Before you put your property on the market for sale, it is important that you get it in a state in which it will be attractive to potential buyers. Here, we explore five things you should do before you list your property:

1. Move your possessions

Over the years a house can become very cluttered and it is important to take steps to reduce this clutter before you list your property on the market. Sorting and moving your possessions that are not essential is a key first step to take. Getting rid of the clutter will make it seem bigger and more desirable. Minimalism is key.

2. Remove the animals

Removing animals and any sign that animals have lived in the property is an important step in making it more attractive to potential buyers. There’s a stigma attached to purchasing a house that an animal has lived in. Even pet lovers can be put off thinking about someone else’s pet rolling around on the carpet. Remove hairs, odours and the pet toys. Do a thorough clean and you’ll thank yourself come home open day.

3. Touch it up

Small holes, cracks and damage to the paint can all detract from the appearance of a home, so it is important to touch up the small things that you have been ignoring. While the crack in the paint may not have bothered you for a decade, it will stand out to a buyer as a problem or sign of an underlying issue with the quality of the property.

4. Fix the dodgy step

If there is any part of your home that could be considered unsafe, then you should fix this before listing it. Wobbly steps or loose carpet corners need fixing, both for the safety of buyers and to ensure the property looks like it has been well maintained while you lived there.

5. Maintain the front aspect

First impressions are essential when buying a home so it is essential that your frontage makes a good first impression. Doing the garden up, painting the front and weeding your driveway will make the home more attractive at the outset and increase the chances of it selling for the value you expect. A quick lick of paint or hour spent weeding could translate to thousands of dollars.