Some easy steps to prepare your house: -

A) TIDYING AND UNCLUTTERING……

Your driveway / Living / Family Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms to give the house a more spacious and refreshing look. A friendly cut lawn and trimming shrubs / plants give client the first impression this owner maintains his property well.

B) CLEANING…

Give the house a thorough cleaning, including Furniture , Fixtures and Fittings, Cupboards and Shelfs, Curtains, Doors and Windows, Sinks and Bathtubs, Patio, Backyard, Walkways, Ponds and Swimming Pool and not forgetting your Pets as well.

C) REPAIRING

A little work will go a long way with your clients. Repair, Repaint or replace necessary items will make the house like new. If planning repainting house or areas of the house choose neutral colours.

Checklists of Repairs

1) Ensure gates work and opens easily. A fresh coat of paint on gates, fencing and main door will enhance the whole
property.
2) Replace crack or broken window panels. Make sure shades, blinds, shutters are in working condition and windows open easily.
3) Patch cracks on walls, ceilings and floorings.
4) Tighten loose doorknobs, hinges and knobs of cupboards and kitchen cabinets.
5) Check for Roof Leakage or patch marks on ceilings.
6) Ensure doorbells work
7) Check all lightings, air-conditioners, fans are working.

The list can go on depending on how much work needed for your house and your willingness to go the extra mile.

* Upgrading the Kitchen and Bathrooms will definitely score high marks with the Expatriates looking to rent

D) STAGING YOUR HOUSE…

The final touch is appealing to your clients 5 senses i.e. vision, touch, smell, hearing even taste, you are already positioning your house in the top of their list for a “Home”.

The following are some ideas that can be implemented:

1) Place or rent some basic furniture if the house is empty, to have a ‘live in’ look.
2) Use plants and fresh flowers to bring the outdoors in, a little landscaping to your basic garden will certainly be welcoming.
3) The smells of baking cookies or cake in the kitchen. Alternatively light scented candles at entryway / lounge areas.
4) Place fresh towels on the bathroom rack.
5) Dress up the Dining Table with fresh flowers, tableware and cutlery and table napkin.
6) Play soft music and turn off television.
7) On hot weathers, switch on the air-conditioners to cool the house.
8) Set out a tray with drinks ready to be served.

With all of these in place, your clients will surely have a memorable and positive first impression on your house and hopefully be the choice of their home.