Residential Guidebook Residential Guidebook 2014 (Subscribers) | Page 29

STAGING An open door policy works best Remember that people can only buy the home if they can see it so make sure to open the house to prospective buyers. The more people come to a Show House; the greater the chances that a buyer will come through the door. Do minor DIY Do take the time to tighten the hinges on the kitchen doors, remove the mould in the shower and mow the lawn. during an open house. There are many stories where buyers are too afraid to come onto the property because of an animal. Spring clean, before Sunday A home that’s clean as a polished coin will always be more attractive than one with muddy floors and dirty dishes in the sink. Make sure the house is as presentable as it can be for potential buyers. Buyers are more likely to believe that a house is in good nick if the small things are working properly. If a home owner can’t be bothered to clean the pool then the logic is that he might not have fixed all the leaks in the roof either. Of course there’s only so much a home owner can do before it all falls in the hands of an estate agent. A last good tip is to ensure that the agent has proper photographs with which to market the property, all the relevant information and, knows how to conduct a Show House. Then it’s just a matter of time before the right buyer comes along. RESOURCES Bruce Swain, Leapfrog Property Group www.reimag.co.za Residential Handbook 2014 27