Prepare for your open day like a pro

Knock knock – Who’s there?
You’re setting out to create the most appealing version of your home possible, in order to attract a particular buyer, and encourage them to pay a premium price. You want them to feel that your home meets their needs. So think about who that person is, and it will make choices about styling and layout a little easier. Is it likely to be a family home? Have the rooms set up accordingly, with great bedrooms for children and the master offering a parent’s retreat. For younger couples, contemporary furnishings and decor is a must.

Inspiration
To invest in creating the right kind of look, grab a couple of home interiors magazines to see what’s current in terms of colour and style, and for handy hints on arranging rooms and adding wow factor. The internet is great, but do ask your real estate agent about the hot button you should be pushing for your target market – they see and hear a great deal from heir daily interactions with potential purchasers.

Adjust the energy
Get rid of things that distract from your property’s positive features. Fixtures and fittings that are old or worn; refresh the paint job in high traffic areas and replace dated lights or taps – relatively simple, and inexpensive. Then there’s the biggie; clutter. Editing your ‘stuff’ and creating space is the simplest way to increase your home’s versatility. Move (or remove) furniture to create flow through rooms. Pack away the personality – photos, knick knacks, children’s art… Less is more when it comes to helping other’s ‘see themselves’ in your home.

Superior exterior 
Buyers get their first impression on your property when they pull up outside. There might be much you can’t change, but simple street appeal comes from having the property spotlessly clean and tidy. Do a practice run – arrive at your front door as if you were visiting for the very first time. Moss, mould, leaves, dust, peeling paint and dying plants must go, and make sure the main entrance is friendly and unobstructed. Invest in a new door mat!

Last minute 
When the day finally arrives, let daylight in and turn on all the lights (especially if the switches are not in obvious places). Focus on the comfort factor: doors and windows open it it’s hot, heating on if it’s cold. Fresh flowers are in, scented air fresheners are out. Empty the dishwasher, wipe your sinks dry, put the toilet lids down, remove the rubbish and do a final sweep to collect any clutter and personal items on benchtops, damp cloths/towels and dirty laundry. Walk around with a large rubbish sack or laundry basket to make this easy, then pop it in the car and drive away.