Add $60,000 to the price of your home

EXPERIENCED property agents say the most important way to impress potential buyers is to ensure the front of the house looks clean, neat and tidy.

A new door, a fresh coat of paint, neat garden, mowed lawn and edges done – they’re the easiest way to make an impression.

“We could put together a 50-point of 100-point check list,” eHouse agent at Springwood, Michael Wardlaw, said.

“I tend to look at every home individually because they’re all different. It can be overwhelming for people, but an agent should be able to quickly pick up little things that need doing.”

Wendy Thomas from No Nonsense Realty at Jimboomba said she advised most sellers to organise their own building inspection.

For the sake of $500 to have the house thoroughly looked over, it not only lets owners know what’s wrong with their house, it provides a checklist of things that might take priority.

“Owners can spend $10,000 fixing up a few things around the house, which adds $50,000 or $60,000 to the value when it goes to market,” Ms Thomas said.

Ms Thomas said some people spent a lot of money to “dress up” their homes for sale, on such things as rented furniture.

“There’s no need to dress it up. People know what they’re looking for, so if a house is well presented, it will sell itself every time,” she said.

Similarly, agents said people often rushed in to paint their house in new colours. While a coat of paint on the facade of the house was sometimes a good idea, they said the first thing some buyers did was to paint over the brand new paint because they didn’t like the colour.

“People don’t usually see the problems with their house. They see it every day, so they’re used to what’s there. We can help with these things,” Mr Wardlaw said.

Here are some handy tips from both agents:

•  Make sure the front door is inviting.
• Check the silicon in the kitchen and bathroom to make sure there’s no visible mould.
• Check overhanging trees and gutters to make sure no weeds are growing.
• Check that the ridge pointing in the roof is not failing.
• Tuck rubbish bins away, out of sight from buyers.
• Ensure maintenance is up to date, without dripping and leaky downpipes.
• Keep your home neat and tidy, and presentable.
• Ensure the edges are done, particularly in the front yard and footpath.