Sell your home for more with the help of appliances

June 19th, 2012

Appliance Talk

There about a million and one things that can affect property values; everything from location, to property age and condition, to more complicated market trends that don’t always seem to make sense.

But in the end, all a property’s value boils down to is how much a buyer is willing to pay for it on sale day.

We all know that renovations can play a big role in boosting a home’s value in the eyes of potential buyers.  Appliances Online CEO, John Winning, recently shared his renovation tips, which include fixing up the kitchen rather than the bathroom, and to use quality appliances that last.

Here are a few more ways you can sell a home for more, and what kind of appliances can help:

Remove clutter and create space

This is usually the number one rule of home selling among real estate agents, so it’ll be number one for us too.

Potential buyers at inspections come to see a property, not your accumulated possessions.  They’d rather imagine how they’re going to use the space than see how you’ve already used it.

Get as much of your stuff as possible off the floor, off the benches, off the tables and off the shelves.  Put it in cupboards, or if that’s not possible, in storage.  Let the buyers see all the potential in the open spaces you’re offering.

Built-in and integrated appliances can use space efficiently to create a good impression.  Wall ovens, built in microwaves, fridges, dishwashers, and even some built-in coffee machines can free up bench space in your kitchen, creating an open environment that’s full of potential.

Get rid of pets and smells

Even though you love Fido or Pussykins, unfortunately, not everyone else does.  And even if you don’t realise it, pets create distinctive odours that will linger in your home even after you send them to live with the neighbours for a while.

If you have carpets, use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair setting to thoroughly purge your home of all hair.  To get rid of the pet smell, and to generally freshen up the odours in your house, you can open the windows and let the fresh air flow through the place, or if that’s not an option, you can run an air purifier for a while.

And while we’re on smells, don’t use the old trick of baking bread or brewing coffee to create a nice scent during an inspection.  Buyers are onto this old chestnut, and may think that you’ve got something to hide.

Fix up the little things

They say you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but little details can be a big deal when it comes to making a first impression.

Something as simple as adding shiny new door knobs, light fittings and power points can make the difference between a modern-looking house and a tired, worn-out one, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

In the prestige area of the kitchen, you can add a quality tap and/or sink to turn an otherwise utilitarian space into something you’d be proud to show off.

Air conditioning is incredible

Whether your buyer is an owner occupier or an investor, someone is going to have to live in the property, so you’ll want to make sure the conditions in the home are tolerable all year round, no matter the location or season.

A reverse cycle air conditioner can greatly encourage buyers and prove a drawcard to potential tenants, so investors should be able to remain confident of steady rental income down the track.

Consider energy efficiency

Everyone worries about the cost of energy, so if you can relieve some of a potential buyer’s concerns by investing in creating a ‘green’ home, they’ll be grateful.

Try to make sure that any appliances that you integrate into the property are energy and water-efficient, so residents will be able to live well without it costing the earth.  Keep an eye on the Energy Star Rating where available to know when you’re getting a good model that will be able to save energy.

Other ways that you can ‘green’ your property include improving the insulation and, if your property is in a cooler area, installing a natural gas outlet for a gas heater, which is typically a more economical heating option in the winter than many electric heaters.

Finally

It’s easy to over-capitalise when renovating a property and spend too much on features that won’t necessarily boost the property’s value.  You don’t have to spend a lot to really improve a property in the eyes of a buyer, which can result in more competitive offers and better returns.

Also, as everyone’s property and situation is different, have a good think about what’s your best plan before you start taking action.  Not every piece of value-boosting advice applies equally to everyone, or every property, and nothing is ever guaranteed.