| Subtract, don't add when showing a
small home |
With more people working from home at least part
of the time, the demand for properties with a study or home office
space has increased, but if your property does not have this extra
space don't be too hasty to plan an addition or renovation before
trying to sell.
There is really no need to do so as there is currently
excellent demand for well-priced smaller properties - especially
among previously disadvantaged buyers who want to move to established
suburbs close to good schools and workplaces. Adding on, in many
cases, would just render properties too expensive for such buyers.
What is more, there is a growing trend among busy
young executives and professionals to deliberately seek out smaller
homes in upmarket suburbs so that they can enjoy the advantages
of living in such areas without maintenance or security becoming
too much of a burden.
And then there are many retirees who don't want
to leave a familiar area, but would be delighted to downsize from
a large family home to a smaller property that is easier to manage.
Consequently, you are usually better off not making expensive alterations
but making sure the space you do have is well kept and well presented.
This is what will give your home the edge over others in the same
price range.
And the number one strategy for making a small
home look bigger and more appealing is to get rid of clutter. Move
that lifetime's collection of knicknacks, holiday mementoes and
heirlooms out of sight and keep accessories and art works simple.
Other ideas include:
- Painting walls and ceilings in light colours and hanging light
curtains and blinds.
- Removing unnecessary items of furniture and adding mirrors
to give rooms more depth.
- Using tall, narrow lamps and planters that take up less floor
space and add an impression of height.
- If possible, incorporating an outside entertainment area into
the "living space" through the use of sliding doors.
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| It's still worth having showdays |
Home sellers who don't receive an offer after a showday may question
the value of such occasions and the effort it takes to get a home
ready for showing - especially now that prospective buyers can "view"
homes on the Internet and set up appointments to visit only those
in which they are really interested.
But knowledgeable estate agents who have experienced both disappointing
and exciting initial responses to showdays still have great faith
in their value as a marketing tool.
They point out that not all properties are advertised electronically
and that not everyone has access to the Internet. What is more,
buyers can't really get the feel of a home from a photo or video.
Showdays, especially on weekends, give buyers the opportunity to
visit properties and envisage what it would really be like to live
there.
In addition, holding a show house generates "live feedback"
that will validate an asking price or help the seller to make a
quick adjustment in line with what buyers in the area are really
prepared to pay. It can also help affirm an agent's advice about
the way the house looks or what it needs, as well as marketing strategy.
Of course it can happen that the only people who show up on a particular
showday are inquisitive neighbours or some hopelessly underqualified
buyers.
However, this is much less likely if you have chosen to work with
an experienced, knowledgeable agent who will match your efforts
to prepare your home for the showday with his or her own efforts
to promote and advertise the showday properly and generate maximum
possible interest among suitable buyers.
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| Don't let electrical problems
come as a shock |
It's winter and the increased use of heaters, stoves,
geysers and electric blankets is putting the electrical systems
in many homes under strain - and families at greater risk from electrical
hazards and fires.
Unfortunately, however, most homeowners don't know
what to do to prevent electrical accidents, although there are signs
that should alert them to potential problems - and prompt them to
seek professional help.
The first of these is receiving even a mild shock
when you use any plug, switch or appliance. This indicates that
at least part of the system is not properly wired and grounded.
Secondly, you should watch out for flickering or
dimming lights: This could indicate a loose connection, an overloaded
circuit, improper wiring, or arcing and sparking inside the walls.
Hot, discoloured plug boxes, switch plates, cords or plugs are also
a bad sign. If you can't keep your hand on these for more than five
seconds, you may have an overload or product malfunction.
Fourth, you should not ignore the smell of burning
metal or plastic as this may indicate a loose or broken connection,
a malfunctioning switch, overheating components, arcing or sparking
inside the walls, a damaged cord or any one of several other potential
hazards.
Fifth, you should check regularly for frayed or
overheated cords, light bulbs that are the wrong wattage and overloaded
plugs or circuits that are often a sign of insufficient capacity.
And finally, even if you have not detected any
electrical problem, the Electrical Safety Foundation International
recommends a thorough system inspection by a qualified electrician
for any home more than 40 years old, any home more than 10 years
old that has had any major renovation or major appliance added,
and any home at the time of purchase.
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Homeowners preparing their properties for sale
and buy-to-let investors need to think about the features that will
most impress the new generation of buyers and tenants - and the
lifestyles of young adults can provide valuable clues.
For example, young people tend to seek entertainment
outside the home much more frequently than their parents did. This
indicates that a young couple with two salaries coming in may well
prefer an area close to restaurants, cinemas, clubs and other leisure
venues. In addition, a formal living room and dining room is likely
to be much less important to them than an older-generation buyer.
Similarly, young buyers or tenants are much more
likely to view a spare bedroom as a potential study or computer
room than as occasional accommodation for visitors. In any case
time on the Internet usually takes up quite a chunk of their day
and they appreciate having a dedicated space to go online.
Many also want space for gym equipment, and most
insist on good "lock up and go" security. Environmental
awareness is also growing and greater energy-efficiency is also
becoming a must.
Meanwhile a well-designed kitchen with plenty of
work surface and cupboard space is still high on the priority list
of most younger buyers and as outdoor entertainment is common in
SA's summers, both buyers and tenants favour homes with a patio
and / or a dedicated braai area.
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