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Devil is in the details: easy ways to increase the perceived value of your property

There are several ways that you can quickly and easily increase the value a buyer or renter may be willing to pay for your home. Many are surprised at how much of a difference a lick of paint and some new fixtures and fittings can make. Below is a list of top tips from the pros on increasing the value of your home.

Front Entrance and Lawn: This is the first thing people will see when viewing the home and first impressions are extremely important when determining value. Ensure the lawn is mowed and cleaned of debris. Trim bushes and keep hoses, sprinklers and other gardening tools out of sight. Buy new door mat and a new letter box if the old ones have passed their used-by date. A few new exterior fittings and a good landscape effort can be a fun family activity and have a big impact on your property's appeal.

Exterior: External siding, cladding or painting has been shown to be one of the highest return on investments people can make when selling/renting a house. Siding and cladding is an expensive upgrade so this may not be viable for all sellers while painting is a less expensive option. Chrome house number signs, painted window sills and external lights are easier to replace and recommended improvements.

Pets: You don't need to put Rex up for adoption, but do think of the prospective buyer that is assaulted by a combination of bad pet odours and pet allergies. The same goes for the cigarette smoke and pungent food - you may be used to living with it but it’s an instant turn-off for a buyer. It is a good idea to clean the carpets and upholstery, drop your pet off with a family or friend and give up the strong cooking spices and smoking for the duration of viewings.

Remove the Clutter: This is very important tip. During viewings or when looking at pictures, a potential buyer/renter attempts to visualize their own family living in your house. Help them by creating as much ample space during their inspection. A good rule of thumb is to create a half-empty, minimalist setting for each room. For example, remove half your furniture and decorations from the lounge room, take out half your clothes from the wardrobes, half-empty your storage cabinets & take one car out of the two car garage. A clean and spacious house will be more appealing than a cluttered, claustrophobic house.

Create a neutral environment: This is specifically referring to colours and décor. Unless you are an interior designer, agents recommend personal and unique items are moved out of the house during an inspection. The bearskin rug displayed in front of the fireplace may be a family heirloom to you but an offensive item to an animal-loving buyer. It's better to take the emotion out of any prospective buyer by removing personal items. Try to appreciate that what you find tasteful, a potential buyer may find offensive which could scare off a potential buyer.

Lighting: Great lighting can create the perfect ambiance and really open your house. Up the wattage of all your house lights (to their maximum wattage). Replace old light switches and outlets - it gives the impression of newer electrical wiring. Schedule your inspection dates accordingly, try not to have buyers arriving at 4pm during winter (unless your house overlooks a beautiful sunset)! Also take into account your probable buyers - older folk are more sensitive to glare (consider pearl bulbs) while younger buyers are more likely to prefer bright and direct lightning.

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