How to Quickly and Easily Sell Your Property At Top Dollar

By Peter Swain

Contents How to Quickly and Easily Sell Your Property for Top Dollar! Staging – What exactly is it? Top Presentation Tips Three Best Tips for Clutter Busting! Your Personal Staging Checklist 4 Top Makeover Moves to Sell Your Property Faster! 5 Hot Tips for Setting a Selling Price for Your Property The Sweetest Sight- A Sold Sign

LEGAL DISCLAIMER The Publisher strives to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this report, notwithstanding the fact that they do not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the market.

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organisations are unintentional.

In practical advice books, as in anything else in life, there are no guarantees. Readers are cautioned to rely on their own judgment about their individual circumstances and to act accordingly.

This book is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek the services of competent professionals in legal, business, accounting, and finance fields.

How to Quickly and Easily Sell Your Property for Top Dollar! Would you like to sell your property quickly and for top dollar? This book is intended to help you skip a potentially painful waiting process, financial hardship, and a glaring lack of buyers willing to seriously consider purchasing your property. Whether your property is a freestanding house, villa or unit, it's vitally important that any property for sale is well presented. Staging is a simple and effective method that ensures that ANY property for sale HAS GREATER APPEAL to an INCREASED AMOUNT OF BUYERS! Apart from attracting a larger pool of potential buyers thus allowing you to get a great price, it's often equally important (at times essential) for you to make a quick sale. The good news is that you can 'STAGE' YOUR OWN PROPERTY WITH MINIMAL EFFORT AND ALMOST MINIMAL OUTLAY! Some companies hire out, or even become ‘staging professionals’. They charge substantial additional fees for this service, but as my existing or prospective client, I'd like to save you this extra cost and actually make you MORE MONEY by revealing to you the fundamental principles and secrets stagers use to bring maximum appeal to buyers, regardless of their aesthetic tastes and preferences. My job is to help you sell your property quickly and for maximum dollar – staged property add as much as 10% more to the eventual sale price.

Staging- What exactly is it? Imagine potential buyers coming to inspect your property. Are you going to have the environment 'staged' for the perfect performance that ensures an encore and quick purchase? Or are you going to leave it any old how so that subtle signs of disorder and a lack of caring turns buyers off? Staging, also known as property-styling or property presentation, is the art of preparing your house to show it in its most appealing advantage. It's the action of creating an environment in which buyers can see themselves living. By minimising flaws and emphasising your properties attributes you can get buyers to feel a sense of urgency about making an offer before someone else buys it! When we meet a person for the first time, we form critical first impressions in those first few moments. That's probably what you did with me or my sales material and that's exactly what will happen when prospective buyers come to your property. It's widely known in the real estate industry that in the first eight seconds of viewing a property, buyers will know if they are attracted or not. The rest of the time will be based on those allimportant first impressions. If we're selling a car, we usually wash and vacuum it, make sure that the motor will start, ensure that the lights are working. We do all this to present our car to the best advantage so that it will sell! Your property is no different – except that you stand to make much more money. Simply cleaning a house and doing routine maintenance, however, is only a small part of staging.

I’d like to emphasise that I am not here to judge you; I'm here to work with you to sell your property. In all my years of experience in this business, I've seen every single possible type of property, all in varying states of habitation, and I look at each with a detached, professional eye. Regardless of whether I’m selling a one bedroom flat or a waterfront mansion, it all boils down to the same consideration – how can I get my client the best possible outcome? In your particular case, staging is about getting what we both want – top dollar for your property and a quick sale. It’s a win-win situation. Frankly, it's easier for me to sell a staged property. They'll be the first to go from my listings. With staged properties, I can generate more interest, more traffic, ask a higher price and settle a faster sale! Well-showcased properties sell 84% faster than those that aren't. If you look at your property and feel overwhelmed about how to present it to best advantage, the ensuing GUIDELINES will take the guesswork away. You can follow clear, STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS for how to stage your property to maximum advantage!!! The bonus is that you don't have to pay someone else to do it for you. An even bigger bonus is that it could get you a higher asking price! Although it is true that different buyers have different tastes, with certain fundamental elements one can never go wrong. In the following section, I will reveal to you the fundamental principles that staging professionals follow.

Top Presentation Tips Some of the suggestions listed below might seem self-evident but when we live in a property we often 'stop seeing' signs of disrepair, clutter, the accumulation of daily living, and furniture arrangement configurations that, while they might suit our own living purposes, could be seen to detract from living space rather than optimise it. Here are the fundamental keys to staging your house to show it to its best advantage:

Keep it Clean The first and most obvious need is to keep your property clean, and especially just before inspections. Dust, grime, dirty carpets, scuffed and dirty floors or cupboards doors, dirty windowsills, dirty light switches and door handles, are some things to maintain. During the time you're selling, it's preferable to minimise surface clutter and clear all horizontal surfaces, bench tops and counter tops. If you're not sure where to start, use the 50% RULE. Take all clutter – ornaments, vases, stacks of magazines, photo frames, bits and pieces and remove half of it. Then take another half away from the remainder. If you need to, pack things away in cupboards or in storage and prepare your self for the move.

