Preparing your home for a successful sale

So you’ve decided it’s time to bid farewell to your beloved home, and your property appraisal is done – what’s next?
Figuring out how to prepare your home for sale can feel like planning a trip without a map. But we’re here to guide you through this journey so you can feel confident and at ease.

Unlocking the secrets to your property’s worth

The current market value of your home isn’t just determined by its size or location but is significantly influenced by its overall condition and aesthetics.

It’s like dressing for an important event; presentation matters!
Here’s the secret: various home improvements can elevate your property’s value, often more than their actual cost.
Minor tweaks like painting the walls a neutral colour or updating light fixtures can make a big difference to prospective buyers.

8 steps to preparing your home for sale

1. Prioritise essential repairs and improvements

Begin with an honest inspection of your home. Look out for visible signs of damage or wear and tear. Fix the leaky tap, replace the damaged tiles, ensure all electrical fixtures are working, and repair anything that may raise the buyer’s eyebrows. Everything should be in good condition.

Next, don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal. The exterior of your home is the first impression for buyers, and we all know how much first impressions count. Simple touches such as a fresh coat of paint on the front door, neatly trimmed hedges, or a welcoming pathway can significantly boost your home’s appeal.
Minor repairs can mean major differences.

2. Declutter

Ever walked into a home and felt overwhelmed by the clutter?

It’s off-putting and can make spaces feel smaller than they actually are.

The decluttering process is your secret weapon for creating an open, spacious feel. Start by removing personal items and unnecessary furniture.

Remember, potential buyers want to envisage their life in your home, not see reminders of yours. The personal sanctuary you’ve created with family photos, travel mementos and sporting trophies should therefore be pared back or toned down.

Allow prospective buyers a chance to imagine their world in that space and dream of how it could become a new home for their family. Put away the fridge magnets and invest in some aesthetically pleasing storage spaces for kids’ toys and pet paraphernalia.

You are feeling nostalgic and sentimental? Of course, that’s completely normal. It might help to consider that your eventual move will be made easier if you declutter and deep clean during the sale process.

3. Clean, clean, clean!

This is the relatively easy one. Cleanliness looks and feels new and appealing. For this reason, we recommend adjusting your scrubbing schedule to ensure surfaces and floors are polished and vacuumed just before home opens.
You should also consider having expert help for ovens, shower screens and windows. This might be the time to weigh up whether professional cleaners might be of value to your time.

An outdoor power clean can be an extreme makeover, so hire a pressure washer and channel your inner ghost buster.
After you’re done, any evidence of the cleaning should be “swept” away. Therefore, bins, cloths, brooms and mops all need to be tucked out of sight, as if the fairy godmother dropped by and did it all. Abracadabra.

4. Set the scene for success

Staging is more than just arranging furniture.
It’s about creating a lifestyle that buyers can’t resist. The secret here is to highlight the strengths of your home and soften its weaknesses.

An effectively staged home can not only speed up the sale but can also increase the property’s value.
Hiring professional stagers can be beneficial, especially if your home has been empty. They know the market trends and have a keen eye for design. But if you’re working on a tight budget, fret not! Small changes such as placing fresh flowers, strategically positioning mirrors, or adding cosy throw rugs can create a significant impact.

5. Make your home picture-perfect

When it comes to listings, quality photographs aren’t just essential; they’re paramount.
Think about it: your listing is your home’s resume, and the photos are the cover letter. They need to capture the buyer’s attention and make a strong first impression.

Professional photographers know how to showcase your property in the best light. They understand angles, lighting, and have a knack for highlighting unique features.

Complement this with an attractive, compelling listing, and you’ll have buyers lining up to see your home.

6. Know your hero

Sparkling swimming pool? Huge alfresco? Renovated laundry? Living room with a ton of natural light?
Showcase the best features of your house with the right attention to detail, styling and suggestive placement of items to enhance the area.

The impact of a stunning new tiling job can be dulled by having the wrong-coloured hand towel left out on the rail.
Likewise, a beautiful office space will benefit from some warm lighting and a healthy indoor plant.
Be deliberate. If you feel like lingering in that space, you’ve done it right.

7. Create comfort

A clean slate is a safe place. Lush green foliage, neutral colours, natural fibres, classic shapes and simple trimmings will be the most appealing to the widest audience.

Prior to a home visit, you need to ensure all your light bulbs are working, warm and uniform.
Your property sales consultant can especially assist you with setting the right ambience for your home opens, ensuring the temperature is comfortable, the lighting is right, and all the extras like water features are on show.

8. Take advantage of the great outdoors

Living in Perth is all about the weather. Maximise the appeal of your outdoor space and the façade of your home with a garden tidy, freshly mowed lawns and new cushions on your outdoor furniture.

It’s a good idea to put away the dog toys and tidy up the sports equipment. Mulch the flower beds and plant into spaces that need some vibrancy.

Cars that generally park on the exposed driveway or verge should be taken on an excursion around the corner for photos and home opens.

The final step: navigate the journey with your property management team

Selling your home can be an overwhelming journey, but the important thing to remember is that you’re not in this alone.
Our professional property appraisal in Perth can ease the process and ensure a successful sale. We offer a wealth of experience, understand market trends, and can provide invaluable advice.

With the right team by your side, you can transform your home into a buyer’s dream and sell it at a price that meets your expectations.