10 Original ways to improve the saleability of your house

If you're thinking about selling your property, you may be wondering how to improve your chances of a quick and successful sale.

Should you try and make a few easy improvements, or is this a waste of money? Generally it's wise for prospective sellers to be careful of spending on unnecessary upgrades.

Your home doesn't have to be perfect! Buyer's will always want to put their own stamp on it - so rather focus on simple, inexpensive ways to improve appeal and stand out from the crowd.

Foster a 'lucky house', positive mindset by setting the right expectation upfront - look for a 'glass half full' first impression and get a clear idea on what great features your home offers a new family. If you need some inspiration, watch this TED talk. It's important!

Properties on the market get about five times more views during the first six weeks than at any time thereafter, so it's worth doing your homework to ensure the 'best first impression' from day one.

Here are ten ways to give your home that 'fresh appeal':

1.Boost 'kerb appeal'

This creates the 'first impression' of your home, so can instantly attract or repel prospective buyers.

Consider dividing your pavement into distinct spaces to give it some structure. For example, you can neatly arrange a collection of bigger rocks along the street edge of the pavement, then a row of indigenous grasses along the length of the property. Then an attractive pathway and taller indigenous plants along the property boundary. Cacti, succulents and other water-wise plants are good. This doesn't have to cost a fortune and will be easy to maintain.

Communities should really be focusing on upgrading their sidewalks. Maybe a 'street proud pavement competition'. It has such a hugely positive impact on the street's appeal. Buyers then seek out properties in that street. You can always spot an area where this is happening and, without a doubt, these streets become highly sought after. Many buyers mention the streets they prefer.

2. Garden and 'beautify' your entrances

People always notice a particularly pretty garden, and neighbours will quickly spread the word if a home like this comes up for sale. Make sure your driveway and pathways are weeded neat and at their best- you don't get a second chance at a first impression!

Also, check if your gates might need a coat of paint and that they are in good working order. It's easy to add a few attractive pot plants outside your entrance to give people that 'feel good' sense of confidence and encourage them to explore the rest of your home, with a positive mindset.

Interestingly, homes with beautiful gardens and palisade fences 'you can see into' tend to experience fewer security issues than those behind high walls. And will definitely attract attention and curiosity if that first impression is appealing.

3. Spend on a really good clean

Most people don't realise how dirty their houses actually are over time. A proper clean from top to bottom by a professional cleaning company, including carpets and upholstery might cost in the region of R3000 to R5000. But the benefit is huge! Subconsciously people feel the cleanliness and respond positively. Even older average houses get a lift through a good thorough clean.

If your property has been rented out, it's an absolute must-do.

This is definitely money well spent!

4. 'Lift it up' with easy styling elements  

Adding a few styling elements can make a big impact. Most people have heard of 'home staging' and there are professionals who can help if you need some guidance.

Chat to your estate agent for a recommendation, or do a little YouTube research and you'll soon feel inspired.

If you've had tenants in the property, this will be especially important in 'lifting' the vibe from a 'transitory state of mind' of the tenants to something that is fresh and appealing.

5. Declutter and go 'minimalistic'

Get the whole family involved, spend a few weekends going through the house, storerooms, garages, garden sheds and any other spaces that attract clutter.

Sell what you no longer want on Facebook Marketplace, OLX or Gumtree. Otherwise, call your preferred charity and they'll be happy to collect whatever you're giving away.

Before showing your home, tidy all surfaces and hide those items that may have a practical use but are not decorative (I've seen a motorbike petrol tank neatly placed on a dining room sideboard!) Photographs are fine. They convey a lifestyle...and that is what is being sold. People need to imagine themselves in the lifestyle the home offers.

6. Transform it with a lick of paint

Hiring a painter for a few days to wash down walls with sugar soap or patch and paint where needed, can make your home look almost 'brand new'.

Go for neutral colours and don't forget the ceilings, windows, doors, cupboards, skirtings, and other small jobs like shower grouting.

Also, attend to any exterior areas that might need sprucing up.

7. Use scents and fragrant plants

Smell is a very powerful under rated sense that subconsciously influences our decisions. We get used to the way our homes smell, not realising how this affects others.

Natural essential oils in a diffuser is a great way to create added appeal, and there are a lot of quality local oils available. Relatively inexpensive.

Also, flowering plants like fragrant Star Jasmine often bring back happy and nostalgic memories for many people - ask your local nursery for a few ideas.

8. List what you love about your home

Take some time to write down a list of 'what you love about your property' and the area you live in.

Include special rooms, occasions, family routines, places in the garden and times of the year or day.

It might be the sunshine that floods through your north facing bay windows almost all day during the winter months, friendly neighbours or your favourite deli restaurant just down the road.

Get the family together, and have a brainstorming session - you could be surprised at what you come up with.

Most houses sell to 'identical lifestyle people' - buyers like you. Often the family buying are younger than the family selling, but they value the same lifestyle.

So enhance and highlight what you love about your home!

9. Understand the market and 'price right'

Price is probably the most important factor, and a good agent will ensure you are informed of what similar homes in your street or complex have recently sold for. 

My advice in the current buyer's market, is to price at a 'point of discomfort' - if you want to sell in a reasonable time, it's wise not to place the house on the market with too much 'wiggle room'. You've only got around six weeks of prime time, so don't squander your precious time by asking too much in the hope that you'll get lucky!

The market is about 30 to 40 percent overstocked and you won't get those 'curious' but "this too expensive" buyers back. Avoid spending months on the market - you'll save more by selling quickly at a lower price, settling the bond and investing the capital.  

10. Don't underestimate selling in winter

Finally, it might seem counter-intuitive, but as soon as spring arrives there could be as much as 30 percent more stock on the market - everyone is waiting for the warmer weather and gardens at their best. But you will be competing with garden enthusiasts and hobbyists

Statistics show that a similar number of properties sell in winter as do at other times of the year, yet there are fewer houses on the market in winter. Ironically your 'hit rate could be better in winter. The beginning of the year is the exception. People make decisions in December, on the beach or on holiday and buy or sell end of January/February. So February is often a record month.

Winter might be your competitive advantage, especially if your garden is still looking good and you can portray your home in a warm and cosy light/atmosphere.