How to prepare your house for sale

Thinking of listing your home for sale? Set your abode (and your wallet) up for success with these expert tips on preparing your home for the market.

Before listing any home, you’d be wise to take a few simple steps to ensure your home is in the best position possible.

“Preparing your abode for sale will give it the best chance on auction day, and give you the confidence in knowing you’ve done all you could have,” says Daniel Mazzei.

Daniel says that a few small home staging touches can go a long way in making a fantastic first impression, which is key for any new buyer considering your place as their own.

“People are often buying into a lifestyle, not just a home. So this is your chance to showcase the home at its best and leave space for buyers to imagine themselves living in it.”

Not sure where to start? Here, Daniel reveals seven easy ways to prepare your house for sale.

Spring clean

Sounds simple, but a spotless home will allow new buyers to focus on the potential life they could have in the space, rather than the flecks of mould on the bathroom ceiling.

“Decluttering and cleaning both inside and out is possibly the most important thing you could do,” says Daniel.

“Taking out any personal items can make the home feel more spacious and create a neutral canvas for buyers to imagine their own personalities in any space.”

While you could easily do this yourself on a Sunday morning, Daniel encourages us to consider enlisting help from the professionals, particularly if your home is on the larger side and you’re lacking the time.

“Hiring professional cleaners to steam clean any carpets and make the main areas shine (especially in the kitchen and bathroom) can alleviate some of the stress if you haven’t got much time.”

A fresh coat of paint

“Repainting boldly coloured walls or simply sprucing up what’s already there allows buyers to focus on the spaces themselves instead of the colour of the walls,” says Daniel.

While you may love your hot pink kitchen, sometimes sticking to neutral colours such as whites, tans and greys are the safest options when it comes to adding value and attracting interest.

Open the windows

Nothing makes a room feel more spacious than oodles of natural light, says Daniel.

“Bright and light-filled rooms can work wonders for any small or narrow spaces, making them look bigger and more inviting.

“Sometimes adding a lamp or installing new lights into dim areas can make all the difference.”

Replace old fixtures and fittings

If you consider yourself something of the handy type, why not consider switching over some of those dated fixtures like doorknobs, tap ware, lampshades and handles?

“It’s not always viable to do full renovations before an auction day, but changing up the small things, such as the taps in the kitchen and bathrooms, can make an old space feel new again,” says Daniel.

Rearrange and re-purpose

You know your home best, but sometimes a fresh perspective can help you see a whole new purpose for the rooms in your home.

“Rethinking the purpose of a room can help buyers visualise how different spaces could be used.

“It could be as simple as styling smaller bedrooms as a home office, or rearranging the furniture in the main living areas, to give buyers new ideas and realise the potential of different spaces.”

Curb appeal

First impressions are everything, and it doesn’t matter how beautiful your abode appears on the inside if the exterior resembles something of a hot mess.

“Setting the tone before anyone steps through the door puts buyers in the right mindset without even seeing inside,” Daniel says.

“Taking the time to mow the lawns, plant some flowers or even paint the fence or facade where needed can make all the difference.”

Hot tip: Consider removing screen doors and window screens for open days to make the facade look bright and neat.  

Warm it up

The steps above will help your home appear the perfect blank canvas for potential buyers, but you don’t want your place to feel cold and sterile as a result.

A smattering of lush finishing touches will help breathe some life into the space once more, plus, it’s a fun exercise for you!

“Investing in soft furnishings for the home in the form of cushions and throws in the living room and bedrooms can instil a sense of everyday livability with potential buyers,” says Daniel.

“Real, indoor plants can add a sense of comfort and are also an extremely cost-effective way to add style and instantly change the dynamic of a room.”