Sale Advice

10 Key Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale!

1. Emotionally Detach Yourself

Selling your home can be a stressful experience, and it can be difficult to make decisions based on what a potential buyer would want, rather than your own preferences. Once you decide to sell, it’s important to focus on emotionally detaching from your home and preparing to move on. Taking a step back will help you view your property more objectively, allowing you to make decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

For more insights on this topic, check out this great article by Imogen Brown:
Home Seller’s Guide: How to Emotionally Detach Before You Sell

2. Brush Up on Your List Writing Skills

Inspect your home from the perspective of potential buyers – what might they notice about your property? What could deter them from purchasing? Which small tasks have you started but not finished? Once you’ve compiled your list, it’s crucial to prioritise the items that matter most. Start with the most important tasks FIRST! Too often, vendors spend time on low-priority tasks and end up running out of time to complete the key jobs.

Here’s a starting point:

Inspect walls and floors for cracks and water damage.
Check for plumbing leaks.
Look for signs of rodents or insects.
Ensure all lights are functioning.
Inspect pendant lights and shades – do they need replacing?
Examine curtains – are they in need of replacement?

3. Detailed Clean

A thorough clean of your property will likely be at the top of your to-do list! It’s essential to ensure your home is spotless for your campaign, as this can have a significant impact on potential buyers.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the following:

Wash all windows (inside and out).
Remove cobwebs from cornices and window frames.
Launder curtains (if not replacing).
Clean all appliances thoroughly.
Scrub grout.
Look up! Dust areas above eye level, such as pendant light shades and window sills.

4. DE-CLUTTER! DE-CLUTTER! DE-CLUTTER!

Over time, we all accumulate a huge amount of STUFF! While our personal knick-knacks hold sentimental value, it's important to consider potential buyers and present your belongings in a way that appeals to them. The goal is to create a lifestyle that buyers can envision themselves in – both in photos and during inspections. This look is more likely to resemble a display home than a well-lived-in one.

A great trick is to take a photo of each room in your home. After you’ve stepped out of the space, look at the photos – does it seem too cluttered? Maybe a bit messy? Photos can help you spot problem areas that might not be obvious when you’re taking in the room as a whole.

Start by focusing on the following:

Remove any broken or heavily worn furniture and decorative pieces.
Clear away clutter and items placed above eye level (e.g. on top of the fridge, above window panes, kitchen cupboards, etc.).
Take magnets and photos off the fridge.
Clear documents around computers.
Be ruthless! Get rid of unused or expired products in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.
Remove and store family photos and trinkets.
Remove and store quirky decorative items.

5. Get Rid of Odours

If you have pets on the property, it’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member to look after them for the duration of the campaign. Be sure to remove all pet-related items. Instead of trying to mask odours with air fresheners, focus on solving the problem – thoroughly clean the house, steam clean carpets, and check for mould or water damage.

Avoid using incense or strong-smelling diffusers/candles, as not all potential buyers will appreciate those scents. Remember, preparing your property for sale is about allowing buyers to imagine themselves in the space.

A fresh, natural scent, like that of freshly cut flowers or a bowl of apples, is a perfect choice!

6. Fresh Lick of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to revitalise any property!

Painting will make your home appear fresh, clean, and bright. It can also help modernise the space and distract from any imperfections on the walls or ceilings.

When selecting a paint colour, choose something neutral – many buyers want a blank canvas to envision their own style. Opt for white or off-white, and avoid feature walls.

7. Clean or Replace Flooring

Carpets should be steam cleaned and treated for stains. Tile and hardwood floors should be thoroughly vacuumed and mopped until they shine.

If flooring is damaged or showing significant wear, consider replacing it with something more neutral or modern.

For hardwood floors that are scratched or dull, refinishing them could make a noticeable difference.

8. Invest in New Fixtures & Hardware

Fixtures and hardware throughout your property should be cohesive and flow well. Light fixtures, shades, taps, showerheads, bathroom mirrors, and sheer curtains can all be replaced affordably. If you find you have mismatched light fittings or shades in each room, consider replacing them with something inexpensive and neutral to create consistency throughout.

9. Make an Entrance & Maximise Curb Appeal

First impressions count!

When potential buyers arrive to inspect your property, the first thing they’ll notice is the exterior. Make sure it creates the right impression by ensuring the front door is cobweb-free, freshly painted (if possible), and that the front yard is neat and tidy. Mow the lawn, tidy up garden beds, and ensure the driveway and path are clean. If you have the space, consider adding a plant or two to the entry.

10. Invest in a Property Stylist & Furniture Hire

Investing in a property stylist is definitely worth considering. Property stylists can view your home objectively and present the spaces in ways you may never have imagined. They might suggest adding or removing a few items, or even advise you to store your existing furniture so they can start fresh and create a cohesive look.

What’s the difference between an interior decorator and a property stylist? An interior decorator styles a home to appeal to your personal tastes, whereas a property stylist takes the opposite approach. They aim to present your home as a blank canvas, allowing buyers to easily envision themselves in the space.

Property stylists ensure every detail is highlighted, carefully positioning furniture, artwork, and accessories, making use of colour, and ensuring everything is beautifully lit.

In a well-styled property, the functionality of each room is clear. In small or large spaces, stylists can creatively arrange furniture to maximise the area. In odd nooks that buyers might otherwise view as unusable, clever styling can showcase their potential. Alternatively, less attractive areas can be strategically concealed.

If you’re living in the property during the campaign, consider booking a ‘pre-sale advice’ consultation. We can come out to give you personalised tips and tricks on how best to style your home with your own furniture and accessories, making it look its best for inspections and photography.

Property styling can support your campaign from photography to inspections, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and helping to achieve the highest possible price for your property.

If you're ready to take the next step in preparing your property for sale, reach out to discuss how we can help make your home shine!

Written by Jessica Larkin of Selective Interiors