Maximising the Selling Power of Your Home: 7 Tips to Prepare for the Market

When preparing to sell your home, first impressions are everything. From stylish décor to a fresh coat of paint, even the smallest touches can make a world of difference to a prospective buyer, whose imagination you need to harness in order to boost your selling power. So, what can you do to make your home stand out amongst the rest, particularly in a competitive market?

Taking the time to enhance your home’s presentation is likely to attract more buyers, minimise your time on market and even increase your sale price. But it can be difficult to discern which refreshments will make a positive impact, and which are unnecessary. So, here are our top tips to help you get your home ready for a successful sale, no matter the season.

1. How to prepare your home for a successful sale

A thorough clean is key

When showcasing your home to prospective buyers, it has to be spotless. Cleaning every corner ensures that your home looks well-maintained and inviting. Start with basics like wiping down windows, dusting surfaces and vacuuming. Don’t forget to give your kitchen and bathrooms a deep clean because these high-use areas are key selling points for most buyers. If you want to go the extra mile, consider hiring a professional cleaner to refresh your tiles or carpets. Many sellers mistakenly believe their older tiled floors need replacing, but a quick and affordable regrouting can make all the difference. 

2. Tackle repairs and maintenance

Before listing your home, walk through and identify any small repairs that may need attention. Buyers will notice even the most minor issues, so now is a good time to fix them. Think leaky taps, loose door handles, burnt-out lightbulbs or other general wear and tear. If your walls are scuffed, consider applying a fresh coat of paint. Even updating some older fixtures like handles and tapware can give your home a more contemporary, high-end feel that buyers will love. 

As mentioned, it can be tricky to gauge which repairs will have the greatest impact and when you’re going overboard. If you’re unsure, one of Shead’s friendly real estate professionals will be able to advise you on what local buyers are looking for and help you prioritise your home improvements.

3. Depersonalise and declutter

While your home may hold some wonderful family memories, prospective buyers want to envision their own future in the space. So, turning your home into a blank canvas is a key step in helping buyers imagine themselves living there.

Make sure you take down any family photos, souvenirs or other personal items that could distract from the home’s overall feel. Decluttering will not only help activate the buyers’ imagination, but it will also make your home appear larger and allow buyers to focus on its great features rather than the belongings inside. 

4. Consider staging

Staging can help amplify your home’s best features and make it more attractive to buyers. If you’ve vacated the property already, it could be worth enlisting the help of a professional property stylist who can arrange furniture and décor in a way that is proven to peak buyers’ interests. Alternatively, we can arrange professional staging for you. 

Did you know that many real estate photographers now offer virtual staging? This is an innovative and convenient way to enhance your online listing by showing potential buyers what the home could look like fully furnished. Contact us to learn more.

5. Boost your kerbside appeal

Your home’s exterior plays a major role in forming your prospective buyer’s first impression, which leaves a lasting impact on their overall opinion of the home. After all, what’s the first thing buyers will see as they arrive for your home open? Enhancing your kerbside appeal is a simple yet effective way to draw attention and make your home more attractive. 

A good mowing, weeding and pruning of overgrown plants is a great place to start. You might even benefit from pressure-washing your driveway or adding some seasonal greenery and feature lighting to create a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. 

6. Consider the weather

Weather and temperature have a significant psychological impact on a buyer’s impression of a home, so it’s vital that you’re playing the seasons to your advantage. In the warmer months, keep the home well-ventilated and open to amplify the radiant natural light and cooling breezes it captures. In cooler weather, create a cosy ambiance by using warm lighting, setting the heat to a comfortable level and making features like fireplaces the star of the show. 

No matter the season, the conditions outside can change at any time. Before listing your home, make sure its heating and cooling systems are in optimal condition so that you can create a comfortable environment on demand. 

7. Lean on your agent’s expertise

Your real estate agent is an invaluable resource when preparing your home for sale. They see countless properties and understand what works in the current market. Whether it’s small cosmetic updates or larger repairs, a professional agent will provide insights into what will help your home stand out to your target buyers. Their advice can also save you time and money by addressing potential issues before they become a problem during the sale process and help you avoid unnecessary work and expense.

We’re here to help

Selling your home can be an overwhelming and even emotional process full of tough decisions. But there is nothing more exciting than reaching a sale price that goes beyond your wildest expectations. Here at Shead Property, we want nothing more than to help you achieve that, which is why our team of residential real estate specialists will support you in getting your home into top shape for a competitive market. Contact us today to get started.