Unless you’ve been living under a rock you would be well aware that today’s property market is ultra competitive.

Thanks in no small part to there being fewer buyers for more real estate stock. Many sellers have to compete not just with nearby established homes and units, but they’re also up against it in an area full of new home estates (aka ‘new builds’).

Whilst the idea of buying a new build isn’t for everybody, they have an appeal, and very often a price tag that a great many house hunters find hard to overlook.

But what if you now want to sell your (still relatively new), new build? Ahh, never fear. There is hope.

As a professional home stager/property stylist and property investor with a few new builds of my own under my belt, I can tell you that with a bit of forward planning, elbow grease, and a few inexpensive fixes, you can still give the new build competition a run for their money, and attract your fair share of buyers.

Here are my top 10 tips to help you do just that.

1. Clean. Nobody truly fancies the idea of a used bathroom. Think along the lines of ‘hotel’ room clean and you won’t go wrong.

2. Declutter. Why do you think display homes seem so big and spacious? Because they aren’t full of your stuff, that’s why! Do yourself a favour and start packing up now. After all – you’re moving!

3. Keep your home maintenance up to date. Things like damaged or stained flooring, dodgy door hinges, peeling paint, stained concrete, unkempt lawns and gardens will send house hunters running towards new builds quicker than you can say “care to make an offer?” Show buyers that your place is pristine and cared for.

4. KERB appeal is KING.  Ever seen a display home with anything less than outstanding kerb appeal? No, neither have I. Get on it. Clean, tidy, with a little colour is the way to go. It’s now time to lose any garden gnomes, naked statues, or vintage farm equipment.

5. Keep your wall colours understated and neutral. You may have painted to put your own stamp on your home (who doesn’t?), but all to often this won’t help you sell. The deliberate use of inoffensive, subtle wall colour is just one reason a display home has such huge buyer appeal, from retirees to first home buyers.

6. Stick with more modern furnishings that are in good condition. You will not see scruffy, 15 year old sofas, or anything else for that matter in display homes. If it’s looking a bit tired or even outdated, it’s time to renew, replace or maybe even borrow if you need to freshen your decor.

7. Add some new ‘bling’. By this I mean look at your home’s tap ware, door handles, light switches and light fittings. Check out a display villages near you to see what the latest trends are. Then head down to a local hardware store and get an inexpensive version for those key rooms in your house. This will help buyers feel as though they’re getting a little bit more bang for their buck than they would with a brand new home or unit.

8. Give buyers a reason to go outside. This is where a more established home like yours has a serious advantage. Most new builds have very little by way of landscaping. So, if you can add something that they haven’t got, you’re gonna jump way up the ‘for sale’ property ladder. Consider adding a very simple paved area for an outdoor table and chairs with an umbrella (borrow the furniture if you need to)  for shade and a few potted plants to soften the hard edges.  But I warn you – don’t go overboard. Quite frankly, this is not the time to put in that swimming pool. Keep it low cost and keep it simple.

9. Play up your location. Does your place have a nice view or are you on a quiet street? What school zone do you fall into, can you walk there, and are you near a park or a local store? Have you got a better view or aspect than other homes in your area. Look around you. Why did you buy there to begin with, what will you miss about when you’re gone?

10. Don’t discount inclusions or terms. The big developers offer bonuses pretty regularly and you can too. They don’t have to be big. I got $5000 more for my house because the husband fell in love with the TV and the wife wanted the mirror in the hallway. On a larger scale I once had a buyer ask our selling agent if we’d be willing to negotiate our boat as part of the deal. You can aslo be open on terms of sale. For instance, some buyers need a longer settlement than the standard 42 days and are prepared to pay more for that peace of mind. If that works in with your own needs, it may be worth considering.

So you see when you stop and think about it, you can keep up with the new builds popping up all over the place. There’s no denying it takes a little effort and perhaps it means investing a little up front. Still, it can pay off handsomely.