In this article
- Four practical steps that can help you achieve the best possible sale price for your property.
- Twelve effective tips for preparing your property for sale that will make your home or investment stand out from the competition.
- Your success is our success! We reveal how we can help you to be successful right from the start when preparing your property for sale.
Preparing your property for sale can feel overwhelming yet exciting. To ensure you get the best possible sale price, follow these four steps when preparing your home.
Firstly, put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers. Features that are dear to you may not be as appealing to others. For example, if buyers want a more neutral colour scheme, bold wall colours may be viewed as an additional expense.
Secondly, assess whether your home needs renovations, minor repairs, cleaning/decluttering, or just a style update using interior design techniques. Make a list of all the necessary updates or fixes by walking through your home.
Thirdly, our team of approachable and accommodating property agents is at your service to offer a complimentary property appraisal without any obligation. They can also provide expert guidance on the most effective renovations or minor repairs that can enhance the value of your property.
Would you like to learn more about property appraisals and whether it is the right choice for you? Our informative article "What is a Property Appraisal?" is here to help you.
Lastly, determine the level of difficulty and requirements of each task. Decide whether you have the skills to tackle them yourself or if you need the expertise of a professional. Remember, proper preparation is crucial for a successful sale.
Thinking of selling in the near future? Contact a Fall Sales Agent today for a free sales appraisal.
12 tips for preparing your property for sale
1. Deep clean and organise your home
As simple as it sounds, a complete clean and tidy-up is an essential step to present your home at its best. Buyers like to envision themselves living or investing in the property as they walk through.
A clean space that feels open, fresh and uncluttered adds home appeal. Consider organising a professional cleaner to service your property.
2. Make a decision about styling
If you want to improve the appearance of your property, consider styling it. Hiring a professional or researching ideas online can be a great way to get inspiration. It's important to clearly understand the design style and colour scheme you're aiming for. A neutral colour scheme is a good choice as it appeals to a broad range of buyers.
To complement your styling, choose furniture that matches your interior design. Avoid using worn-out or stained furniture, as it can decrease your home's appeal. Remember to keep your styling to a minimum; overdoing it can be costly with little gain.
If you're interested in learning more about property styling when preparing your property for sale, check out our blog post, "Is staging a home for sale worth it?"
3. Schedule your minor repairs
Taking care of minor repairs in your home can have a significant impact, and scheduling them with a local tradesperson or in your own calendar can ensure they are completed on time and at your convenience.
Potential buyers who walk through your home may view damaged flooring, cracked tiles, or broken windows as additional costs. This could result in a lower offer or even deter them from purchasing altogether if the repairs seem overwhelming.
Before tackling any maintenance, check with your insurance company to see if you can claim certain repairs.
Your experienced property agent can also guide you on which repairs to prioritise and which ones to leave when preparing your property for sale.
4. Get help preparing your property for sale
If you're considering renovating your home, contacting local builders for quotes and start dates is a good idea. While it may seem overwhelming, renovating can actually be a great way to enhance the appeal of your home.
Before embarking on any major renovations, it's wise to consult with a property agent to avoid overcapitalising.
If you have DIY skills, you can also consider undertaking simple renovations as a creative way to refresh your home. However, if you prefer to hire a professional, keep in mind that good tradespeople may be booked months in advance. If you're looking for a quick sale, this option may not be feasible.
5. Tidy and enhance the front of the home
When selling your home, the front of the house is crucial in making an excellent first impression. This applies both in-person, online, and in print marketing. Therefore, it's important to give it extra attention when preparing your property for sale.
The street appeal of your home can greatly influence a potential buyer's interest. Make a statement with your home's exterior by adding a fresh coat of paint to fencing, doors, and trimmings. Keeping the outside tidy and attractive is also essential, so make sure to mow the lawn, weed, and maintain the garden.
If you need assistance, consider hiring a gardener or tradesperson to help create your outdoor space. Your property agent can recommend someone local.
