JMW Real Estate -  suggests the following tips to assist you in maximising the sale potential of your property to attract prospective buyers. Consider undertaking the following to obtain optimum price.

Outside

• General tidy up - weed and mulch gardens, trim trees and shrubs and keep lawns mowed.
• Sweep, degrease & high pressure clean drives and patio areas, pavers, garage or carports'.
• Clear letter box of junk mail.
• Be aware of safety - tidy up and don't leave anything where visitors are likely to trip or injure themselves.

Paintwork

Clean marks off walls and ceilings and if walls and ceilings are badly marked or damaged consider patching and re-painting choosing neutral tones that will appeal to most people (dark colours make rooms appear smaller; light colours open up areas). Touch up skirting boards, architraves and door frames.

Indoors

• Clear away day to day evidence of family living, but at the same time give a homely, lived in look.
• Keep your home as uncluttered as possible, particularly in walkways.
• Position all furniture to make rooms look bigger and easy to walk around.
• Consider having carpets professionally cleaned.
• Oil squeaking doors and plane any doors that stick.
• Repair dripping taps and remove water stains from tubs and basins, polish taps and clean chrome appliances.
• Fix broken or loose tiles and ensure that grouting in bathroom/kitchen/laundry/toilet areas is clean and free of mould.
• Remove and clean exhaust fans.
• Remove kitty litter trays and animal feeding bowls.

General

• Remove all cobwebs inside and out.
• Consider providing healthy plants or fresh flowers in the kitchen, bathroom and anywhere else they will look attractive.
• Lock away valuables prior to inspections.
• Leave all connecting doors wide open to give a feeling of space.
• If teenagers' rooms are full of slogans and signs that could be offensive or controversial, consider taking these down so as not to offend prospective purchasers.
• Remove ashtrays.
• If possible, it is best the owners leave during inspection times. Few prospective buyers can relax with the owners standing around expectantly hopeful.
• Take pets away with you when leaving the house for inspections.