Tips for achieving the best Selling Price on your home

Every Seller wants to get the best possible price for their home. This can be tough in a competitive market, therefore sellers need to set their home apart from the competition. A few small changes and improvements around the home can put your property in the front running and 1st place on a buyer's list.

Below are six home improvements that buyers are increasingly looking are:

#1 - Security. This includes protective boundary walls, electric fencing, burglar bars and security gates. Additionally, buyers now want an added layer of security such as an alarm system, cameras, beams in the garden and good exterior lighting.

#2 - Energy-saving lighting. LED lighting is now necessary for homes as they use significantly less power. Given that power outages are here to stay for the near future, there is now more demand for homes with lighting which use rechargeable globes so that the lights can stay on when the power is out and reduce electricity usage at the same time.

#3 - Gas for cooking and heating. A gas stove helps reduce the reliance on electricity. Woodburning fireplaces offer cost savings and are regarded as renewable energy usage. Ceiling insulation is another desirable feature as it helps keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter, thereby reducing reliance on electricity for air-conditioning and heaters.

#4 - Solar heating. A solar geyser is a great investment as it will reduce your power usage and add value. Solar panels can take care of all your household hot water needs. You could also use it to heat your swimming pool which will add further value. While a full solar heating system can be costly, you can start small and build on it. A GeyserWise is also a great option for reducing wasted energy on water heating.

#5 - Back-up power system. A back-up power system can keep necessities such as the internet and computers on during a power outage. Generally, systems range from a basic inverter system which can power your internet, laptop and television for a few hours to a sophisticated 3000-5000 watt system, fully integrated with your home distribution system.

#6 - Rainwater harvesting. A substantial amount of water can be harvested from your roof by modifying your home's guttering to direct rainwater into tanks. This water can feed all non-potable needs such as watering the garden, washing cars, outside cleaning and the swimming pool. You could also install a feed to your toilets or other high water users, but must install a filter to avoid potential damage to your sanitary ware. The water will also need to be treated.

If your property is already on the market, then below are some easy steps you can take to increase the chances of receiving an offer to purchase:

De-clutter

Consider your house no longer a home, but a retail shopfront. Customers are coming to browse. Everything - from kitchen countertops to bathroom vanities to the garage and your backyard - should be clear of all unnecessary items. You want potential buyers to focus on the best features of your home not stuff, so pack up, give away or throw away everything that clutters or distracts.

Clean

This should go without saying, so we'll just leave it at that.

De-personalise

When a buyer inspects a house, they are visualising what it would be like to move in and live there, a task made difficult if you leave personal items such as family photos, sporting trophies or religious décor. Pack these away and give your potential buyers a free slate for their imagination.

Curb appeal

We all know about the importance of first impressions. What will set the scene for your house when potential buyers either drive past, or drive in to your driveway? Front gardens, driveways, gutters, windows, mailboxes and fences all tell a story. Don't make it a horror story!

Repairs

Imagine this. The door handle comes off as you try to enter the bedroom. You turn on the light that doesn't work and listen as the ceiling fan makes an irritating screeching sound as it rotates. No handyman is required to fix so many little things that can annoy a potential buyer out of signing a contract.

Clear pathways

Don't turn your potential buyers into Jackie Chan. Buyers should not be doing their own stunts just to look through your property. Make sure there's clear pathways between rooms to make their visit a no-fuss, pleasant experience free of commando rolls.

Lighting

Time for a light bulb moment! When potential buyers walk into your bathroom and look in the mirror, soft, warm lighting can make it a more pleasant experience than it may be otherwise. In other parts of your house such as living areas, bright, white lighting will make the rooms appear bigger and more inviting. Also, think about which rooms will best be served by leaving blinds either open or closed.

Smell

This follows hard on the heels of the "clean" point (above) - a clean house is less likely to assault the nasal passages of unsuspecting visitors. The urban myth is to fill your house with odours of home cooking, but the research is in. Over-bearing smells don't sell, not matter how delicious your scones. Instead, "hints" of fresh natural odours help to sell, such as orange, lemon, pine, basil, cedar, vanilla and cinnamon.