Preparing a neglected Northern Districts home for sale

Inheriting a house or helping a loved one downsize can be a bittersweet experience. While the home is filled with memories, ownership can also be overwhelming, especially when the property needs some TLC. If you want to sell a neglected Northern Districts home, follow these steps to transform it into a desirable property that commands a premium price.

How to prepare a neglected home for sale

1. Declutter and depersonalise

The first step is to declutter. Decades of accumulated belongings can make a home feel smaller and less appealing to potential buyers. Sort through items, deciding what to keep, donate or discard. This can be emotionally challenging, so consider involving family and friends to help.

Depersonalisation is also essential. While your loved one’s cherished collections might bring them joy, too much stuff can distract potential buyers. Pack away personal items, such as family photos and memorabilia, to create a neutral space that allows buyers to imagine how they would live in the home.

2. Assess the property’s condition

Once the clutter is cleared, it’s time to assess the property’s condition. Look for issues like worn carpets, rotting floors or window frames, peeling paint, outdated fixtures and neglected landscaping. It’s also essential to check for underlying problems such as roof leaks, plumbing issues or electrical faults.

Mice, fleas and rats may be present in neglected homes, regardless of whether the owner has a pet. Professional building and pest inspections help identify and rectify any significant problems before you put the house on the market. 

3. Target your buyer

When working with Page&Co., we can advise you on the type of buyer most likely interested in your property. In the Northern Districts, families tend to be the primary target market. Creating a space that appeals to their needs will help secure a quick sale. Think about ample living areas, functional kitchens and low-maintenance outdoor space.

Our real estate agents can also discuss whether it’s worth removing the furniture and hiring more modern pieces or getting a home stager involved. IStaging or styling helps potential buyers visualise the space’s potential.

Getting a trusted real estate agent’s objective feedback is invaluable, as they can lead you down the right path and bring to light factors you hadn’t considered.

4. Invest in improvements

Investing in strategic improvements can significantly increase your property’s value. However, we stress that you should seek advice first as you don’t want to overcapitalise; that is, you don’t want to spend more money than you will recoup in the sale. 

Start with decluttering, then progress into:

• Kitchen and bathroom upgrades: Cosmetic upgrades won’t cost too much but can help you win buyers.
• Fresh paint: A coat of neutral paint can instantly brighten up a space.
• Landscaping: A well-maintained back garden, paired with optimal kerb appeal, creates a positive first impression. Buyers will judge a book (your home) by its cover.
• Pressure washing: Pressure washing the house’s exterior, from the walkway to the walls and even the roof, can have a massive impact for not much outlay. 

5. Leverage professional help

Preparing a neglected home for sale can be overwhelming. Consider hiring professionals to assist with cleaning, gardening, painting and repairs to save you time and energy and allow you to focus on other aspects of the sale.

Our team can put you in touch with companies to oversee the project for you.

6. Maximise your return

Remember, your efforts to prepare your home for sale will have a direct impact on the price. By investing time and money in maintenance and improvements, you’ll reap the rewards. The alternative is handing an unfinished home to a buyer for a lower price and allowing them to receive the equity from the improvements ‒ not what we want.

Need help preparing your Northern Districts home for sale?

Turning a neglected home into a desirable property takes effort, but it’s worth it for the successful sale price. Contact Page&Co today, and we can help you every step of the way.