Cheap tricks to sell a home quickly
Fixing up your home when selling it doesn’t have to break the bank. RE/MAX Southern Africa shows you how.
When a house has been on the market for more than three months, Adrian Goslett, the regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, suggests a seller consider what else needs to be done to make the home more appealing to potential buyers.
“There could be a host of reasons why a property takes longer to sell, be it market conditions, poor-quality listing photos, an underperforming real estate agent, or an over-inflated asking price, to name but a few.
“However, sometimes it could be none of those things, and all it takes to sell the home are a few simple updates to win over the hearts of potential buyers,” says Goslett.
To help those struggling to sell, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares their top five budget-friendly ways to make a home more sellable.
• Declutter
Clear out excess belongings to make rooms feel more spacious. Not only is this entirely free, but you might even make cash by selling some belongings you no longer use.
• Neutralise
For the potential buyers to picture themselves living in the space, it could help to depersonalise the home’s décor. Remove personal knick-knacks and photographs. Replace bold paint colours with a fresh coat of paint and décor choices with more neutral tones.
• Deep clean
A clean home instantly feels more inviting and well-maintained. Having carpets cleaned professionally can make them look new. Scrubbing the grout lines in the bathroom can take years off its appearance. Consider hiring a high-pressure hose to clean outdoor paving and brickwork.
• Repair
Attend to minor repairs. Fix leaking taps, repair chipped paint, and replace broken tiles. Ensure all doors and drawers open and close smoothly. Fix squeaky hinges and handles. These minor fixes can make a big difference in how well-maintained the home looks.
• Staging
Staging does not mean you must buy new furniture. Use what you have to stage your home effectively. Get creative to showcase each room’s functionality. For example, if you have an empty bedroom, cover cardboard boxes with bedding to create a fake bed. Rearrange the existing furniture to create an open, flowing layout in the living areas.
By focusing on these budget-friendly strategies, you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers without spending much money.
