Preparing Your Home for Sale

P R E P A R I N G Y O U R

H O M E F O R S A L E

YOU'RE ONE STEP CLOSER TO ACHIEVING YOUR DREAM SALE

When it comes to selling your home preparation and presentation can never be underestimated

When buyers look at photos of your listing and walk through your home at an open inspection, what they see and how they feel could mean the difference between them falling in love with the property and walking away unimpressed

Just a few small touches can go a long way in making a fantastic first impression, which is key for any potential buyers picturing your place as their own.

In this guide, we'll run you through the most vital elements to get right for Open Homes, Professional Photography, & Sale and give you the confidence in knowing you've done all you could have to achieve a quick and profitable sale.

Preparing your home for Sale

If you’re handy and have good DIY skills, you can undertake many of the small jobs around the house yourself, bringing it to peak condition and ready for sale. Alternatively, scan the QR code for a list of our local recommended tradespeople

MAINTENANCE

Organise a building and pest inspection

Fix little defects such as dripping taps or broken gates

Wash down and clean external walls, gutters, and any outdoor furniture

Ensure that any half-finished home projects are dismantled and removed, as much sentimental value as they may have your prospective buyer’s will want to see a clean slate to start with

HOME IMPROVEMENT

If the walls are really scuffed and marked you may consider putting a fresh coat of paint on the affected walls. When choosing a paint colour make sure it is fairly neutral. Steer away from pale blues and apricots (some “whites” have these undertones) and if you have feature walls latte colours in general are a fairly safe option Update the garden by simply adding some mulch and/or planting colourful flowers. Both of these inexpensive methods will instantly improve the appearance of your garden

Clean carpets or wash curtains to remove any lingering odours and breathe new life into tired furnishings

Scan for RWTE trades list

Preparing your home for

Professional Photography

Great photos are a vital element of a successful sales campaign Please take a moment to read our list of tips & tricks to prepare your home for professional photography and achieve a premium result!

GENERAL

Open all blinds and drapes

Turn on all lights & lamps, replace burnt-out light bulbs

Remove excess clutter, vacuum, clean and mop tiles

Wash windows inside and out Consider staging

LIVING AREA

Remote controls to be stored away

Hide power boards & cords out of sight where possible

Arrange furniture so the rooms look as spacious as possible & fluff couch pillows

Study - clear & declutter desk, straighten items on bookshelf, file papers away Toy Room - organise & declutter

BATHROOMS & ENSUITE

Clear counter tops and polish faucets & mirrors

Remove stains from sinks, grout, and bathtubs

Clear away any personal items & cleaning products

Remove all towels & toilet paper roll

Toilet seat lid closed

BEDROOMS

Make the beds with fresh, clean linen, fluff pillows

Clear out anything from under the beds that is visible

Bedside tables to be decluttered i e tissue boxes, remote controls, alarm clocks, jewelery

Counters to be clean, uncluttered, and clear of appliances and utensils

Kitchen sink to be free of dishes

Remove magnets, photos, calendars, from refrigerator

Remove any tea towels

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

Move vehicles out of view from front of house

Lawn mowed, paving & sidewalks cleared, swept & weeds removed

Rubbish bins and garden hose to be stored out of sight

Put away lawn equipment and gardening tools

Neatly arrange outdoor items such as furniture & play equipment

Pools - cleaned with leaves and debris cleared. Water feature to be turned on. Pool equipment to be stored out of sight.

Preparing your home for an Open Home

With property inspections being the first opportunity for potential buyers to get a good look at your home, you will want to take every opportunity to increase your chance of a quick and profitable sale.

TIDY THE EXTERIOR

Create a great first visual impression for potential buyers by making sure the house and yard are recently mowed, tidy, and clean.

BRING IN LIGHT

Make sure there is lots of natural light throughout the house. Pull curtains, raise blinds, and let the sun shine in. Turn on any lights & lamps.

ADD LIFE

Show that your home is loved and cared for by adding vases of fresh flowers and bowls of fruit

SECURE YOUR VALUABLES

Remove valuable items or put them in a safe location that is out of obvious sight and keep cash, identification and credit cards on your person

DECLUTTER & CLEAR ANY MESS

Clear any bench tops, remove any sign of pets inside, tidy cupboards, and remove clutter. Store away any personally identifying mementos & knickknacks. Most buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home, since the home may possibly become theirs in the future.

MAKE IT SMELL FRESH

Ensure your home smells nice. Every home has a “smell” whether it’s from pets, kids or cooking. Oil burners, vanilla scented candles and fragrance diffusers are all good options to create a positive experience when people walk in.

GET THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT

If it’s cold outside, create a welcoming ambience with indoor heating or open fires. If it’s hot, open doors and windows to create airflow.