Date: 21st Jul 2020

Here's some great tips to help get your home ready for sale

First impressions really do count, and that’s why it’s important that you thoroughly prepare your home for sale. Before putting it on the market, examine your house objectively and put yourself in the buyer's shoes. What stands out? What could be improved? From simple touch-ups and home staging to big jobs like renovations, we’ve compiled a handy list that highlights the things potential buyers are most likely to notice. 

11 Top tips to prepare your property for sale

1. Get a market appraisal

Before making any minor tweaks or major renovations to your home, consult a Tremains real estate agent for a free market appraisal. This will give you a strong idea of the value of your property as it stands. From there, you can make modifications to your house based on your desired sale price.

Before making any minor tweaks or major renovations to your home, consult a Tremains real estate agent for a free market appraisal. This will give you a strong idea of the value of your property as it stands. From there, you can make modifications to your house based on your desired sale price.

Our professional agents operate across the North Island, including Hawke’s Bay. We can help you prepare your house for sale anywhere from Katikati to Central Hawke’s Bay. All you need to do is get in touch.

2. Start with simple steps first

Basic enhancements paired with cleanliness can be highly effective in elevating your home to the next level. When preparing your property for sale, do the following before the open home:

  • Deep clean everything
  • Incorporate fresh flowers into the dining room
  • Eliminate clutter wherever possible, as this helps make the space in your house feel bigger

3. Make your kitchen a selling point

The kitchen is often regarded as the most important room in the house. As one of the most used shared spaces, the state of the kitchen has the power to make or break a sale. You’ll want to pay special attention to the kitchen when you decide to sell. Consider the following:

Review the layout and storage to maximise functionality

  • Ensure appliances are spotless, odour-free and in good working condition
  • Polish all chrome surfaces
  • Tidy and declutter kitchen cupboards and drawers
  • Fix any dripping taps, loose cabinet hardware, and outdated or inefficient light fittings

Small, thoughtful improvements can be transformative for your kitchen. However, you can also consider going all in with some exciting kitchen renovations to add value.

4. Warm up and de-personalise your living room

You want buyers to imagine themselves living in the home, so it should feel welcoming and neutral. Aim for a comfortable atmosphere without personal or overly specific decor, such as bold colours and family photos. You can achieve this by:

  • Running the heat pump prior to viewings to warm up the space
  • Adding additional cushions and throws to your sofa
  • Staging your table with good china, particularly for your photoshoot
  • Turning on side lamps to increase the ambience
  • Removing personal photos

5. Show off your home’s storage potential

Good storage is a drawcard for many buyers, and too many cluttered belongings can be detrimental to the sale of your house. Set aside some time to check storage conditions and make any necessary improvements. This will look like:

  • Declutter cupboards, entryways, side tables, surfaces, and more
  • As a general rule, take out half of what’s in the wardrobes and storage areas to make them look bigger
  • Remove surplus furniture, even if it’s only temporarily, to make rooms seem as spacious as possible
  • Keep basements, attics, and garages organised to highlight ample storage space

6. Boost your street appeal

Potential buyers will make their initial assessment of your property as soon as they set eyes on it, so focusing on both the exterior and the interior is hugely important. Spruce up your outdoors by:

  • Tidying up the front yard, adding potted plants, and neatening the front door area by removing dead leaves, shoes, and clutter
  • Mowing the lawns, weeding the gardens, and trimming back overgrown trees and shrubs
  • Cleaning debris out of the gutters

7. Freshen up walls, windows, and ceilings

Walls, windows and ceilings that are past their prime tend to detract from your house’s presentation and value. Whether you need to undertake repairs or just do some well-needed deep cleaning, freshening things up can make a big difference. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Repair any cracks in the walls or ceilings and repaint if necessary
  • Strip and replace outdated wallpaper or repaint the walls
  • Thoroughly clean windows inside and out, removing finger marks and cobwebs
  • Replace any cracked glass, broken sashes and cords
  • Wash or dry clean curtains or drapes if required

8. Step up your floor game

Well-maintained floors are a highly sought-after property feature that buyers notice immediately. Outdated, dirty or damaged floors convey that the house hasn’t been kept in optimal condition - and that can be a deal breaker. When setting up your house for sale, it’s worth considering the following:

  • Vacuum carpet thoroughly or have it professionally cleaned
  • Replace worn, outdated or old carpet for a true transformation
  • Check if wooden floors need to be refurbished
  • Clean tile floors and fix or replace cracked tiles

9. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way

Take a close look at the paint inside and out - does it need a refresh? A fresh coat can be a smart investment, transforming your property from a fixer-upper to move-in-ready. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Identify if the paint is cracking, peeling or chipping
  • Choose colours that are appropriate to the style of your house and blend in well with the neighbourhood

10. Don’t let the roof raise concerns

A well-maintained roof reassures buyers that the property is protected and unlikely to cause immediate maintenance issues. You’ll need to examine its condition closely during inspections - note that water stains on ceilings are a clear red flag. To keep your roof in top shape:

  • Repaint corrugated iron or clean tiled roofs
  • Fix any leaks, rusted downpipes, or blocked gutters

11. Nail the open home

Open homes are a great way to showcase your property to multiple potential buyers at once, creating a sense of urgency and heightening competition. There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your open homes, including:

  • Create an open home checklist to review before each viewing
  • Ideally, remain absent during open homes (pets too), as this puts buyers at ease
  • Allow your sales consultant to take the lead and do the talking if you do decide to be present

Achieve a successful home sale with Tremains

Whether you plan to do touch-ups, replace chattels or go all in with kitchen or bathroom renovations, selling your property doesn’t have to be complicated - especially when you’re working with Tremains. By following our advice, you’ll be in the best position to achieve your dream sale.

Want some more help? Our consultants will guide you through each stage of the sale process, from market appraisal to closing the deal, no matter where you are. Simply find an agent near you today, or request an appraisal to unlock your home’s true value.