The main aim of putting a property on the market is to sell it quickly and at a good price. Location is often said to be the key but, no matter where it is, your property will attract the most interest based on the first impression it makes. Whether viewed online, at a real estate agent’s window, in the newspaper or as a drive-by, it’s the first glance that leads to closer inspection by potential buyers. If the house appears neglected, or as though it may present problems down the track, it will put them off. A general state of disrepair creates an unkempt appearance and suggests the buyer will need to spend more money later.

Selling Our Place
We bought an investment property five years ago. Built in the 1950s, the house was overgrown and fairly run-down. We tidied it up, painting inside and out, and replaced the carpet with polished floors. A new kitchen and landscaping completed the home’s transformation into an appealing rental property. When it became vacant recently, we decided to put it on the market. The house was sound, but needed a good spruce up to create that favourable first impression crucial to a quick sale and fair price.