Your home is a valuable asset that can give you good returns when you decide to sell it. Making sure it’s in good condition before putting it on the market is highly recommended by Australian real estate agents if you want to get your asking price. If you haven’t been keeping up with your house and other maintenances, you need to start now before getting a valuation from a property realtor.
Adding a coat of fresh paint, fixing broken taps and carrying out pest control Albury Wodonga companies offer homeowners in your area can all be done before listing a property. By doing this you can avoid making the small mistakes that could prevent the successful sale of your home.
What other mistakes should you prevent before putting your residential property up for sale? Read on as we share five small mistakes that could have huge repercussions.
5 Small Mistakes That Could Prevent the Sale of Your Home
1. Pest Infestations
Pests in the home can start off as a small problem but if not controlled, can turn into a costly exercise if there’s an infestation. If your home is constructed with timber or you have wooden frames and doors, termites can destroy the infrastructure of your home if they’re giving free reign on your property.
Cockroaches, silverfish, rats and mice are other pests that create an unhealthy environment in your home. In addition they can do damage to your furnishings and carpets which can be expensive to replace. And if a potential buyer sees even a small sign of these colonies, they’re not very likely to buy.
If you haven’t been performing regular inspections in your home before deciding to sell your home, you need to request a pest control company to check out your property.
2. Mould and Damp Problems
Any signs of mould or damp in your house will immediately turn away potential buyers. While it’s tempting to paint over these problems, you could be breaking the law by doing this. Selling properties fall under certain regulations and in Australia you’re required to disclose any defects before making a sale.
Property defects that need to be disclosed include:
- Mould
- Damp
- Insect infestations
- Broken or damaged appliances and fixtures
If you have mould and damp issues in your home, call the experts in to sort them out before approaching a real estate agent for a property valuation. This way, you can be sure to get a better price for your home especially if you have high-quality furniture and solar panels.
3. Bad Odours
Realtors battle to sell a house that has bad odours. This can be caused by smokers smoking indoors, cats who never go outside or carpets that haven’t been cleaned in ages. Other scenarios that can create bad odours and prevent your home from selling are:
- Blocked drains
- Dogs who aren’t house-trained
- Stinking fridges
- Cooking with pungent foods before a viewing
- Mildew and mould growth
Before putting your house on the market, call in professional cleaners to obliterate bad odours. Also, avoid cooking a strong-smelling meal the day before buyers come to view your property.
Top tip: entice buyers with pleasant smells such as freshly baked bread, incense or keeping bunches of flowers inside when opening for viewing.
4. Clutter and Dirt
Anyone walking into a house that’s full of clutter and dirt is going to be turned off! When opening your house for viewing, realtors recommend clearing all the clutter beforehand. This means tidying up the kiddies’ toys, picking up dirty laundry from the floor and putting away items that should be kept in a cupboard. A cluttered home looks chaotic and makes it difficult for potential buyers to get a good feel for your property.
Dirt is also a killer that chases away buyers. Make an effort to get rid of dust and muck from your living room, kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. A once off clean by professional cleaners will take care of the stubborn dirt, leaving you to simply handle the weekly vacuuming and dusting when your house is on the market.
5. The Wrong Agent
Using the wrong agent is a small but costly mistake you can avoid from the start by checking out the credentials of the agency you want to use when selling your home. By law, realtors in Australia are obligated to do the following:
- Not intentionally mislead you
- Prevent creating the wrong impression or conclusion
- Not disclose all information such as the fine print in paperwork
- Prevent making claims that are false or inaccurate
The wrong or inexperienced agent can turn away potential buyers, delaying the sale of your home. An experienced realtor will comply with the regulations stipulated in the property industry while knowing the steps to making a successful deal.
Final Thoughts
Small mistakes can prevent the sale of your residential property. These same mistakes can be avoided if you do some work before opening up to buyers. So, before deciding to put your house on the market, do a walk around and list problem areas. By carrying out minor repairs, getting rid of pest infestations, giving the house a good clean and using the right agent you’re more likely to get the deal you want.
