In this three-Part series we’ll be answering questions like: "How do I prepare my house for sale to get the
highest price?" | "Should I renovate before selling?" | “Which home improvements are actually worth the
money?”| “How do I prepare my house for sale with no budget?”
PART ONE: YOU HAVE TIME, BUT NO MONEY
1ST UPGRADE: TOUCH-UP YOUR CURB APPEAL
1: The first impression, whether positive or negative, is unconsciously projected onto unseen parts of
the house. “The garden is so well kept, the house itself is bound to be in top condition!”
2: The first feeling anchors the emotional state going forward. When positive – the brain looks for
reasons to validate the happiness. If negative - the brain scans for defects to justify itself.
HOW? Start from the pavement and work your way in:
- Cut the grass and pull out the weeds, neaten up dead trees and trim overhanging plants
- Wash out oil marks from driveways, pressure wash the pavement
- Unblock gutters, drain any stagnant water, clean all windows, wash boundary walls
- Remove rust from steel gates, ensure hinges swing smoothly and latch without squeaking
Work smart, include people that are happy to help:
Option a: Little Relatives - Spark some friendly competition: host a yard work challenge where they
earn tokens to spend on rewards of their choice!
Option b: Local Day Laborers - First, run a quick criminal background check at PostNet via HURU -
Standard: R335 (24–48 hours), Priority: R565 (under 2 hours)
2nd UPGRADE: TWEAK THE INTERIOR TO BE COMPLETELY NEUTRAL
1: It lowers visual friction. Bright, neutral spaces require zero mental energy to process.
2: Removes emotional distractions. Quirky quotes or religious items, may draw up unwanted feelings.
3: Gain maximum space and light. Clutter and excess decoration darken and shrink rooms visually.
HOW?
- Remove family photos and distinct art, pack away unnecessary objects and collections
- Clear all surfaces by 70% - i.e. pack away toasters, place mats, toothbrushes
- Replace bold colours with light neutral tones – i.e. throw blankets, bright curtains, etc.
3rd AND LAST UPGRADE: SPRING CLEAN!
Along with your favorite playlist and a reward waiting for you when you’re done**:**
1: Remove lingering odours. Smells that you’ve become “nose-blind” to.
2: Uncover hidden issues. Minor defects to fix or disclose before a buyer’s inspector finds them.
3: Create more value. Clean implies well-maintained and in better condition.
4: Visually enlarge the property. Clear surfaces reflect light and remove visual noise.
HOW? Additionally to how you would clean your house normally:
- Wipe down all walls and ceiling surfaces, clean handles and light switches,
- Clear and clean cabinets and drawers, wash windows, then buff with crumpled newspaper
- Take apart and deep-clean built-in kitchen and bathroom appliances (e.g., oven, fridge)
- Clean permanent wall and ceiling fixtures, organize the garage and storage areas
PART 2: YOU HAVE NO TIME AND NO MONEY
Here is the secret trick: Ask your estate agent to do it for you. You pay them commission after
all… Small acts like organizing a spring clean and perhaps a declutter of your home can be
negotiated into the sales process with your estate agent partner.
PART 3: YOU HAVE BOTH TIME AND HAVE MONEY
Additional to “WHEN YOU HAVE TIME , BUT NO MONEY”, do this:
1st UPGRADE: MINOR REPAIRS TO ELIMINATE NEGOTIATION DISCOUNTS
Replace all blown bulbs and ensure uniform warm lighting (~2700K – 3000K)
Fill interior hairline cracks and watermark stains, touch up any paint chips
Replace loose cupboard handles and faulty window latches
2ND UPGRADE: STAGING FOR SHOW DAYS AND PHOTOS
- Remove bulky furniture to widen walkways, polish all wooden furniture
- Strategically place mirrors to reflect light and create more visual depth
- Style spaces with healthy indoor plants and fresh flowers
3RD UPGRADE: GOING THE EXTRA MILE
1: Great first impressions are carried through the whole property when viewing:
Plant fresh flowers to add vibrant colour to the front lawn; repaint or re-varnish the front
door; slow-roast a meal, or boil a pot of spices on the stove
2: Broaden buyer appeal to get better leverage during price negotiations:§ Replace bold accent walls or patterned wallpaper with neutral, off-white paint.
To wrap up: Above all, if your property is priced correctly, buyers will be far more forgiving
regarding minor home preparations. If you have any other creative prep ideas, feel free to
share - we’d love to hear them!
Article written by: Danel Hennings | Louw & Coetzee Properties
021 976 2730 | www.lcproperties.co.za
connect . people . property
