If you are a prospective seller and you think your property is show ready, ask yourself this: What colour will increase the value of my property and what is its curb appeal?
It is the finer details that count the most when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of the property you are trying to sell.
Two things that a prospective buyer sees first are the colour of the property and the condition of the driveway leading to it. Always keep the driveway neat and tidy and ensure that all the paving is level and flat. Planting flowers for show day and making sure the pavement is free of weeds, are also effective upgrades.
A fresh lick of paint can go a far way to improve the outer appearance of your property. However, think twice about what colour to choose.
Tonja Ellman, property practitioner at Seeff Plattekloof, says that different hues of greys are still the most popular colour for the exterior, especially light grey with accentuated areas in charcoal and darker grey. However, you still won't go wrong with white, which is more stable to exterior exposure and will not go out of style.
When it comes to the interior, you want to choose colours that suit the type of room. Do avoid bright unusual colours such as bright pink or black that could be difficult and expensive to paint over, since it can discourage potential buyers.
According to Tonja the colour kitchen that will sell a property the best is white, grey and black with backsplashes that are more playful, creative and colourful. Black is also popular for taps and finishes. If fifty shades of grey are not your scene, then green is also a trendy colour for kitchens at the moment, signalling nature and freshness.
Neutral tones for the bathroom are your best bet, advises Tonja. Think neutral but tranquil colours such as light blue, which helps to create a relaxing atmosphere. Steer clear of white as it can make the bathroom appear clinical and boring. Tonja lists soft blues, greens, and yellows as popular colours for the bathroom.
An interesting fact is that blue not only makes a small room appear bigger, but buyers are prepared to pay up to 1% more for properties with a blue bathroom, according to research.
Now for the living room - don't go the boring white route but opt for a cream look with an accent wall in dark grey, green grey or rich browns. It immediately gives the room a stylish edge. Avoid bright and aggressive colours, as it is not to everyone's taste.
Bedrooms are another space, like the bathroom, that should be calm and inviting. Blue is again the winner, especially lighter moodier colours for the main bedroom and dark or navy blue for the children's rooms.
Another element that can add value to a home and convince a prospective buyer to sign on the dotted line, is a fireplace, says Tonja. The combustion fireplace is still the front runner.
Then there's the braai area that has a place of honour in most South African homes. While an indoor braai is still popular, it's an extra bonus if it can open up to the outdoors, advises Tonja.
According to her fire pits have become more of a feature lately with most high-end homes boasting one. A pizza oven is always a winner, and some kitchen ovens even have them built in.
4 tricks of the trade to sell a property faster
Ensure that the house is neat and free from clutter. This way the buyer can see the "bones and structure" of the property.
Make sure the kitchen countertops are clean and hang fresh towels in the bathroom.
Hanging mirrors is also encouraged on show days because prospective buyers can then literally "see" themselves living in the home.
If you want to create a homely and cosy feeling, the smell of a fresh pot of coffee, freshly baked bread, flowers, and ambient background music can change the mood significantly.