When it comes to getting your home sale-ready, Johan and Richard might have different toolkits but they share the same golden rule: If you’re going to do a job, do it well. There’s nothing more satisfying than stepping back and seeing a job done right… and a home that shines because of it.
From Boardroom to Backyard
Richard from Lawns A Plenty swapped his corporate desk for gardening gloves about a year ago, and he hasn’t looked back since. Rain or shine, he’s out there working his magic on lawns and gardens. “There’s nothing like waking up to the birds and being outside,” he says. “It just feels more real.”
He brings the same level of professionalism to his outdoor work that he did in the office, just with a lot more fresh air (and fewer spreadsheets).
One of his favourite stories? A client once compared her backyard to Steptoe & Son. But after a few days of Richard’s handy work, it was transformed into a space she could be proud of.
For Richard, it’s not just about doing a great job. It’s about showing up when he says he will and keeping in touch every step of the way.
High Standards, Low Cobwebs
Johan, from BOP Property Care on the other hand, brings a precision edge to every job. As a trained Fitter Turner, he has an eye for detail and it shows in his work. He’s not just washing houses, he gets them looking their best.
He remembers one black steel-clad home that was so coated in cobwebs and grime, it looked more cloudy than crisp. After a full house wash and spider treatment, the place sparkled like new. “That’s the kind of transformation I love,” Johan says. “It’s about seeing a home come back to life and seeing the smile on the owner’s face.”
Spider treatments, by the way, need to be done twice a year to keep those eight-legged squatters away.
Start with the Outside
First impressions matter, especially when you’re putting your house on the market. Johan knows that giving your property the royal treatment can make all the difference and water blasting plays a part in that.
Not all surfaces are created equal, though. “Decks and fences need a softer touch, but driveways can handle more pressure,” he explains.
Then it’s on to gutters (vacuumed out with his high-tech gear), and roof treatments to banish moss and mould.
Just note: while the treatment starts killing growth within hours, it can take up to 6 months for the full visual impact so plan ahead if you can.
If you’re short on time, Johan can water blast your roof and apply treatment afterwards for faster results and a longer-lasting finish.
Next comes the house wash, Johan’s must-have for home sellers. “If you can only do one thing before listing your home, do a house wash. It makes everything pop like the home’s been freshly painted.”
And of course, the final touch: spider treatment. Sorry spiders, its time to go.
Great gardens show care to future buyers
Richard agrees that the outside really sets the tone for potential buyers. “Neat edges make a huge difference. Weed your driveway and flower beds, add mulch, and trim any trees or hedges that are crowding your space.”
If you want a picture-perfect garden, look at balance and height. You’re creating a visual story that buyers can imagine themselves in.
If you’ve got a few weeks up your sleeve, Richard can work wonders with the lawn by aerating, feeding, and reseeding to create a lush green welcome mat. He even tackles the small stuff: cleaning mossy alleyways, sprucing up old decks, and de-weeding pots for that ‘polished’ look.
Once you’ve broken the back of it, having a tidy lawn during open homes is important. Weekly or fortnightly mowing keeps your property looking loved and lived in.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Make it Shine
When you work with Life’s Next Stage to get your property to the market, we run a tight plan with clear outcomes. We have great partners like Richard and Johan who know how to prepare a property so you can move into retirement living.
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Whether you’ve got 3 months or 3 weeks before you list, we’ll create a clear, actionable plan so nothing is left to chance.
Selling your home shouldn’t be stressful. Its a new chapter and that’s something to get excited about.
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Getting your home ready to sell
Ensuring your home is presented well to maximise the value of your home