HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME BEFORE A SHOWING

With market conditions potentially cooling off, sellers will need to take care to ensure that their home is as appealing as possible when potential buyers come to view the property in person. 

“Sellers did not need to work too hard to attract buyers while interest rates were at record-lows. But, now that interest rates have returned to around pre-COVID levels, sellers might have to work a little harder if they want to conclude a timeous sale at full value,” comments Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

He adds that the home preparations should actually start before the home is even listed. “The buying process starts when a buyer looks at the listing photos online, which means that the home needs to be picture perfect before a photographer comes around to take the listing photos,” he advises.

This means that all maintenance, redecorating and / or home staging should be addressed long before the first viewing appointment. Before the listing photos are taken, at a minimum, sellers should ensure that the following is addressed:

• Retouch any chipped paint and repaint rooms if needed
• Repaint ceilings if needed
• Update outdated fittings
• Fix any loose door or cupboard hinges 
• Clean the roof and gutters
• Address any damages inside and outside the property 
• Depersonalize the space by storing clutter and personal belongings out of sight

On the day that the photographer arrives as well as on the mornings before any potential buyers come to view the home, RE/MAX of Southern Africa recommends that sellers make sure the following is in order:

• Sweep driveways, remove pet waste, leaves & weeds
• Empty the post box 
• Sweep, vacuum & mop floors
• Remove garbage
• Spray room freshener or have something baking in the oven
• Turn on all lights and open all curtains
• Clean bathrooms, wash any grubby towels
• Clean kitchen surfaces, wash and pack away all dishes
• Pack away any laundry 
• Ensure that all beds are made
• Conceal all valuables 

The more a seller can do to make the home as appealing as possible, the better. “A good real estate professional will arrive early to make sure the home is in a good condition before the buyers arrive. A RE/MAX agent will guide sellers throughout the process and will let them know what needs to be addressed before the home is listed. Sellers who follow the advice of their trusted real estate partner should enjoy a much smoother process when selling their home,” Goslett concludes.