Unless they are well versed in interior design or property development, Arnsmeyer says most prospective sellers have difficulty accurately visualising what can be done to improve a property, especially in terms of refurbishment and the cost thereof.
This is according to Bianca Arnsmeyer, Property and Sales Manager at Berman Brothers Properties, the Atlantic Seaboard’s latest boutique Real Estate Agency.
“Although we operate separately from our sister Company - the property developer Berman Brothers Group - we are able to leverage off their vast experience gained over the last 20 years,” says Arnsmeyer.
“We are frequently called upon to provide our clients with ideas and alert them to trends that can assist them in selling their homes.”
She shares five insider tips to sell your property quickly, at the price it deserves:
- Bathrooms and kitchen
Unless they are well versed in interior design or property development, most prospective sellers have difficulty accurately visualising what can be done to improve a property, especially in terms of refurbishment and the cost thereof.
“In our experience, it is the state of bathrooms and kitchen that are a dealmaker or deal breaker in the eyes of a prospective buyer, and these should be the first areas that a home owner upgrades when putting their home on market,” says Arnsmeyer.
“A modern kitchen and well-designed bathrooms add significant value to a home, and this translates to a higher asking price and less time on the market.”
- Creating the right sights, smells and sounds
Most people know that having the right sights, smells and sounds creates an alluring homely atmosphere that helps secure the sale of your home.
However, Arnsmeyer says special care must be taken when trying to appeal to these senses - less is invariably more, and one should always go for the safest options in order to appeal to the widest cross section of prospective buyers.
By way of example, choosing to play a soundtrack of classical musical is an obvious preference over the likes of hip hop or heavy metal, which are too polarising in their appeal.
“A modern kitchen and well-designed bathrooms add significant value to a home, and this translates to a higher asking price and less time on the market,” says Arnsmeyer.
“You should also pay attention to the volume of the music as, if it is too loud, sceptical buyers could start to wonder what noises you might be trying to cover up,” says Arnsmeyer.
“And be careful with overdoing any air-fresheners or artificial fragrances. Rather go for subtle scents like jasmine or lavender in a vase, freshly-baked goods, or the alluring smell of brewing coffee - smells that are highly enlightening to the senses and creates a positive impression in nearly everyone.”
In terms of the sights, she says you might have become blasé about your view, but pulling back the curtains to let natural light in and reveal the property’s vista is an absolute must so that prospective buyers can see for themselves.
“Furthermore, if you know that your property gets more afternoon sun, for example, try scheduling home viewings around these times for maximum effect,” she says.
“Home buying is a multi-sensory experience and visual staging of the property is essential. Homes that create pleasant impressions that appeal to a buyer’s sensory perceptions definitely have the edge on their competition.”
- A deep clean up and attention to detail
It goes without saying that a clean home and neat garden is essential when showcasing your home to a prospective buyer, whether it is for a viewing or for when the agent is taking marketing photos of the property.
“If you want your property to stand out from the rest, we recommend that you spend extra time and effort in this regard and enlist professional cleaning and garden services to give all aspects of the property a thorough spring clean,” says Arnsmeyer.
“Attention to detail is key - ensure that your home is a smoke-free environment before a viewing, check that the fireplace or braai area has been cleaned, and replace any faulty lightbulbs. The presence of pets is also quite a polarising issue to many buyers, and it is preferable to err on the side of caution and arrange not to have any pets around during an open day, if possible.”
Arnsmeyer says a clean, neat home gives the impression of a well-maintained property and responsible homeowners, all of which instils confidence in a prospective buyer and makes your property that much easier to sell.
- Advertise your happiness
Showcasing your home through your own eyes to a prospective buyer, and sharing your favourite local restaurant, parks and other neighbourhood best-kept secrets, creates a positive impression in a buyer’s mind.
There is a rising trend in some of the top international property markets such as London and Manhattan, whereby a homeowner will make their own simple video, or even compose a hand-written note, to promote their home and neighbourhood.
While this trend is yet to take place in South Africa, Arnsmeyer says the Atlantic Seaboard property market is exposed to many international buyers, and is it is certainly worth being of about.
Showcasing your home through your own eyes to a prospective buyer, and sharing your favourite local restaurant, parks and other neighbourhood best-kept secrets, creates a positive impression in a buyer’s mind.
Similarly, indicators that you have invested a lot of love in your home create the feeling that a home was happily lived in, and this is hard for a prospective buyer to ignore.
- Choosing the right agent
A property is often one’s most valuable asset, and you can never be too careful in choosing the right estate agent to handle this important transaction.
In addition to clearly understanding your specific requirements and preferences, Arnsmeyer says you need to ensure that your estate agent has intimate knowledge of the neighbourhood and extensive experience in the respective property market.
Your estate agent must have a comprehensive database of prospective buyers and show genuine commitment to selling your home. If possible, it is always a good idea to ask to speak to your agent’s other clients for an independent appraisal of their performance.
“Ultimately, you should be looking for the consummate professional in whose ability, experience and integrity you have complete confidence,” says Arnsmeyer.