Date: 7th Dec 2020

Upgrading your home doesn’t need to cost a fortune or involve major home renovations. Here are some tips to spruce up your home over the holidays ready to sell in the New Year.

1. Add fresh paint.

What better way to make a fresh start in the new year than by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Not only is it one of the easiest ways to improve your home, but it’s also a great way to make your home appear bigger and brighter. Tip: those looking to sell their homes in the future should stick to neutral colours, such as light greys and beiges.

2. Invest in smart home devices.

Outfitting your home with smart home devices is one of the best ways to improve your home in the new year. Adding smart home features can save you money in energy bills, improve your place’s security, and make your life easier, overall. Several smart home devices to consider adding include Philips Hue Bulbs, a Nest Learning Thermostat, automated window shades, a smart doorbell, and a robot vacuum.

3. Arrange your closet.

One of the best ways to welcome in the new year is to finally get organised! To kick off the decluttering purge, start with bedroom drawers and closets. Sift through your belongings and ask yourself these questions: Have I worn this lately? Is it in style? Does it have sentimental value? Does it fit? Is it in good condition? If the answer to any or all of these questions is a resounding “no,” place the clothing item in either a donation pile, sell pile, or trash pile.

It’s not a bad idea to clean out those kitchen pantry and drawers as well. This includes throwing out old spices, expired foods, and unused cookbooks. Oftentimes, kitchen drawers become junked up with old receipts, worn-out dish rags, and unused utensils. To cut down on clutter and improve your home, throw anything out that no longer serves a purpose. To keep kitchen drawers organised, try limiting each drawer to one or two item categories. For instance, one drawer could be designated for dish towels only, while another could be used exclusively for utensils.

4. Don’t double up.

Vow to check your stocks of toiletries, cleaning materials, and other household staples before you go shopping in the new year. Too many of the same item creates chaos in your cupboards, and will also cost you money. Keep a memo pad in the kitchen to make a list of what you really need to replace.

5. Upgrade your fixtures and fittings.

Swapping out generic or older cabinet/door handles can make a room look completely different, as can changing out your light fixtures to something more modern.  It might pay to also replace any cracked or stained powerpoint covers too.

Many homes still have builder basic taps that have lost their lustre. They can date the home and make your most important rooms feel tired. If your taps don’t sparkle anymore, look for sales on some good quality, attractive pieces. Buyers want a home that feels new, even if it isn’t. This small step of installing 3-4 new taps in your kitchen and bathrooms can cost as little as a few hundred dollars and will be the finishing touch if you have nice counters and sinks

6. Clean the grout.

As far as cosmetics are concerned, cleaning the grout in your home is an excellent way to improve the look and feel of your bathrooms, and tile flooring. Not only does dirty grout make your home appear unclean and unsanitary, but it’s also just plain unattractive. If the grout needs a deep clean, you’ll need to bring in the professionals. For grout that needs a light touch up, try cleaning it yourself with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water.

7. Service your ventilation and heating system.

Keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly by having them serviced and cleaned in the new year. These systems accumulate dust and dirt over time, greatly affecting their overall efficiency in your home. For this reason, it’s very important to have professionals thoroughly inspect your systems and replace all air filters throughout your home. This way, you’ll be breathing clean air and saving money on unnecessary heating and air-con bills.

8. Clean your windows.

Chances are, it’s been a while since you cleaned your home’s windows. First mix liquid dish soap and cool water in a bucket. Second, using a sponge, thoroughly wipe down the window and frame. Third, spray the windows with either a vinegar and water mixture or a window cleaning product. Finally, wipe the windows down with a clean paper towel inside and a rubber-bladed squeegee when cleaning your outdoor windows

9. Depersonalise your home.

Having too many personal belongings and collections can affect how people see your home. Removing personal photographs, personal collection items before a viewing can make a world of difference for potential buyers as it helps them envisage themselves living there.

10. Fix the broken things.

Minimum improvements to consider making before selling your home include patching holes and cracks in the walls and ceilings, fixing broken appliances and repairing leaky faucets.

Do you need more advice?

Our sales consultants have much experience when it comes to getting your house organised for sale.  We can offer a free no-obligation appraisal of your home, and give you some tips and tricks as to what to prioritise. Find your preferred consultant here. We are here to help.