How to sell your house at a good price

IF YOU'RE planning to sell your home in the current market you might have to spruce it up a bit.

Don't worry, it does not have to cost the earth. Here are the top 10 tips for a quick sale.

• Up your pavement appeal

Buyers have been known to dismiss houses before they've even stepped through the front door, so before you put your home on the market give the front garden some tender loving care.

Mow the lawn, sweep up, put up a hanging basket or plant some new flowers in the beds. You might also want to give your front door a fresh coat of paint if it's looking tired.

• De-clutter

This is the single most effective measure you can take. If your home looks cluttered, buyers will think you don't have enough space, so use this as an opportunity to have a big clear out.

Tidy up before viewings and ensure that coffee tables, desks and work surfaces are as clear as possible and the children's toys are put away.

• Get your carpet deep-cleaned

Clean carpets make a big difference. In fact, this could be the best couple of hundred rands you'll spend. It's also worth vacuuming the carpets before viewings.

• De-personalise

Buyers don't want to see your laundry or wedding photos. Also remove trinkets on shelves. Buyers will want to see how your home can become theirs and all your personal belongings won't help them achieve that image.

• Neutralise

You might be a fan of red walls, but your potential buyers might not. Paint or paper walls in cream or beige if you're worried your colour scheme could put buyers off.

• Clear off

There should be as few people as possible in the house during viewings, so it would be a good idea to get someone to look after the children to clear the way for viewers.

The same goes for your enthusiastic pets. Find a willing volunteer to take your dogs for a walk.

• Get rid of smells

The air should be fresh and odour-free. Avoid cooking strong-smelling food before viewings, open the windows and clear out pets and their paraphernalia.

• Maximise what you have

Do you have an outbuilding that can be used as an office? Also tell buyers about any useful storage areas they might miss.

• Buy fresh flowers

Give your room some life with a vase of roses or lilies. It makes a great first impression.

• Know your stuff

You should be able to tell viewers how much your electricity bills and rates are.

Be prepared to answer questions on your area, too, such as local schools, transport links and other facilities. - moneywise