10 Smart Ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale

First impressions count. Whether it’s a family home in the suburbs or a top-floor apartment in the city, the presentation of your property will directly impact buyer interest and your final sale price.

1. The Importance of Curb Appeal

When selling a house, most buyers will drive by before deciding to attend an inspection, which means curb appeal isn’t optional – it’s essential.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Sweep or pressure-wash paths and driveways
• Mow the lawn, weed garden beds and trim trees and hedges
• Add flowering plants or fresh mulch to add a touch of colour
• Clean or repaint the façade and front door (if paint is faded, chipped or peeling)
• Clean or repair fences (if applicable)

For those selling an apartment or townhouse, your first impression typically begins inside….

2. The Entryway is Everything

Your front door and the moment you step foot inside, sets the tone for everything else to come. We suggest creating a warm, clean, and inviting entrance.

Here’s how:

• Sweep eaves and doorways
• Remove any loose leaves or cobwebs
• Wash the door and re-buff hardware
• Replace or remove the doormat if required 
• Consider adding potted plants to add some colour and life to the space
• Clean windows and let in natural light (by opening curtains or blinds)

3. Complete Pending Maintenance

Unfinished repairs signal neglect, and when buyers notice, they mentally subtract dollars. Walk through your home and note anything that needs work.

This could include:

• Unfinished renovations
• Mismatched paint
• Stained or torn carpets
• Scratched or chipped floorboards
• Broken lights, hardware, blinds, doors and cupboards
• Leaking taps or toilets
• Cracked tiles or windows
• Damaged or moulding grout

Need help finding the right trades or comparing quotes? Let us know! We will connect you with reliable trades and can assist with covering property repairs until settlement (if you decide to sell with us)! 

4. Freshen Up the Walls & Floors

The walls and floors form the backdrop of your entire home, so they need to be kept clean and well-maintained. 

For the walls:

• Patch holes, cracks and dents
• Wipe or sand away scuff marks
• Clean windows and fixtures
• Consider a fresh coat of neutral paint (we advise a neutral colour to allow buyers to envision transforming the space into their own)
• Consider replacing or removing the blinds or curtains…

And the floors:

• Steam clean carpets
• Vacuum or mop tiles
• Sand and refinish scuffed or scratched floorboards
• Replace flooring (if it’s damaged beyond repair)
• Clean skirting boards and fixtures
• Consider removing carpet to reveal hardwood floors (if applicable)

5. Maximise Kitchen Appeal

Buyers see kitchens as daunting, high-cost renovations. Presenting a clean, modern-looking kitchen (even without a full renovation) can make or break a deal.

Here’s what we suggest:

• Scrub every surface, inside and out (buyers may open doors and drawers)
• Clear benchtops and remove clutter
• Clean ovens and appliances (especially stainless steel)
• Replace or refresh tired splash backs or hardware
• Add simple staging like a fruit bowl, cookbook or vase with fresh flowers
• Light a scented candle or bake some sweets to entice all the senses

6. Make Inviting Living Spaces 

Creating a sense of flow and comfort in your living and family areas will help buyers feel a sense of ‘home’ and encourage them to form an emotional connection.

Here’s how:

• Clear bulky furniture to make each space feel more open
• Arrange seating around a focal point (like a fireplace or window)
• Fluff cushions and add throw blankets
• Remove personal décor and clutter (including family photos)
• Style with a few carefully chosen decor pieces to introduce colour and a cosy appeal
• If you have a fireplace, ensure it is clean and safe to inspect (and try to avoid using it the day before or of an inspection to avoid a smoky smell)

7. Give Bedrooms a Purpose

Whether it’s a grand master suite or a spare room, every bedroom should feel like a space someone wants to sleep in.

Here’s what we suggest:

• Clean all surfaces and remove clutter (including bedside tables)
• Remove unnecessary items (such as desks or drawers) to create space
• Use neutral bed linen with a few colourful accents (such as a pillow or throw blanket)
• Add soft lighting, plants or simple relevant decor to enhance warmth
• Convert unused rooms into guest rooms or home offices / studies to maximise the home’s appeal and versatility 

8. Stage the Bathroom Like a Spa

Creating a clean, luxe-feeling bathroom will leave a lasting impression. Just like the kitchen, a bathroom can also make or break a deal.

Here’s what you can do:

• Clean all surfaces, inside and out (buyers may open doors and drawers)
• Don’t forget the windowsills and shower tracks!
• Remove water and soap stains to make glass, stainless steel fittings and mirrors sparkle
• Replace broken fittings or deteriorating grout
• Remove personal items and toiletries (including shampoo and conditioner)
• Add fresh, neutral or complimentary towels (folded neatly)
• Consider adding simple, relevant staging such as candles, pump soap and plants

9. Highlight Outdoor Living

Most buyers love a good outdoor space, especially when they maximise usability and offer low maintenance living. We encourage you to make the most of this inclusion where possible, no matter the size – whether it’s a large grassy backyard, a fully tiled courtyard, or tiny balcony.

Here’s how:

• Clean and pressure wash flooring and walls
• Clean all windows and doors
• Replace or repair cracking tiles or concrete
• Tidy up outdoor furniture (including cleaning the BBQ if applicable)
• Weed, mulch and trim garden beds and plants
• Repair, replace or add outdoor lighting (like string lights or lanterns)
• Clean and certify the pool (if applicable)
• Remove (or tidy) and clutter

10. Declutter, declutter, declutter!

You’re not just selling a home, you’re selling a vision of someone else’s future. By removing personal items, you create a blank space which allows buyers to envision their own belongings in each room which in turn helps them form an emotional connection to the home.

This includes:

• Remove family photos, magnets and artwork
• Remove excess furniture (whether it be bulky, bold or worn)
• Keep cupboards and wardrobes tidy (or empty where possible) to show off space

We want to help you wherever possible, as we know how stressful and time consuming these tasks can be. We have a team of reliable removalists, and professional cleaners and property stylists who we can put you in touch with, or handle the enquiry with on your behalf, so you can experience a smooth and hassle-free sale.

Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest impact!

Prepping your home for sale isn’t about perfection, it’s about presentation. With some money, time, effort and a clear strategy, you’ll attract more buyers and create stronger emotional connections, giving yourself the best shot at a premium price.

If you’re selling in Canberra and want expert guidance on how to position your home to win, reach out to Jonny Warren Properties! We’d love to hear your story and help you achieve your real estate goals.

📞 0438 867 822
📩 jonny@jonnywarren.com.au
💻 www.jonnywarren.com.au