De-Clutter Any house with a lot of clutter can be off-putting to prospective

buyers. It's busy, confusing, and might detract from their appreciation of the space. It can also make rooms look and feel much smaller in dimension. Also, if your house is crammed with photos, certificates, memorabilia, it can be difficult for the buyer to envisage where they're going to position their possessions.

Optimise Space More and more people today are looking to optimise the space in their house. It makes sense – the efficient use of space offers better opportunities for creating extra living. Even houses that are small in dimension can still offer spaces with specialised purposes and functions. An example of how to stage your house to create the impression of optimal space is to take out any unnecessary extra furniture that blocks traffic flow. Don't just expect the buyer to see potential – if there's room under a staircase for a compact office, then place a desk and chair there so that the buyer can clearly see that this otherwise dead space can function as an extra room. Or if there's an unused patio or balcony, arrange some comfortable chairs there to suggest a relaxation space.

Make Your Beds and Do the Dishes! If I bring prospective buyers to your house and the beds are unmade – it looks sloppy.

Buyers will be attempting to project their own lives into your house. Many buyers perceive that they are purchasing a lifestyle as well as a home. If they are met with unmade beds and a sink full of dirty plates – that may not be the life they want to purchase! If it's all too much and you need a chill-out day, then talk to me and nominate a day or time when you don't want me to take buyers to your place.

Clean and Organise Walk-inWardrobes, Cupboards, Pantries and Storage spaces. Ensure the contents of your walk-in-wardrobe and pantry are neatly arranged. It might seem nosy for people to want to look inside, but sometimes prospective buyers want to see the entire house – partly to ensure a lack of wear or damage. If wardrobes and pantries in particular are neatly arranged it gives an impression of order. Most buyers want to feel as if they're buying an orderly life, even in the case of an investment property.

Let There Be Light Have your curtains and window coverings drawn back to let in natural light. Feature natural light as much as possible in the staging of your house. It feels fresh, airy and wholesome. Although artificial lighting can be used to enhance the interiors of your house, it can sometimes leave a gloomy impression.

Fluorescent lights can seem alienating. Down lights, lamps and studio lighting create a warmer impression.

Fresh Air A house that has been locked up and sealed for a number of days can smell stuffy and feel unloved and oppressive. Try to air the house a short while before an inspection.

Leave Your House Let me do the showing around. Buyers want to feel unrestricted when it comes to asking questions and thoroughly inspecting the house. If they feel inhibited by your presence they may be less likely to make an offer or talk openly about their plans to purchase.

Clean Yard, Balconies, and Outside Areas Your garden needs to be neat, tidy and weed free. Mow the lawns, weed the garden and consider covering with mulch.

Do Your Repairs Unless they are planning full-scale renovations, buyers are turned off by the prospect of having to immediately fix up the home they purchase. Not only do they feel overwhelmed by the prospect of purchasing a property in disrepair, it also gives them leverage to negotiate down your asking price!

Be Accessible You may have a busy schedule, but try to make sure that you are available to answer any questions prospective buyers might have about your house. This is one simple way in which you can ensure your house gets sold quickly. Inaccessible owners lose many a potential buyer.

Dogs and Pets If you have unusual pets, best to keep them from view. A snake, guinea pig or rat, might not make the desired impression – some potential buyers could be phobic. Even domestic animals such as dogs are best kept outside during an inspection.

The Stink Factor Make sure your house does not smell. It is the fastest way to get rid of a buyer. That includes animal smells (cat wee is a killer), blocked drainage and cigarette smoke.

White Walls If your walls are stained or tired and you’re planning on repainting your home before selling, then use a neutral colour. It might seem bland, but it actually creates a sense of spaciousness and light – two of the most desirable factors buyers seek.

Welcoming Touches Never underestimate the power of vases of fresh flowers or the smell of freshly baked biscuits, but be careful not to cook food that's overpowering or that leaves a stale or rancid odour. Fresh flowers, ventilation, light and good smells are simple details that convey a wholesome sense of a home well loved and lived in that can resonate powerfully with a potential buyer.

Check Regularly Inspect your house to see everything is in place. Although you might be gritting your teeth at times while working to stage your house – imagine how you’ll feel when your home sells faster.

Presenting Vacant Properties Vacant homes can be harder to sell because they lack warmth. If you're after a swift sale and top dollar, seriously consider renting stylish furniture, paintings and decorations to create living spaces buyers can project themselves into.

More Top Tips on How to Make a ‘Good First Impression’… Presentation. That’s the keyword to keep in mind while selling your house. ‘First impression forms the last impression’ is a proverb that continues to hold true with real estate. To ensure that you make a good impression on the prospective buyers, you need to fix all those things in your house that have fallen into disrepair or the 'some day in the future' or just plain 'too hard basket'. Broken, damaged, and dirty ARE NOT NORMAL to many potential buyers.

Three Best Tips for Clutter Busting! TIP #1 Find the problem areas. You’ll know them when you start to look for them. Piles of newspapers, magazines, or busy bench tops that attract attention.

