First Impressions Count

Think like a buyer. Never forget that even the smallest detail can make or break a sale.  First impressions always count and often the smallest, seemingly unimportant detail can remain uppermost in a potential buyers’ mind. 
 
That’s the advice from Chris Tyson. As head of Tyson Properties, he says years of experience have taught him that a little investment in fixing the obvious and a good helping of common sense can make can make a big difference. This is particularly important for those selling in today’s tough climate. With fewer buyers looking at a wider range of properties, homeowners need to work a little harder to make sure that theirs is best and offers good value.
 
Kerbside appeal is crucial, according to Tyson. This is the ‘real’ first impression, so make sure buyers can see there is good security (but not overwhelming as they might suspect this is a crime hot spot). Ensure that gates, bells and intercoms are working and that perimeter walls are in good condition. 
  
Keep the garden neat and tidy – mow lawns, weed flowerbeds, trim edges, cut back shrubs and clip hedges. If you have a water feature, switch it on and add a few annuals or pots of flowers. 
 
Tyson points out that, as every homeowner knows, maintenance is both expensive and hard work. Painting the outside of your home will automatically add value and could be a small price to pay for a good sale. Fix broken gutters, down pipes and fascia boards.  
 
Replace cracked and broken window panes, wash windows and check outside fittings and lights. Just as with the inside of your home, pack away odds and ends such as bicycles and tools, roll hosepipes and stow the braai out of the way.
 
If you have a pool, make sure it is sparkling and in good working order, ensure that the pool area is inviting and that any garden furniture is in good repair. 
 
“When it comes to the finer details, what would you notice?” Tyson asks. Make sure that curtains, upholstery and carpets are clean. Steam clean them, if possible and, if you have to, cover stains with attractive rugs. Also, make sure that curtains are not sagging and that blinds are clean and neatly rolled or folded. 
 
A golden rule is ‘steer clear of clutter’ so pack away the family heirlooms if they are likely to distract. Polish wood and brass fittings. If possible, invest a little in painting the interior and take a leaf out of the decorators’ books – light colours make rooms look bigger while bright or unusual colours can be off putting and could clash with a potential buyer’s furnishings, meaning a repaint before moving in. 
 
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, Tyson reminds sellers. The stove, refrigerator and sink should be spotless. If basins and bath tubs cannot be cleaned, consider re-enameling them. Replace broken tiles and wipe out any mildew. Fix noisy and leaky toilets, repair dripping taps and broken putty around baths, basins and showers. Pack away the dirty laundry and even go as far as adding a new set of colourful towels, pretty soaps or even a plant.    
 
Tyson adds that, in his experience, sellers tend to focus on the bigger issues and forget the smaller but very practical things that make all the difference when you’re buying. So, replace globes, make sure that cupboard doors close (and make sure they are tidy in case anyone peeks inside. See to it that garages and the garden sheds are tidy and that laundries are clean and neat and that the ironing is done. Don’t leave clothes on the line and empty out the dustbins.
 
Tyson says show houses remain the most effective means of effective means of selling properties. He recommends that sellers are away from home during show days. Potential buyers need to feel relaxed, comfortable and free to explore all the nooks and crannies – something that can be awkward with a homeowner hovering in the background. If possible, take your children (whether teens or toddlers) out but make sure that you pack away toys and wipe away sticky finger marks first.  
 
The same goes for pets – not all people are comfortable with animals, especially big dogs. Either take Rover along with you or find a comfortable place for him to while away the afternoon. A howling or whining puppy can be as off putting as one that jumps up and slobbers all over visitors!
 
From the outset, walk in a potential buyer’s footsteps when you prepare your home for its special day. Pretend that you are house hunting and note features that would attract you and those that might be off putting. Then, return emphasizing the good qualities and playing down the negatives. 
 
Make sure your home is as light and airy as possible – draw back curtains and open windows, minimize odours. Scatter cushions on easy chairs and place fresh flowers in empty corners. Make sure that pictures are straight and add more to fill blank walls (even if you have to borrow some!). 
 
Most importantly of all, if you are at home during a show day or when someone visits with one of our agents, be polite and welcoming but leave the job up to the experts. Never apologize for appearances or try to make excuses for shortcomings as this only accentuates them.
 
“Remember, many a potential buyer has turned down a property because he didn’t like the look of it – despite the fact that the house itself, position and price would have been perfect!” Tyson warn