As real estate agents, we’ve seen our fair share of properties, but every now and then, one comes along that needs extra special help to present it in its best possible light. That was the case with this property in Mt Lawley, a home that had been tenanted for decades and had plenty of potential, but needed a significant transformation to go from ‘lived-in’ to ‘list-worthy.’ Here’s how we turned it around and achieved a remarkable result.

The backstory
Our client inherited the property after her mother passed away unexpectedly over five years ago. Living interstate, she decided to keep the property as a rental but unfortunately with no regular inspections, the house began to show signs of long-term wear and tear. When our client’s personal circumstances changed, she decided it was time to sell the property to purchase a home of her own.

During our initial appraisal with the tenants still in place, it was clear the property wouldn’t appeal to buyers in its existing state. It was cluttered and messy, with a lingering smell from the family’s pets – a dog and very territorial cat. The small backyard had become a ‘poo zone’ for the dog, and the interior had significant issues, including:

– A tired kitchen with a broken door, outdated appliances, and a damaged benchtop.
– Water damage from an old leak that had affected both the bathroom and an adjoining bedroom.
– Scratched and missing floorboards where the tenants had attempted their own repairs.
– Cracked and gouged walls in almost every room.
– Grimy floor tiles in the dining and kitchen area, etched with years of dirt.

It was clear that we needed a complete overhaul in order to take the home to market.

The transformation
Once the tenants moved out, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Here’s how we tackled the transformation:

Fresh paint: We brought in professional painters to repaint the entire house. They patched up all the cracks, gouges, and damaged walls, giving the home a fresh, modern feel.

Kitchen upgrades: Our handyman worked wonders in the kitchen. We replaced the benchtop, installed a new sink and taps, and upgraded the appliances, including a brand-new oven, rangehood, and cooktop. A gas fitter and electrician ensured everything was connected and functional.

Floor repairs: The water damage had extended beyond the bathroom to a bedroom, where the tenants had ripped up the floorboards without notifying the owner. Thankfully, we sourced similar boards, and our handyman skilfully repaired the floor without needing to replace it entirely.

Lighting enhancements: We replaced outdated light fittings with stylish new ones from IKEA and Beacon Lighting, brightening up the space.

Garden makeover: The small backyard and front garden got a much-needed refresh. We laid new AstroTurf, cleaned up the landscaping, and pressure-cleaned the dining and kitchen floor tiles to remove years of grime.

Deep clean: Despite the tenants’ cleaning efforts, we hired professional cleaners to ensure every inch of the house sparkled.

The result
The transformation was nothing short of incredible and by the time we were finished the home was ready to impress potential buyers. The once-cluttered and tired home now exuded warmth and charm – the fresh paint, modern kitchen, and clean, inviting spaces made a world of difference. And in great news for our seller, we believe that the makeover added $150,000 to the sale price.

This journey is a testament to the value of investing in a property’s presentation before putting it on the market. With the right team and a strategic plan, we turned the property into a home that not only honoured its history but set the stage for a new family to create their own memories. The seller was thrilled with the process and result as evidenced by the fabulous review that she left for us.

Seller review
“I highly recommend Nadija and Dan from Perth Property Co. I had three agents provide quotes and went with them as they included the styling which I knew was essential in obtaining the best price. I live in Melbourne and was able to completely trust Nadija to manage the work needing to be done and coordinate tradespeople. She also styled the place beautifully. Both Nadija and Dan went above and beyond to ensure the property presented well and attracted buyers. I sold within a week for a price I was very happy with. Thank you Nadija and Dan, You were brilliant!”

– Kira, Mt Lawley

Looking to transform your property for sale?

If you’re considering selling and want to maximise your property’s potential, let’s chat! Together, we can achieve a result that will exceed your expectations.