Top Tips when selling your home

KERB APPEAL

The condition of the exterior of your home is an extremely important factor when it comes to buyer appeal and those important first impressions. You have to remember that balconies and patios are important extensions of your home during those long hot Cretan summer months.

• Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames and shutters.
• If your garden shows no signs of life, a little fertilizer and some water will do wonders for its colour.
• Tend garden frequently until the home is sold.
• Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible.
• A low-cost investment in seasonal flowers or ground cover will add a personal touch.
• Replace missing shutters, gutters, and downspouts and remove any debris.
• Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles.
• Cracks in the driveway, immediate kerb and pavements can be easily repaired with ready-mix cement. For excessive stains, there are easy-to-use cleaning agents available locally.
• Minor stains can be removed using a mild bleaching agent.
• Boundary walls and fences should be well maintained.
• Make sure the area in front of your kerb and driveway is clear of debris, wash it down with the hose.
• Clean all windows thoroughly inside and outside.
• All of these suggestions may also apply to your back yard, child's play area, patios, balconies, dog kennel etc.

INTERIOR LIVING AREA

• Light and bright.
• Clean your home from top to bottom.
• Put all valuables in a safe place.
• Repair any cracks or holes in walls and touch-up paint.
• Avoid repainting the whole house but try to keep rooms neutral, use the (BMW) approach - Beige - Magnolia - White. Light pastels are the easiest for new homeowners to work with and they make your rooms look larger.
• Doors should be cleaned and touched-up as well. All torn insect screens should be repaired or replaced.
• Have carpeting and draperies cleaned. Replace cracked floor tiles.
• Carpeting should be vacuumed throughout the house the day your home is being shown and most importantly clean those prized marble/granite floor tiles
• If you have a fireplace, make sure the screen is in good shape, and the hearth is clean.
• Lubricate squeaking doors, windows, and cabinets
• Place deodorizers in each room and closet. Store out-of-season clothes so that fitted wardrobes do not look cluttered.
• Pre-pack items, which may clutter your home and make rooms, appear smaller.
• A few colourful plants will help liven and add colour to the interior.

KITCHEN

• The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Keep the work surfaces clean and clear of appliances. All visible appliances should be clean and neatly organized. An open appearance with sunlight and green plants here and there will make the room a focal point. Make it light and bright!
• Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Clean fans and vent hoods

BATHROOM

• Fragrance is an extremely important factor throughout the house but particularly in bathrooms and cloakrooms
• All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove stains from sinks toilets, and baths.
• Replace old caulking around bath and sinks if necessary.
• Repair or replace leaky taps.
• Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odours.
• Clean all mirrors.
• Keep all toilets clean and keep seat lids closed.
• Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

WHEN SHOWING YOUR HOME

• Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.
• Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.
• Open all shutters and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room.
• If you are planning to move around the same time you are selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.
• Any household or children's toys should be stored away.
• Turn television sets off. Turn on a radio with soft music at low volume.
• While your home is being shown, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbour, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.
• Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.
• Put on the coffee pot, a pleasant aroma means "home" to many people so try not to go over-board with aerosols.
• Once your home is on the market, let your New Horizons agent do the job. Do not try to assist unless asked by the agent showing your home.
• If you are trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up, unless you are asked. Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.
• Should a buyer stop by, refer all enquires to your agent. Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent, as he/she will be able to answer in the most positive manner.
• Notify your agent if you'll be out of town about how to contact you. Remember timing is everything.

FOLLOW NEW HORIZONS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ABOUT THESE OFTEN TAKEN-FOR-GRANTED SIMPLE STEPS AND YOU ARE SURE TO SECURE A SALE