Thinking about selling your home but not sure where to start? Selling a property can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. But don't worry! I’m Jess Gordine from Tall Poppy Real Estate, and I've helped many homeowners navigate the sales process smoothly. Below, I’ll walk you through six key steps that can make a big difference in how your home presents to buyers and how it performs on the market.
1. Deep Clean: A Sparkling Home Sells Faster
The first step in preparing your home for sale is a deep clean. Think of your home as a product that needs to look its best on the shelf. A clean home not only looks better, but it also feels more inviting and gives potential buyers the impression that the property has been well cared for.
Focus on every detail: scrub those bathroom tiles until they shine, dust every corner, clean the windows inside and out, and don’t forget the often-overlooked areas like light fixtures, baseboards, and behind appliances. Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are high-impact areas that can sway a buyer’s decision.
If the idea of doing a deep clean feels daunting, consider hiring professional cleaners. It’s an investment that can pay off in terms of the home’s appeal and ultimately its sale price.
2. Declutter: Less is More
After a deep clean, the next step is decluttering. When buyers walk through a home, they want to imagine themselves living there, and that’s hard to do when a space is filled with personal belongings. Removing excess items helps create a sense of space and allows buyers to focus on the home's features rather than your possessions.
Start with the basics: pack away personal items like family photos, children’s toys, and knick-knacks. Pare down the contents of shelves and countertops, and minimize furniture to make rooms appear larger. If you’re not sure where to start, work room by room, and be ruthless. If you don’t use it or love it, pack it up or get rid of it.
Decluttering not only helps with the sale but also gives you a head start on packing for your move. Plus, it can make your home feel more serene and spacious, which is exactly what potential buyers want to see.
3. Fix and Repair: Small Fixes, Big Impact
Even minor issues can turn off a potential buyer or give them the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained. Before putting your house on the market, take care of those small repairs that you’ve been putting off. This could include fixing leaky taps, patching up holes in the walls, repairing chipped paint, or replacing broken tiles.
These small improvements can have a significant impact on how buyers perceive your property. They send the message that your home is move-in ready, which is a big selling point for many buyers. For larger repairs, it might be worthwhile to consult with a professional, especially for electrical or plumbing work. The goal is to present your home in the best light possible, and that means addressing any maintenance issues upfront.
4. First Impressions Matter: Boost Your Curb Appeal
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this is especially true in real estate. The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it sets the tone for the rest of the viewing. A well-maintained yard, clean driveway, and welcoming entrance can make your property stand out from the competition.
Start by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and planting some fresh flowers or shrubs to add a pop of colour. Pressure wash the driveway and pathways, clean the gutters, and consider repainting or staining the front door to give it a fresh look. Small touches like a new doormat, updated house numbers, and a potted plant near the entrance can also make a big difference.
These updates don’t have to be costly or time-consuming, but they can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal and create that “wow” factor that makes buyers eager to see what’s inside.
5. Stage Your Home: Highlight Its Best Features
Staging is an art that involves arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses, and appeal to the widest possible pool of buyers. You don’t necessarily have to hire a professional stager; often, just rearranging your existing furniture, adding some fresh decor, and neutralizing the colour palette can make a big difference.
The goal is to create a warm, inviting space where buyers can envision themselves living. Focus on making each room feel purposeful and spacious. For example, set the dining table as if you’re about to host a dinner party, add fluffy towels and a few spa-like touches to the bathroom, and create cozy conversation areas in the living room.
If you’re working with an agent, ask if they offer staging advice or have a list of recommended stagers. A well-staged home can help buyers emotionally connect with your property, making it more likely they’ll put in an offer.
6. Choose the Right Agent: It’s All About the Relationship
Finally, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home. A good agent will not only market your property effectively but will also guide you through the entire sales process, from pricing your home to negotiating offers and closing the deal.
When selecting an agent, don’t be afraid to shop around. Get appraisals from two or three different agents and ask them about their experience, their marketing strategies, and their approach to achieving the maximum sale price. It’s also important to consider their communication style and whether you feel comfortable working with them.
Your agent should be someone you trust and feel confident will represent your best interests. Look for an agent who is knowledgeable about your local market, responsive, and willing to tailor their approach to your needs. Remember, selling a home is a partnership, and having the right person by your side can make all the difference.
Selling your home is a big decision, but with the right preparation, you can make the process smoother and more successful. By following these tips—deep cleaning, decluttering, making repairs, enhancing curb appeal, staging your home, and choosing the right agent—you’ll be setting your property up for a standout performance on the market.
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Taupo, I’d love to chat. As an experienced agent with Tall Poppy Real Estate, I’m here to help guide you through every step of the process. Together, we can create a plan that works for you and achieves the best possible outcome. Contact me today to start your selling journey!