6. Inspect your carpets; do they need a refresh?
Have you thought about arranging for a professional carpet cleaner to freshen up your flooring? Even if your carpets are due for an update, a thorough cleaning can make a big difference in the overall appearance and cleanliness of your floors.
With the help of a skilled and experienced carpet cleaner, you and your potential buyers can enjoy a fresh and inviting home that feels like new.
7. Store away your items
When planning for open homes, it's important to clear out any personal items that you don't want on display. Photos, valuables, framed documents, and other items that could identify you should be taken down and stored safely. Some people use storage facilities or packing boxes to keep their belongings secure.
While it's possible to sell your home with these items still in place, removing them can make your property more appealing to a broader range of potential buyers and may even increase your sale price. So, it's worth considering this step.
8. Create a mood
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere during open homes, consider playing soft background music and filling the space with pleasant cooking smells like freshly baked bread, cakes, and coffee. Open windows, roll blinds, and add mirrors to allow natural light to brighten the space.
Keep the temperature comfortable by keeping the house warm during cold days and letting fresh air flow through on warmer days. These little touches give potential buyers a cosy and relaxed feel during their walk-through.
Don't hesitate to consult your Fall Real Estate Property Agent for additional ideas leading up to your open home.
9. Secure your pets
Most people love animals. However, animals can be quite intimidating. It is advisable to ensure that animals are secured or relocated during property inspections. This will provide potential buyers with a sense of comfort and ease when inspecting the property.
10. Plan to do something on the open day
To ensure a thorough inspection of your home by potential buyers, it's best to leave the property showing to your agent. While assistance can be appreciated, experience has shown that prospective purchasers may become distracted from the main objective if they feel the need to be polite.
Plan to be away that day to make the most of the showing. Consider planning a scrumptious breakfast or lunch outing to pass the time and settle your nerves.
11. It's not over after the open home
It is essential to maintain the appearance of your property at all times, as potential buyers may want to schedule a viewing at any moment. The key is to be flexible and accommodating with their availability.
Although it may seem challenging, even with kids, setting aside time in the morning and afternoon to tidy up your home can be a helpful way to stay on top of things. By doing so, you can ensure that when someone requests an inspection, you won't have a long list of tasks to complete beforehand.
12. Consult a property agent
Most importantly, seek guidance from one of our dedicated property agents regarding any of the points above or any burning questions or ideas you may have. Their professional advice and evaluations are invaluable in assisting you with your selling journey.
By following these tips for preparing your property for sale, you will be one step closer to a successful sale outcome.
Your success is our success
When preparing your property for sale, it is advisable to consult with a professional to help you determine which ideas or features are likely to increase its value.
Our Fall Real Estate property agents play a crucial role in this decision-making process. They can help prevent overcapitalisation and ensure that any investments made aim to increase the selling price and appeal significantly.
To comprehensively evaluate your property's current market value, consider inviting a Fall property agent to conduct an up-to-date sales property appraisal. They can also review your preparing your property for sale list and recommend which items are worth investing time and money in and which can be skipped.
Even if you already know that your property requires renovations to increase its market appeal, a local and experienced property agent can advise you on your current market price and provide guidance on potential returns on investment or sale price.
If you are interested in seeking professional advice, click here to fill in an obligation-free sales appraisal form. Discover how you can maximise your market price with the help of our expert team when preparing your property for sale.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not legal or professional advice and is general in nature; therefore, the editorial content or articles on this website are intended as a guide only and do not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. For more information, please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Skip to content
12 tips for preparing your property for sale
- Deep clean and organise your home
- Make a decision about styling
- Schedule your minor repairs
- Get help getting your house ready to sell
- Tidy and enhance the front of the home
- Inspect your carpets; do they need a refresh?
- Store away your items
- Create a mood
- Secure your pets
- Plan something to do on the open day
- It's not over after the open home
- Consult a property agent
Related posts
Relocating to Tasmania: Freighting belongings
Choosing the right place to live in Tasmania