Spruce up your home inside and out

Ruapehu Bulletin, 19 September 1995, Page 10

Spruce up your home inside and out

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand stresses that houses which are in good condition and clean and tidy are much more

likely to entice a buyer. Repainting an en tire bouse and roof is worth doing if the paint is badly cracked and peeling with

rust streaks from nails and window flashings. You may not get all your money back if you do have the house repainted but it should make it easier to sell. Scrubbing your house down can make a big difference. Agood

ciean can make a property iook fresh and attractive. The same goes for fences which can attract patches of green algae in cold damp weather. Repairbrokenordamaged windows and weatherboards and broken fences orgates. Broken spouting really stands out, so make sure you replace it. Give paths a good scrubbing and get rid of moss or weedsgrowing in the cracks. If the paths are > in really bad condition, it may be worth reconcreting them. Mowed lawns, neat edges, clipped hedges and weed-free gardens all enhance a house and give the impression of a section that is easy to maintain. Put a few flowering plants in a month or so before your house goes on the market. Colour can make a big impression on buyers. Plants also soften the hard lines of houses, fences and paths. Access is an important selling point and if you are a reasonable do-it-yourselfer, you could replace a steep awkward path with a set of steps for only the cost of materials. Junk in the garage will only make the place look smaller. Have a good clean out and get rid of it. Repaint or repaper inside if the paint or paper is in very bad condition or garish and out of fashion. Stick with neutral colours. Remember if you do repaper or repaint, it may be necessary to do alltherooms. Clean the windows, wash dirty curtains and get rid of any mildew or ingrained dirt. Make sure the blinds are up and curtains drawn back to give rooms a large airy appearance. Air the house thoroughly to get rid of damp and musty smells or animal odours. Clean stains from carpets. Give kitchen and bathroom walls, ceilings and cupboards a good scrub. Accumulated dust and grease can make surfaces look dirty and there may be patches of mildew in the bathroom. You might even have to give them a new coat of paint. Fix leaking taps and windows and doors that won't open properly. Replace any fancy light fittings you intend to take with you in case the buyer assumes they go with the house.

When the house is on the market leave it tidy each day — no dirty dishes in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms tidied. If it's a cold gloomy day and you plan to be home when the real estate agent brings someone round, tum the lights on and heat the house. Make sure the dog is tied up outside when prospective buyers arrive.

Use pot plants and flowers to brighten rooms and create a warm inviting atmosphere. Give your agent copies of invoices showing that improvements such as repiling, rewiring and replumbing have been done.

Most important of all seek advice from your real estate agent. Agents have seen thousands of houses and can tell at a glance what often minor touches are • needed to set a house apart from its competition.