Selling your property is an exciting yet often overwhelming task. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or a first-time homeowner looking to move on, showcasing your property in its best possible light is essential for a successful sale. From curb appeal to interior presentation, every detail matters when it comes to attracting the right buyers.
In this guide, we navigate through steps for preparing your property for sale and offer strategies for highlighting its best features. We discuss finding a real estate agent that’s right for you, and share practical advice to help you get to market feeling confident.
“Two things remain irretrievable: time and a first impression.”
Cynthia Ozick
It’s important to plan your pre-sale improvements wisely. What you spend on renovations will be determined greatly by the outcome you’re trying to achieve and the last thing you want to do is spend money you won’t see returned. Your agent is the best person to talk to about where to prioritise your renovation budget.
There’s no point spending big on luxe landscaping when buyers in the area are time-poor, seeking low-maintenance gardens instead. Agents are helpful in picking out the flaws we can’t see in a property, which often happens when we’re attached to a property we’ve lived in for years.
Here’s our top renovation tips for getting your property ready for market. Remember, it’s all about prioritising value-adding improvements and sticking to a carefully considered plan and budget.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the property and address any minor repairs or improvements such as leaking taps, broken tiles, or chipped paint. Not only will this make rooms appear larger, but people can mentally plan the space for their own belongings. An organised house gives the impression it’s been well-cared for. Items that might be sentimental to you but are awkward in a room, are best kept in storage. Remember, people want to imagine a space where they can create their own memories.
Buyers need to feel a warmth and connection to your property at first inspection. While a fresh coat of exterior paint is always a great start, it’s costly. Not feasible? Consider painting your front door and fence instead. Maintain the lawn, trim hedges, and refresh the garden with new plants to create an inviting entrance.
If your front path looks tired, pressure cleaning is a great way to breathe new life into your pavers without having to actually replace them.
New kitchens are expensive, costing anywhere from $20-35K for something mid-range. Talk to your agent about whether replacing your kitchen is worth the investment. If not, simply replacing dated handles on cabinetry is a great way to start.
A fresh coat of paint can help to modernise, too. Replace dirty or stained grout and consider a new splashback — this is only a small area to cover, so it can be a good place to spend a little more on quality tiling or even stone. Old tarnished taps are an immediate turn off for buyers, so replace tap ware with something fresh. New appliances will instantly lift the space — a new kettle or coffee machine can make the world of difference.
Bathrooms are where buyers see themselves spending the most on fixes and updates. People often don’t feel ‘handy’ in this space, so they only need to glance at a tired old bathroom before they start tallying the costs of bringing in the professionals.
If your tiles are dated but still in great shape, consider a fresh coat of tile paint. Replace any cracked tiles and clean or replace damaged grout.
Styling is key here. Luxurious towels, a glowing scented candle and an indoor plant will help transform the space (and of course the room should be sparkling clean!).
We’re yet to meet a buyer that doesn’t appreciate a fresh coat of paint. Nothing screams ‘buy me’ more than a house that’s clean and inviting, ready to be moved into straight away. It’s often best to keep your colour palette neutral so that it appeals to as many buyers as possible.
Timber flooring or alternatives like bamboo or laminates are popular amongst buyers. If you can’t afford to replace all your flooring, consider high-traffic areas. Stained or damaged carpet needs replacing, so prioritise your budget accordingly. Likewise, make sure your skirting boards are in good condition. Replacing the odd panel won’t break the bank and will ensure a polished final look.
You want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Personal touches are great but remember, people want to imagine themselves in the space.
We’ve spoken before about the importance of property styling.
“Property styling should transform and complement a home and create a lifestyle that appeals to a range of buyers, without taking away from the home itself.”
Steph Mckenzie, Director Bungalow Home
If the property is vacant, consider hiring a professional stylist to furnish and decorate the space. Staged homes often sell faster and for a higher price than vacant or poorly-furnished properties.
Given most sellers choose to use an agent to market and sell their property, finding the right agent is arguably one of the most important choices you can make when selling.
Not only are agents motivated to get you the best price possible, but they bring expert advice to the table and negotiate on your behalf. It’s important you find an agent that understands you, so you get the best result and experience possible.
We recommend looking for the following in an agent:
The family home is perhaps the most important asset you’ll ever own. So when it comes time to sell, you need to be able to have open and honest conversations with your agent. Do they have a clear understanding of your goals and expectations? Have they been upfront and transparent with their commission rate as well as any other potential costings? Don’t be afraid to have these conversations from the get-go.
Go with your gut. Does the agent’s personality gel well with yours? Think, chemistry. Once you’ve shortlisted your top picks, sit down and really get an understanding of how each agent operates and what they’re like to deal with. Selling a home is stressful for most, so ask yourself if the agent is going to make the process as smooth and streamlined as possible.
To understand what you’re competing against, you’re going to need an agent with area-specific knowledge. Local agents know what sales methods are best received by your area’s demographic, which is important when it comes time to decide on a marketing strategy. They’ll also be able to offer you a database of potential buyers in the area, as well as any additional insights into your neighbourhood.
