Renovation pays dividends

into the property than what is necessary to achieve the best price for it.
The common fallacy is that by adding expensive features on the property, this will in turn result with the seller attaining a significantly higher return when one sells.
Though it is true and cannot be dismissed as an option where funds permit, however, a substantial number of sellers do not have the resources to invest in a property before selling.
When one decides to improve a house for sale, whether funds permit or not, it is imperative that a general market assessment is done for the area the property is situated so that one does not over invest.
Over investment in most cases leads to disillusionment on the part of seller during the time the property is on the market.
Where funds are limited there are ways that improve the property without really making a dent on the wallet.
The first impression of the buyer is the exterior of the property. It is not uncommon for some buyers to turn back at the entrance because the property lacks external appeal.
Trimming hedges, mowing the lawn and removing weeds especially in visible areas is a good start.
Where there are old signs at the entrance either giving the house number or stating type of residence, it is best to remove or replace.
Washing of windows and repolishing, painting or replacing broken windows on the front door goes a long way in luring a potential customer.
These are more important in this autumn season where leaves are commonplace.
Cleaning the exterior walls especially in easily visible areas and setting up proper demarcations for different parts of the house is an advantage.
The potential buyer must be able to recognise without being informed which area is for what, example garden or workers quarters.
In some cases properties have minor problems which the seller has learnt to ignore over time, but can easily be alarming to the buyer who sees it with a “first impressions eye” and certainly will assume that these are signs of major defects in the property.
Fixing up squeaky doors, licking roofs, running toilets and filling holes can easily become a deal maker.
When it comes to the interior of the property it is critical to continue emphasising on impressions. People inadvertently clutter properties with furniture over time.
Too much furniture in rooms gives the impression that the rooms are small. The common expression “less is more’’ suffices at this point.
Leave out the best pieces of furniture that complement the property more during the viewing periods.
It is important to understand the general psyche of the targeted buyer. If it’s a residential property that one is selling then in redecorating for sale, it is imperative that the ambience of a home is either created or maintained.
Redecoration can be done with what is already available at the property. The interior of the property must also be clean.
All wooden surfaces or objects and ceramic floors are to be polished.
During viewing times the use of air fresheners or scented candles will be an added advantage.
Where the property has many doors, it is best to keep them open, first because it normally increases the amount of light available in the house in general and secondly because it reduces anxiety on the part of the buyer.
Make the most of the rooms that people are generally concerned with the most.
Cleanliness in the kitchen is a must. Ideally one has to spend a little bit on this part of the house.
If cupboards are broken then it is best to have them fixed. Where knobs are missing then replace them.
The kitchen might not be endowed with state of the art equipment and style but it must not also have visible problems.
It is common knowledge in Zimbabwe that water can be and is scarce in some parts of our country, however, this does not give the seller a general licence to litter the kitchen and bathroom with different water containers.
Storing them in closed storage spaces during viewing hours increases the possibility of the property being sold.
There are many non-expensive ways of ensuring that one’s property attains the best price possible and some are property specific and require owners to take some time to ensure that property is improved.

l Vengai Madzima is a property investment consultant and analyst with Wisdom Properties Real Estate. He can be contacted on 0772 468093. Email: [email protected]