TIP #2 Clear clutter first and free up energy for the rest of your cleaning efforts. Consider having a box in which you sort the clutter you’re uncertain about and pack it away.

TIP#3 When you’re cleaning and tidying, carry a basket around with you in which to put all clutter. These items can be sorted and restored to their rightful locations later. It will speed your cleaning process and make it easier to keep up momentum.

Your Personal Staging Checklist: Outside □

Mow the grass and trim the edges (including the verge.)

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Clean the driveway.

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Weed flower beds.

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Trim bushes for easy access to entrance.

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Wash the house and de-cobweb.

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Clean the windows inside and out.

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Keep the garage neat and tidy.

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Keep the back door clutter-free.

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Clear any rubbish in the yard.

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Consider setting up a table and chairs on a verandah or patio for an outdoor leisure space.

Kitchen □

Clean taps and fittings to make them shine.

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Polish counters, cabinets and other furniture.

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Clean the floor, make it shine.

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Clean cupboard doors thoroughly.

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Clean all surface equipment.

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Clean the outside of the refrigerator, dishwasher and oven.

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Make the stovetop shine.

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Put appliances (toaster, juicer, mixer etc) away in cupboards to enhance the impression of cleanliness and bench room.

Bathroom and Toilet □

Clean and polish all taps and fittings.

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Clean and polish basin and bath.

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Clean and scrub shower recess.

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Clean toilet.

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Display your best towels and hand towels.

Laundry □

Polish the sink.

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Clean the surface of the washing machine.

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Remove dirty washing and ironing board.

Bedrooms □

Make beds before leaving.

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Ensure windowsills are clean and curtains are washed.

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Keep your wardrobes and drawers tidy.

Living Room □

Keep it tidy.

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Remove all clutter.

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Make sure curtains and drapes are washed and tidy.

Dining Room □

Keep your table well-polished, if necessary cover with a good table cloth.

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Placeflowers or attractive candles on the table.

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Keep the area clutter-free.

General □

Place potted plants wherever required. It adds glow and vibrancy to your house and also makes it look like a prosperous place to live in.

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Provide the house with good natural light. Let as must natural light into your house as possible.

Cosmetic Improvements In addition to all of the above, consider: □

Repainting walls.

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Re-position the furniture, or remove if required.

Ask yourself – would you want to buy anything broken, dirty and in disrepair? No one wants to purchase a problem unless they also

want bargain basement prices!

Colour Schemes If you're uncertain about which colour schemes to choose, stick to neutral. Or, if you yearn to be more daring, check out the latest home decorating magazines for contemporary trends.

5 Second ‘Where do I Look for What to Repair Again?' Checklist! □

Floors and ceiling.

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Bathroom and kitchen fittings.

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Lighting and ventilation.

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Doors and windows.

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Paint – both on the inside and outside.

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Drainage system around the house.

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Condition of driveway and walkway.

4 Top Makeover Moves to Sell Your Property Faster! TIP #1 A house that looks good will sell more quickly than one that is not well maintained. Simply keeping your house clean will go a long way toward encouraging potential buyers. Keeping the lawn and bushes neatly trimmed is important because those are things that can be seen straight away by driving by. They add to ‘kerb appeal’. If the exterior of your house is dirty, consider pressure- washing it.

TIP #2 A fresh coat of paint can make your house more attractive. New paint can add thousands of dollars worth of extra value to your property.

TIP #3 Carry out necessary repairs, these appeal to buyers. Even minor repairs can do wonders for a home's desirability.

TIP #4 How quickly your house sells can depend on how

easily potential buyers can find it. If you’re listing with me then I take great care in marketing.

5 Hot Tips for Setting a Selling Price For Your Property. TIP #1 As an experienced agent I know what factors affect the price of your property. I also know how to set the asking price to your advantage and help you get the most money possible.

TIP #2 When selecting a real estate agent, choose local. Real estate markets vary greatly from city to city, and even neighbourhood to neighbourhood. A local agent, will be more familiar with the area's market trends.

TIP #3 Properties that have settled recently are one of the best sources of information. Looking at properties that are similar in size and age to yours can give you a good idea of what your property could bring. It's also important to consider the area your property is in. The best comparisons are those with houses within a 3km radius of yours.

TIP #4 Active listings can give you a good idea of the asking prices for properties similar to yours. However, you have no indication of whether the property in question will actually sell for that price. How long has the listing been on the market. If it has been listed for a long time, they might have set the price too high.

TIP #5 Once we have determined what prices properties similar to yours have been selling for, you will want to look at the state of the real estate market. In a seller's market, there are more buyers than there are properties for sale. This allows sellers to get a higher price for their house due to the high demand. A buyer's market occurs when there are more properties for sale than potential buyers. That means that you will need to price your property competitively. Pricing your property may seem like a difficult task, but it doesn't have to be. As your agent, I can help you determine the best asking price for your property.

The Sweetest Sight – a SOLD Sign! If you're serious about selling your property quickly and for top dollar, and if you put into place the majority of the staging suggestions listed in this book – then you are going to be ahead in the real estate game. You will have given your property that critical extra advantage to attract a greater pool of potential buyers who'll JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT! … just picture that SOLD sign outside your home!