Before your property is even marketed, a good local agent will have an up-to-date database of potential buyers they can contact about your property. These buyers may have missed out on a previous purchase, so if your home fits their criteria, you know you’re dealing with serious buyers.
A lot goes into selling a home and there’s plenty to consider. Discuss and establish a clear plan that includes pricing and a solid marketing and advertising strategy. Will you offer open homes and if so, how many? Do they recommend selling at auction or private treaty? What sort of contract length are you looking for? Agents have systems in place for selling, but there’s no ‘one size fits all’ for selling a house. Ensure your plan is thoughtfully tailored to you and your home.
A good agent will let their results speak for themselves. What are their sales like in the area for comparative properties? Look at the prices they’ve achieved and how long the properties sat on the market. Different agents specialise in different listings (do they sell mostly luxury properties? Beachfronts? Acreage?) so be sure your property is in their wheelhouse.
Equally important is an agent’s reputation and how they’re reviewed. You want an agent that responds to enquiries promptly and is diligent about follow ups, so feedback from past clients is useful. Have a look at reviews online and note how the agent responds — whether the feedback is positive, neutral, or negative, the agent’s response should always be professional.
When marketing your property, a good agent should be able to highlight your property’s strengths but also respectfully identify what aspects could be improved for sale. Remember, you’re trying to appeal to as many buyers as possible, so be open to your agent’s feedback regarding any potential pre-sale improvements.
While certain times of the year tend to be more favourable for sellers, the only real right time to sell is when it suits your circumstances. Downsizing, upsizing, relocating for work, debt reduction, or a growing family are just some of the motives for sellers to relocate.
Each season offers unique advantages that sellers can leverage to maximise their chances of a successful sale.
Spring:
Spring is often regarded as the optimal season for selling property. As the weather warms up and gardens come back to life, potential buyers are more inclined to venture out and attend open houses. Additionally, families with children often prefer to move during the warmer months to avoid disrupting the school year, making spring an ideal time for them to start their property search. The increased demand during spring can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher selling prices.
Summer:
Properties with pools, decks, barbeque facilities or cubby houses/play equipment tend to shine during the summer months. Buyers are often in a more relaxed mindset and can better imagine the lifestyle on offer from certain properties. Buyers often like to be settled in their new homes before Christmas, so it’s best to have a discussion with your agent on how to best navigate your sale around the holidays.
Autumn:
With the return of cooler weather, buyers are often motivated to find a new home before winter sets in. Additionally, properties tend to showcase well in the autumn months, with colourful foliage adding curb appeal. Buyers who missed out on purchasing during the spring and summer may be more determined to secure a property before the end of the year, potentially leading to quicker sales.
Winter:
While winter is generally considered a slower season for real estate activity, it doesn’t necessarily mean that selling during this time is going to be any more difficult. Serious buyers often continue their search regardless of the season, and there may be less competition from other sellers. Thoughtfully-staged homes offering a warm and inviting aesthetic are incredibly appealing to buyers looking for a cosy retreat.
Your marketing campaign is arguably your most important tool in appealing to the greatest pool of buyers and your agent is going to be the best person to talk to about strategy.
We suggest:
Quality photographs are essential for online listings and marketing materials. Hire a professional photographer who specialises in real estate photography to capture your property’s best features. Consider that interstate or even international buyers are going to appreciate an immersive experience. Videos plus digital walkthroughs are an excellent marketing tool, especially if you’re advertising through social media. They allow buyers to get a proper feel for the layout of your home, meaning people are more likely to connect with the space.
Identify and emphasise the property’s unique features and selling points, such as a renovated kitchen, spacious backyard, or desirable location. Prepare a list of amenities, recent upgrades, and nearby attractions to include in marketing materials.
Work with your real estate agent to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy. Utilise online listings, social media, print advertising, signage, and open houses to attract potential buyers. You’ll also need to consider the costs of a digital floor plan, or any additional print or advertising material. Real estate agents have a network of these services that they utilise, and top agents are going to insist on quality.
Research comparable properties in the area to determine a competitive listing price. Your agent should work with you to set a realistic price based on market conditions, recent sales data, and the property’s features.
Consider hiring a qualified inspector to identify any potential issues that could arise during the sales process. It’s best to address any significant issues before listing the property to avoid delays or negotiations during the sale.
Property Credit lets you access the equity in the property you’re selling to fund any number of the expenses mentioned in this guide.
A Property Credit bridging facility can be offered at any stage of the property sale, right up until settlement. Once established, our flexible funding options allow you to access funds once-off or throughout the sale. Your facility limit grows at each stage of your property sale, and you can access maximum equity once the sale of your property goes unconditional.
There is nothing to pay upfront; the cost simply comes out of your settlement total. Rather than putting strain on your cash-flow at an already stressful time, our service lets you utilise your home’s equity so you can fund your next move with ease.
Visit property.credit for more information on our services or you can contact us on 1300 829 536 (au) or 03 668 2144 (nz).
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial product advice. Consider seeking independent financial advice that relates to your individual circumstances.
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