Give buyers the 'scoop' if you want more offers

As a home seller, the best way to make your property stand out from others on the market and attract more buyers is to ensure that your agent adds some "inside information" to your listing.

That's the advice of Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet estate agency group, who says certain features that you may be used to - or even take for granted - might actually be just what buyers are looking for, so you should imagine seeing your home through their eyes.

"One feature really worth highlighting, for example, is storage space. Whatever your reason for selling, everyone can relate to the problem of having insufficient cupboard space, so make a big deal of whatever storage options your home has to offer.

"Walk-in closets, separate pantries and plenty of kitchen cabinets are big plusses, and if you've invested in upgrading your home with built-in cupboards, additional kitchen or garage storage units, built-in desks or bookshelves, you should make sure that prospective buyers know about them.

"From the first-time buyer craving a less messy lifestyle to the buyers looking for a family home that has enough personal space for everyone, the thought of being able to organise and tidy away everything they own is a huge bonus."

Second, he says, you should make sure your listing includes information about local attractions and amenities, and their distance from your home.

"If your area is a lifestyle gem with parks, shops and a great school within safe walking distance of your home, or if it offers residents proximity and ease of access to public transport options, a university or a popular business node, you need to make this information easily available to prospective buyers."

Third, says Kotzé, given the uncertainty of electricity supply and the rising costs of both water and electricity, a solar power system and any other "green" features are likely to be big selling points.

"And even buyers who are not necessarily looking for a 'green' home can be enticed by the potential for reduced monthly expenses offered by an energy-efficient home. So if your home is a basic, no-frills property but has a rainwater tank, a solar geyser, new LED light fittings or even a borehole and garden irrigation system, make sure these are mentioned in your listing."

Similarly, an established vegetable garden or a proper composting system might be seen as an advantage by those seeking to embrace a healthier, natural lifestyle, he notes. "So don't overlook features just because they didn't cost you a lot of money. Rather try to think about the different types of buyers that might find your property attractive and target them specifically.

"If your home is a smaller, single-storey house with no steps and is easy to maintain, for example, you could gain a massive audience of potential buyers if you tailor your advertising to appeal to older people who are looking for a home in which they can enjoy a comfortable retirement."

Alternatively, says Kotzé, if your home is larger than most others in the area, you could focus on how suitable it is for extended families who need to accommodate some older relatives in a "granny-flat" or garden cottage, or buyers who would like to have a home office or a professional practice on the same premises.

"In short, every home has one or more features that will make it the perfect fit for certain buyers, and a professional agent will help you not only to identify them, but also to promote them to the right audience."