Understanding the aspects that resonate with potential buyers can help home sellers prioritise vital repairs and upgrades, maximising appeal while minimising unnecessary expenditure.
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When you are selling your home, it is vital that you make a great first impression on potential buyers and by knowing what grabs their attention, you prioritise repairs or upgrades that might appeal to them as well as avoid wasting money on changes they do not care about.
This is according to Claude McKirby, co-principal, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburb.
"When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tasks on your to-do list. From repairs and upgrades to cleaning and staging, knowing where to focus your time and money can be a challenge and the secret to making the best impression isn’t about perfection; it’s about understanding what truly matters to homebuyers," McKirby said.
"Investing in areas that buyers care about ensures your home is competitive in the market while avoiding unnecessary expenses on generally overlooked details."
Here is a room-by room guide to help sellers prioritise their time and their budgets:
Buyers often make a decision about whether they like a property or not within seconds of stepping inside, therefore, a clean, inviting entryway with fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and a clutter-free space can create a warm welcome.
Pleasant scents can evoke positive feelings while the cleanliness of floors, rugs, and walls or even updated hardware like door handles and locks and a small investment in a new doormat, polished floors, or a coat of neutral paint can make a huge difference.
The kitchen is often considered the most important room for buyers as it is the place where families gather to share meals and memories are made.
A modern, functional and clean kitchen can have a major influence a buyer’s decision.
Buyers will always notice the countertops and high-quality materials and they value clean, updated cabinetry; so simply repainting or replacing hardware can make old cabinets look new while stainless steel or energy-efficient appliances catch the eye.
Unless it’s a really old and worn kitchen, focus on cosmetic upgrades like resurfacing countertops, replacing cabinet hardware, and ensuring everything is spotless.
Living rooms and family rooms need to feel open, bright, and inviting and allow the potential buyer to picture themselves relaxing or entertaining in these spaces.
Natural light is essential, so clean windows and open blinds are a must. Flooring is also a priority for many buyers and well-maintained hardwood, or clean carpets are attractive while outdated or stained flooring can be a turnoff.
Pay attention to layout, overcrowded furniture makes a room feel smaller so a thoughtfully staged space can make the room appear larger and more functional.
You could pack away some of your personal effects to declutter, family photos and unique art might catch a buyer’s eye, but they don’t contribute to the home’s overall appeal. Small wall imperfections are also not a deal-breaker especially if the colour is neutral and consistent.
Bathrooms carry significant weight in the buyers' mind; therefore, a sparkling clean, updated bathroom can make a huge difference.
Stained grout or missing caulk is a sign of neglect. Updated fixtures like taps, showerheads and cabinet hardware elevate the bathroom while modern vanities or a framed mirror can transform the space.
If these factors are all appealing, then buyers generally won’t notice minor imperfections like small chips in the bath or minor wear on a vanity.
Be sure to deep-clean grout, replace worn fixtures, and consider small upgrades such as a new towel set or bathmat to create a fresh look.
Bedrooms are personal spaces, but for buyers, they need to feel like a blank canvas, this means that sellers should remove excess personal clutter and make sure they are tidy.
By doing this, buyers envision their own style and preferences in the room.
Space and layout are important, and bedrooms should feel spacious, so decluttering is essential. Storage is also an essential factor, and buyers will open the cupboards so check they are organised, tidy and functional to showcase their capacity.
Don’t stress over minor imperfections like small nail holes or outdated light switch plates as well as personal touches like bedding patterns or colour schemes as they don’t influence buyers.
Kerb appeal is about the lasting impressions and outdoor spaces can leave a memorable impact on buyers.
Two of the most prominent features buyers notice include: general landscaping and outdoor living spaces.
Well-maintained lawns, trimmed hedges, and seasonal flowers make a huge difference as do patios, decks, or balconies that feel functional and inviting.
Be sure to mow the lawn, add fresh mulch, and clean up outdoor furniture. And, if your outdoor space is bland or sparse, a few planters with flowers can add a pop of colour.
IOL Property
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