Does your home need a make-over to sell?

Television real estate guru Andrew Winter offers some great advice to help you on the way to a sale

WHEN I started my career in real estate – no, that wasn't the same year The Beatles released their first song (it was, in fact, the mid eighties) – the concept of a make-over to sell was simply not in the marketing brief.

Yes, people renovated homes to sell for a profit, updating and decorating accordingly.

I am sure a certain amount of clutter was cleared and a good old-fashioned spring clean undertaken.

But there were certainly no television shows, experts or services all ready to advise you or do the work for you. You just worked it out for yourself.

Then, into the nineties and noughties came the make-over explosion. We were all at it.

During its infancy, we used paint effects, made our own accessories and we up-cycled, but didn't know we were.

We studied magazines and started to watch the TV shows that were all over our screens.

A made-over home, dressed for sale, was still a largely rare commodity.

This has only become more commonplace over the past decade.

As with many fashions and fads, it started small and was perceived as exclusive and desirable.

It was still rare enough to have a big impact for sellers if they chose to play the new make-over game to sell.

Now, the home makeover to sell is commonplace. And in many locations it’s the norm. So has the dress-to-sell advantage been lost or diluted?

Remember when everyone dreamt of black granite kitchen bench tops, so exclusive, so very high end.

Yet soon as this fashion was commonplace, and appearing in town house complexes and basic project homes up and down the land, the desirability waned.

Now those black granite bench tops can be found in skip bins outside a renovator’s delight near you.

Surely the concept of the home make-over is not heading the same way?

I hope that’s not the case, as I would be out of a job.

Fortunately, it’s not – however, it’s not as simple as it once was. Now, you really do have options and guidelines you should follow to avoid mistakes.

The golden rule of selling, clean, tidy, clutter-free, lots of natural light, clean windows, tidy outside space and a pleasant smell should always apply, whatever state a dwelling is in. This is low cost and essential.

Those of you owning, inheriting any older property that really needs new kitchens and bathrooms, be very careful. Do not style with beautiful furniture; think of the phrase mutton dressed as lamb. In most cases, a “renovator’s delight” should stay exactly that and go to market on that basis. The option of a major renovation for a quick gain is a high-risk strategy. Demand for lower-priced homes to update can actually be higher than the updated home. Net profits could be higher selling as is.

Know your own capabilities. If you are in the building/construction industry, or part of a practical family, have time and the ability to tackle a project efficiently and cost effectively, give it a go. With zero practical skills, no known trade contacts and no experience, forget it.

Set an educated, sensible budget. Don’t get carried away or impose your personal tastes on any improvements and research your market to see the standards expected.

Agents can be a source of good advice, but it can be a little hit and miss. Ask more than one or two. They may just want an instant listing.

The make-over decision should be made by checking out the competition.

Use the experts, but be warned. A true interior designer is someone who should have studied for years, have years of both commercial and residential experience and have a portfolio of work and happy clients. Would I trust someone who studied a two-week online course and has a passion for design - No! Check experience before you part with a cent.

So, if you are about to sell, never assume your home will need the full makeover.

First, consider market conditions, local demand and your home type and age. And your own skills.

Only then should you decide.