The good news is that maximising the sale price of your home doesn’t necessarily involve an extensive renovation – it can be as simple as give your property a face-lift. Botched attempts at do-it-yourself can also detract from the sale price, so you should resist the urge to save money by taking on tasks that require an expert.
Petra Sprekos, general manager of realestateview.com.au, says that a fresh paint job, a modern, good-quality kitchen and an appealing outdoor area are the three big items that will lure buyers into making the best offer possible. “If people can spend up to $15,000 around those areas, then they will get the maximum return for their property,” she said.
Top five tips to see max dollars on your contract:
- Spruce up your garden
Research shows that buyers are more likely to click on an online listing if a house has an immaculate front yard.
- Smarten up the exterior of your home
Examine the exterior of your property to ensure that everything is up to date. If your house is weatherboard, replace any loose or rotting wood. If it’s brick, make sure that any gaps in the mortar are filled.
- Give the walls a fresh coat of paint
Dollar for dollar, a fresh coat of paint gives you more bang for your buck than just about anything. It pays, however, to ensure that your colour choice has maximum appeal.
- Create an inviting kitchen
Call it the My Kitchen Rules effect: the majority of potential buyers list a clean, modern kitchen as one of their top priorities in a potential new home. If you have the budget, you may want to renovate your kitchen with modern appliances, contemporary lighting and new cupboards and benchtops. If you can’t afford a complete fit-out, consider investing in a good oven as buyers are likely to retain the appliance even if they want to replace everything else.
- Add a second bathroom
If your home only has one bathroom, installing a second can add a significant premium to the value of your home.
