IMPORTANT FREE INFORMATION FOR SELLERS

On Wednesday 27^th August 2003, RE/MAX Solutions are hosting a free seminar on "The Art of Home Presentation." There will be 3 speakers who will provide you with interesting and important information about preparing your home for sale.

When most buyers think of purchasing a home they initially focus on position, accommodation and price. In many cases, however, the most important selection criteria are usually based on ‘emotional appeal’. It is extremely difficult to arouse a buyer’s interest if the house has been neglected, is unclean and poorly presented.

One of the most important parts of a successful sale is achieved even before the first open inspection … preparing your home for sale. This can be a weekend job made up of gardening, cleaning, doing all the repairs you have neglected and de-cluttering rooms. Or you can plan a complete makeover.

Over the last couple of years the television trend has been for programs that show you everything you need to know about "Presentation, Presentation, Presentation" (the 3 P’s of selling). If you have been an avid viewer of these shows and the multitude of other DIY programs, you should have enough ideas to go out and tackle your own property. But don’t fear if you are not the budding interior designer, there are many ways in which "professional makeover experts" can help you.

Adrienne O'Connor and Lyn Lawson started Property Makeovers in 2001 and they haven't had an excuse to ignore a homewares shop since. They're mostly employed by real estate firms to lift the interiors of houses for sale but are equally happy to simply rearrange people's belongings to create a cosy atmosphere in their homes.

For real estate agents, the couple choose the best quality rental furniture; add beautiful pots, antique tea cups, lovely linen, lamps, paintings and fresh flowers to turn the house into an inviting home.

``We agonise over the smallest details,'' says Adrienne. No two jobs are the same so there's no chance of getting a stereotyped look.'' Their style is not over-chintzy or overdone. ``We're into warmth,'' she says.

After all the planning and work has gone into optimising the look of your home, there is a strong possibility that your property may only be inspected because it presented well on the internet and in the papers. A professional photographer, who specialises in real estate, will play a very important role in the advertising of your home.

Jock Spackman has been in Advertising and Marketing for over 26 years. He owned his own advertising company in London and marketed some of the world’s best known products. Jock believes that photography is all about style and presentation. To prove this he entered a photographic competition using a disposable camera and won first and second prize.

It is important to note that ‘emotional appeal’ often generates tens of thousands of dollars extra in the selling process. You need to have the "wow" factor especially if there are other properties being offered for sale in your area and in your price range.

As Chief Auctioneer for RE/MAX Queensland, Dane Atherton has auctioned many properties where he has seen the dollar difference that a property makeover has made. "Emotions and perceptions really do make a difference in what a purchaser is willing to pay."

If you would like to know more about the "Art of Home Presentation" please join us for a glass of champagne on Wednesday 27^th August at 7.00pm at the Greek Club and Convention Centre, 29 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane.

Seats are limited!!! Reserve your place by phoning Jacinta on 3314 0024 or email remax.jacinta@optusnet.com.au