What to Do Before Listing Your Home
Deciding to sell your home is no small thing; once the decision’s made, it can be tempting to try and get the whole process over and done with as soon as humanly possible.
But first impressions count, which is why your home needs to look its best before it hits the market.
Here are six things to do before listing your home.
1. Do your paperwork
The expensive nature of property means there’s always lots of red tape to cut through. It can be frustrating at times, but it’s also there for good reason, protecting both sellers and buyers. Carrying out a professional building inspection to identify any major structural issues, and applying for a pool compliance certificate if applicable, is suggested, as regulations may have changed since the initial purchase.
2. Carry out minor repairs
Presentation matters in real estate, and there’s no excuse not to spend some time attending to any signs of wear and tear. Re-varnish the floors, fill in any cracks, and give the walls a fresh lick of paint. And pay extra attention to the front facade, as this will greatly influence a buyer’s first impression.
3. Update interiors
Once you’ve given your property a once over, you should start to think about the interiors more broadly. Think about who might be interested in buying your property and try to imagine what they would say about its current layout and decor. Armed with a clearer understanding of who the buyer might be, an agent will ensure you only embark on changes that are likely to add to your eventual sale price, and a stylist will help make these changes as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
4. Refresh the garden
Amid all the excitement, it can be easy for sellers to neglect areas outside the home. But they’d do well to remember that buyers rarely make the same mistake, especially during summer.
5. Be upfront
Disclosing any issues prior to listing means you’ll only get offers from buyers who are happy to take the property in its current state. This will save you time, and reduce the chance of problems arising during settlement.
6. Don’t rush
To present your property in the best light possible, you need to think about everything from your marketing strategy, to your initial sale price. It’s far from a simple process, and trying to rush it could lead to mistakes that knock thousands off your sale price. Invest time into making repairs, and – remembering there’s no ‘perfect time’ to sell – list when you’re ready.
Black, E. (2020) What to do before listing your home for sale, What To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale. Available at: http://realestate.com.au/advice/what-to-do-before-listing/ (Accessed: 15 May 2025).