoid overhead lighting unless its cleverly angled spotlights. Chandeliers are rarely used or noticed these days, but a good lamp light ambiance is always popular.

Scents and aroma:

Nothing is more off-putting than a smelly house! Whether it's food, animals, dust or mould - these maybe the kinds of scents so familiar to you as to be unnoticed, but as soon as a prospective buyer enters they are going to pick up on any unpleasant, pungent scent. Make sure the house is well cleaned before buyers arrive. Bath your dogs and put them in the yard. Use diffusers in strategic spots, and light a couple of candles before visitors arrive for viewing. Open windows and doors, and ensure fresh air. There are many products available to tackle this problem (which is a common one) so there's no excuse to lose a sale for something so simple to fix.

Collections of books and art:

You may be surprised at how impressed people can be by collections of books and artworks of note hanging on your walls. Both these aspects give a feeling of a well-loved home; the prospective buyer may also be a book lover or art collector and be inspired by your book collection or the way you have displayed your treasured paintings or sculptures. These are possessions that reflect feelings of love and appreciation, and can imbue your home with a sense of care, comfort and purpose.

Storage space:

Clear out the rubbish, whittle down storage space to look clear and organised. Everybody loves a place to put things - even your cupboards should be neatened. Having stuff falling out when a cupboard door is opened is not a good idea. Neatness is always effective, and when a buyer sees that there's plenty of storage space, that might just be the factor that persuades a purchase.

Removing personal effects:

While a well-loved home will always have your personal effects on display, make sure there isn't too much. Most buyers are already looking to see where they can put their own stuff, so don't overwhelm them with your stamp of possessions. Get rid of things, or put items in storage, even small things like family photographs. Make room for the buyer's own imagination. Make your home a showcase of potential.

Enhancing that welcome feeling:

The first impression does count - and can either charm a visitor or put them off entirely. Make sure the approach to your house is neat and attractive. Once they step inside, greet them with fresh cleanliness, and a welcoming feeling of fresh flowers in the hall, a well-lit entrance, and a homely but uncluttered living-room. Make a buyer feel warm and welcome on immediate entry, and you're probably on the better side of sale from the get-go.

Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise,  eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market.