Prepare your property for sale like a pro!

“Present Like a Pro: How to Prepare Your Home for Sale (and What NOT to Waste Money On)”

When it comes to selling your home, presentation isn’t just important — it’s everything. Buyers are scrolling through listings faster than ever, and that crucial first impression can be the difference between “book an inspection” and “keep scrolling.”

So before you call the photographer or post a “coming soon” teaser, let’s walk through what really matters when preparing your property for sale — and how to avoid overcapitalising.

1. First Impressions: Curb Appeal That Captures Attention

Before a buyer even steps inside, they’re already forming an opinion. The front of your home needs to signal, “this place is loved and well-maintained.”

Entryway Refresh: A freshly painted front door, polished house numbers, and working lights make a subtle but powerful statement.

Landscaping: Trim hedges, edge the lawns, weed garden beds, freshen up the wood chips, and consider adding a few pots or flowering plants for colour.

Paths and Driveway: Pressure clean hard surfaces — a clean driveway adds more polish than you think.

Pro tip: Don't go overboard with landscaping — it just needs to look neat, not like a botanical garden.

2. Maintenance Matters: Fixing the Obvious (and the Easily Fixed)

Buyers notice everything. Squeaks, cracks, drips, and scuffs don’t just annoy — they raise red flags about how well the home has been cared for.

Minor Repairs: Patch cracked walls, replace broken tiles, fix leaking taps, re-silicone wet areas, and silence squeaky doors.

Fixtures and Fittings: Swap out outdated light switches, cupboard handles, and old tapware. These affordable updates instantly modernise a home.

Doors and Windows: Ensure they open and close easily — friction here turns into buyer resistance.

3. Paint and Flooring: The Two Most Cost-Effective Upgrades

You don’t always need a full renovation — a neutral paint job and clean floors can transform the feel of a home.

Paint: Light, neutral colours create a sense of space and light. Patch, prime, and repaint where needed. Don’t get creative with bold colours — this isn’t the time for a feature wall.

Floors: Professionally clean carpets, polish timber floors, or consider replacing flooring if it’s heavily worn. Buyers notice underfoot feel.

4. Kitchen and Bathroom: Clean, Functional, and Modern-Looking

You don’t need to gut the kitchen or bathroom — just ensure they look clean, well-maintained, and up-to-date.

Minor Refreshes: Consider resurfacing cabinetry, updating handles, or installing a new splashback or mixer tap.

Deep Clean: Re-grout tiles, re-silicone edges, scrub hard surfaces, and shine tapware and mirrors.

Smell Check: Nothing kills interest faster than a musty bathroom or greasy kitchen smell. Freshness matters.

5. Decluttering and Depersonalising: Let Buyers Imagine Their Life Here

Buyers aren’t just buying a home — they’re buying a lifestyle. And they can’t picture it if they’re surrounded by someone else’s memories.

Declutter: Remove excess furniture to open up space. Less furniture = more room.

Depersonalise: Pack away family photos, trophies, and personalised décor.

Tidy Storage: Cupboards, wardrobes, and garages need to look spacious and orderly — not bursting at the seams.

6. Energy Efficiency and Comfort: Subtle Selling Points That Matter

Today’s buyers care about running costs and environmental impact, even if they don’t realise it right away.

LED Lighting: Switch to bright, energy-efficient bulbs for a modern, cost-saving glow throughout the home.

Heating/Cooling: Ensure all systems are working, filters are clean, and remotes are accessible.

7. Pre-Listing Inspection and Professional Advice: Avoid Costly Surprises

Sometimes the best investment is a second pair of eyes.

Inspection: Consider a pre-listing building inspection to identify any deal-breakers early — especially if your home is older.

Staging Advice: Even if you’re not fully styling the home, getting advice from a professional can help highlight what buyers will love — and where not to bother spending.

The Bottom Line: Focus on What Adds Value — and Don’t Overdo It

Not every home needs a renovation. In fact, some upgrades don’t deliver a return on investment and can even turn buyers away if they’re too taste-specific.

This is where expert advice from an experienced agent counts.

Need Help Deciding What to Do (and What Not to Do)?

If you're thinking of selling and want to get your home looking its best — without wasting money on things that won’t add value — book in a free pre-sale consultation with me. I’ll walk through your property and give you some practical advice about where to invest your time and money for the best return.

Because sometimes, what you don’t do is just as important as what you do.

Click here to book your free consultation and let’s get your property market-ready — the smart way.