My local real estate agent, Jim, referred me to my latest project management client. The vendor Jeff had just accepted a new job in Sydney and had to relocate in 2 weeks.

Jeff’s problem – he needed to sell his home and he needed to sell it fast! Jeff’s biggest problem – his 1970’s house was still in its original condition and he didn’t have time to get it ready for market.

So I met with Jeff and told him how Houses to Impress could take care of his whole house renovation for him, eliminate the stress and leave him free to concentrate on the big move.   I assessed the property while I was there and gave Jeff my expert opinion on what needed to be done to bring his 1970’s home into the 21st century so we could attract some serious buyers in this very tough market.

Jeff was willing to invest some money in some home improvements as he hadn’t done any upgrades since he moved into the house in 1983. He was well aware that it would be very difficult to sell the house in its present condition, in the current slow market.  Jim, the real estate agent, appraised the house “as is” at $280,000 – $300,000. I did a quick calculation on the upgrades that were required and estimated that to fully renovate and style the house for sale would cost about $20,000 – $25,000. Jeff was prepared to spend that amount to ensure he could sell his home fast and for a higher price. I discussed my planned renovation ideas with Jim, the agent, and after doing some comparisons for the area we both agreed that the market price “after reno” would sit in the range of $330,000 to $350,000.

Jeff was happy with these estimated figures and gave me the go ahead to project manage the cosmetic renovation. I immediately got to work with a plan that would enable me to get the whole job done in 30 days.

Step 1 – Renovation Plan

Kitchen

• Remove old narrow style kitchen
• Get electrician to install new power points
• Install new kitchen
• Remove old freestanding stove and replace with new oven, cooktop and range hood
• Install new sink and modern flick mixer tap
• Install tile splash back

Bathroom

• Remove and replace old shower screen
• Remove old style vanity and replace with a new corner unit
• Resurface existing wall tiles
• Resurface existing floor tiles
• Get electrician to install new 3 in 1 heat/lamp/light and replace power points

Toilet

• Resurface existing floor tiles
• Replace cistern and toilet seat

Laundry

• Resurface existing floor tiles

Paintwork – Interior

• Repair minor cracks and gaps in cornices in most rooms
• Paint all ceilings
• Paint all walls
• Prime and paint wall paneling in main lounge room (same colour as walls)
• Paint all door and window trims

Paintwork – Exterior

• Spray Paint old galvanised fences
• Spray Paint shed
• Paint some areas of timber gables at front and rear of property where needed

Main bedroom

• Remove old doors from built-in robe
• Install new doors, frame and return on built-in robe

Bedroom 3

• Remove built in desk and bookcase to open up the space

Flooring

• Remove 70’s shagpile carpet from bedrooms, lounge/dining and hallway
• Replace with new Godfrey Hirst textured loop stainmaster
• Lay new vinyl (over top of old vinyl) in kitchen

Gardening and exterior improvements

• Remove weeds from old garden beds
• Place bamboo screening on one section of fence to hide ugly fence
• Add low maintenance plants to rear garden beds
• Add eco mulch to all garden beds over top of existing scoria
• Trim back all shrubs in front garden
• Repair small sections of wood rot in front windows and paint
• Remove amber glass from front courtyard area and replace with timber slats to match existing features in courtyard
• Paint letterbox

One of the main keys to success in project management is great planning and organisation. Next step will be gathering my dream team of tradies and coordinating the work to fit in with my home makeover schedule.

See some teaser photos below!!

Most people would be really upset if their superannuation fund suddenly dropped ten, twenty, thirty thousand dollars, or more. Yet many homeowners regularly suffer these kinds of losses without a second thought when they sell their home and/or investment property.

Why is that?  Why would homeowners fail to perceive that their home is an important investment, as well as shelter for themselves, their dog and cat?

For the vast home owning majority, building home equity is a critical component of retirement planning and building net worth. So, it only makes sense to get the most money possible when you sell. Think what you could do with those extra thousands of dollars

– A lifestyle reward like a holiday or a brand new car for your family
– A bigger down payment on your new home
– Capital to invest in a business venture or
– Money to create more wealth by funding another investment

It is a sad fact that very few homeowners sell their homes for the most money possible. They end up giving thousands of dollars to the buyers as equity gifts! A common thread I hear from people when they are getting ready to sell is  ”Why do I need to spend money when I am moving out anyway?”  They are unwilling to do what it takes when their home is involved and thousands of dollars in lost equity is on the line.

That’s where we come in. At Houses to Impress we believe in challenging the mindset & actions of home sellers. We believe home owners should think differently about how they sell their largest asset, their home. And most importantly, we believe that any homeowner has the ability to sell their home fast and for maximum price given the right advice.

Our top tips to achieve the most profit when you sell your home

• Change the way you think about your home – it is no longer your home, it is a marketable product
• See your house with a buyer’s eyes
• Repair it before your sell it – inspect your house like an Inspector!
• Get rid of all your stuff – buyers aren’t interested in your personal stuff. They are buying a lifestyle
• Lifestyle upgrades equate to Top Dollar Sales – think Kitchen, Bathroom, Garden
• Create more space by getting rid of excess clutter
• First impressions count – don’t forget your Street Appeal
• Dress you house to impress using home staging techniques

In getting the most money possible from the sale of your home, the condition of your home is what you have the greatest control over. If you ignore the condition or packaging, as the marketing people call it, it will come back to haunt you.

If you are ready to take action to turn your average house into a dream home that potential buyers will fall in love with click here to find out more about our "Sold for Top Dollar Transformation Package"