Preparing Your Home for Sale on Curaçao
You’ve decided to sell your home on Curaçao. What should you consider to make your property as appealing as possible to potential buyers? Keep in mind that not everyone can “see past things.” Below, we provide some useful tips.

Getting Your Home Ready for Sale

Look through the eyes of potential buyers.
They need to see the property as their future home, not yours. Adopting this mindset can make a significant difference in the sale process!

Depersonalize your home.
As mentioned above, help potential buyers envision the house as their own. Minimize personal items and family photos.

Declutter.
This can be challenging because those piles of books, magazines, toys in the corner, or toiletries in the bathroom might not feel like clutter to you. After years of living in a home, these "stacks" become invisible. Step back, view the space as a stranger might, or ask a friend to give their perspective. Remove unnecessary items or temporarily store them out of sight during viewings. Special attention should be given to the kitchen, open shelves, and cupboards.

Additionally, consider furniture placement. Too much furniture can make rooms feel smaller. Remove non-essential pieces to create a sense of space.

Bathrooms and Fixtures.
Polish faucets and sinks before viewings to make them look new and well-maintained. Fix leaking faucets or replace them if necessary. Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated, toilet seats are closed, and everything looks clean and fresh.

Walls and Ceilings.
Old stains, even from previously repaired leaks, can leave a bad impression. Buyers might assume the issue still exists. Repaint these areas, as painting is one of the most effective ways to refresh a home. Use neutral colors like white, which make spaces appear larger and cleaner.

Floors and Carpets.
Clean carpets thoroughly or have them professionally cleaned. If replacing carpets, choose neutral tones. Replace broken tiles but avoid major expenses unless absolutely necessary—your goal is to remove negatives, not renovate.

Windows and Doors.
Ensure all windows and doors open and close smoothly. Replace broken glass panes, lubricate hinges, and fix any squeaks or misalignments. This creates a positive impression of a well-maintained property.

Odors.
Avoid smoking indoors during the selling process and ventilate the house daily. Consider ozone sprays to eliminate unpleasant odors. Pet smells can also deter buyers, so clean litter boxes and spray carpets or pet beds if necessary. Adding reed diffusers or subtle scents, such as those from Rituals, can create a welcoming atmosphere.

Garden and Pool.
Does your garden look well-maintained with vibrant flowers? If not, consider adding potted plants or fresh blooms. Tidy up terraces, remove dead leaves, and ensure the pool is clean. A green pool might be fixable, but it doesn’t create the right first impression.

Exterior Painting.
If your home looks neglected from the outside, painting is a must. This applies to both walls and wooden trims. Address any signs of deferred maintenance to prevent buyers from being deterred.

Setting the Right Price

Be cautious about overpricing your home. Starting too high can result in missed opportunities with early buyers. Selling a home is stressful enough without adding unnecessary complications. Consider getting an independent appraisal to determine a realistic value.

Avoid using a real estate agent who also performs appraisals, as their reports might not be impartial. At International Fine Living, we collaborate with independent professionals who conduct thorough research and are recognized by local banks—important if the buyer needs financing.

Preparing for Viewings

Here are some essential steps to ensure your home is ready for showings:

• Clear dirty dishes from counters.
• Make the beds.
• Clean windows for maximum natural light.
• Remove garbage that might cause unpleasant smells.
• Clear any pet waste from the yard.
• Ensure floors, doors, and frames are clean.
• Ventilate the house to maintain a pleasant temperature.

Avoid having gardeners or noisy maintenance workers active during viewings. Discuss timing with them to minimize disruptions.

During Viewings
For the buyer’s comfort, it’s best if the owners are not present during the first viewing. Buyers need the freedom to explore and express their opinions. This also allows the real estate agent to highlight the property’s features that align with the buyer's interests, rather than focusing on what you value.

If you have pets, keep dogs leashed or remove them from the property, and confine cats to a single room. Even if your pets are friendly, not everyone appreciates their presence.

Final Thoughts

We wish you the best of luck selling your home and invite you to contact us for personalized advice. At International Fine Living, we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Disclaimer

This article is part of the series: The Real Estate Agent of Curaçao Shares.
International Fine Living strives to provide valuable information to those buying or selling property on Curaçao. However, as time is limited, we may not always have the latest updates available. We recommend verifying the provided information with relevant authorities or professionals. No rights can be derived from the information in this article.