Selling your property for the highest possible price might sound straightforward, but in reality, it takes preparation, strategy, and a keen understanding of what today’s buyers are looking for. Gone are the days when a simple listing in the local paper could secure a buyer. Today’s buyers are savvy, digitally connected, and quick to scrutinise every detail. If you’re serious about selling at a premium, you need to treat your home like a product—and that means prepping it to shine.
Let’s walk through the essential steps to prepare your home for sale and maximise its value in any market.
Understand the Local Market First
Before you hammer in a “For Sale” sign, your first task is to understand the market you’re selling into.
Most homeowners start by checking recent sale prices in the area. That’s a solid move—but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Don’t compare your modest two-bedroom home to a fully renovated five-bedroom property with a pool and a home theatre. Take a close look at homes with similar size, age, features, and condition.
Engage a local real estate agent who knows the area well and can interpret the data for you. Ask about:
- Local auction clearance rates
- Time on market averages
- Seasonal trends (for example, spring tends to be peak season)
- Price movement over the last 6–12 months
Also, keep an eye on broader economic indicators like interest rate movements, government incentives, and infrastructure developments, all of which can influence buyer behaviour.
Check out “How to make use of Supply and Demand Indicators when it comes to investing property?“
Set an objective and request for appraisals
Once you have done your market research, you can then proceed to check the agents out in your location. A good starting point is looking online or asking around your neighbourhood. But, of course, it is best to meet the agents face-to-face. In this way, you will know if they’re the right fit for you and your property.
Choose the agents who are reputable, skilled, qualified, and highly regarded by locals. Try to get an appraisal from them if you can. This will help you guarantee that your anticipated price point for your home is attainable for the agent that you will choose.
It would also help if you don’t focus on the agent who commits to the best price or the one who gets the lowest commission. Instead, find the right agent expert who is serious about going through all the steps of the whole selling process with you. For example, if you’re selling an apartment, look for an experienced agent in this niche. Or, if you are listing a farm or agricultural land, go for someone knowledgeable on this market.
After obtaining several appraisals, establish a realistic and achievable goal price. The price should be based on the agents’ estimates and can be confirmed versus comparable properties being sold in your area.
You may want to check an agent as he is in action and performing the selling act. This is a good strategy in shortlisting your agents, too. If you like how he conducts himself in action, follow through immediately with a short introduction and ask for their contact details. You should feel very comfortable with the agent. After all, you are selling your home, which is considered your most valuable asset.
“Get your Access to our Fully Customisable Investment Property Research and Analytics Tool Now!”
Choose the Right Agent
Selecting the right real estate agent can mean the difference between a seamless sale and a frustrating experience.
Don’t just go for the agent who promises the highest sale price or the lowest commission. You want someone with local expertise, experience selling properties like yours, and a proven track record. Interview a few agents, get appraisals, and ask for recent comparable sales they’ve handled.
Here are a few ways to vet your agent:
- Attend their open homes to see how they present properties
- Review their recent sales history
- Read reviews or testimonials from past clients
- Ask what marketing strategies they plan to use
Once you’ve chosen your agent, work with them to set a realistic price and marketing timeline.
Set a SMART Sales Goal
Approach your sale like a business objective. That means creating a SMART goal:
- Specific – Know exactly what you want to achieve
- Measurable – Define your expected sale price
- Attainable – Be realistic based on market data
- Relevant – Align it with your broader financial goals
- Time-bound – Set a clear deadline for the sale
An example might be: “Sell my home for at least $1.3 million within eight weeks.”
Setting a SMART goal gives your agent a clear benchmark and helps focus your efforts during preparation.
“Get your Access to our Fully Customisable Investment Property Research and Analytics Tool Now!”
Get Your Home Ready to Impress
With your agent locked in and goals in place, now comes the part where you roll up your sleeves. First impressions count—and your job is to create a home that buyers will fall in love with from the moment they arrive.
1. Complete All Necessary Repairs
Small flaws can leave a big impression. Chipped paint, dripping taps, cracked tiles, and squeaky doors are red flags for buyers. They might worry that surface issues are signs of deeper problems—or they may simply use them to negotiate a lower price.
Before your first open inspection, do a thorough walkthrough and:
- Patch cracks and paint chips
- Repair broken door handles, hinges, or fixtures
- Replace worn or stained carpets
- Clean windows inside and out
- Fix any plumbing or electrical issues
If unsure which repairs are worth prioritising, ask your agent—they’ll know what buyers in your area value most.
2. Declutter and Deep Clean
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to improve your home’s appeal is to declutter. Removing excess furniture, family photos, and knick-knacks opens up your rooms and helps buyers picture themselves living there.
Next, do a deep clean. That means:
- Scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens until they sparkle
- Cleaning inside cupboards and drawers
- Wiping down walls and skirting boards
- Polishing floors and vacuuming carpets
A spotless home feels well maintained and gives buyers confidence in your property.
3. Consider Styling or Staging
Professional styling can be a game-changer—especially in competitive markets.
Even subtle touches like fresh linen, statement cushions, plants, artwork, and mirrors can make rooms feel brighter, more modern, and more inviting. Styling helps highlight your home’s best features and downplay its weaker points.
If hiring a stylist isn’t in the budget, consider renting a few key pieces or reconfiguring what you have for better flow and visual appeal.
Evaluate Your Pricing Strategy
Once your home is ready for market, your next big decision is pricing.
Pricing too high may deter buyers and result in a stale listing, while pricing too low could cost you thousands in missed value. That’s where your agent’s expertise comes in. Lean on comparable sales data, current competition, and buyer feedback to choose a price point that attracts interest and leaves room for negotiation.
Some pricing strategies to consider:
- Fixed price: Simple but rigid
- Price range: Offers flexibility while still attracting interest
- Auction: Best for high-demand markets or unique properties
Regardless of your chosen strategy, remain open to adjusting based on early feedback.
What If Your Home Isn’t Selling?
Even with preparation, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some proven strategies to turn things around:
1. Restyle or Refresh
A new coat of paint, better furniture layout, or updated styling can revive a tired listing. Buyers may respond very differently to an updated look.
2. Adjust the Asking Price
Sometimes, even a minor price tweak can bring in a wave of new buyers. If your home has been on the market for weeks with little interest, it may be worth reviewing the price.
3. Take a Break from the Market
If your listing has become stale, consider taking it offline for a month or two. Use the time to make updates, then relaunch with fresh photos and a new campaign.
4. Try a New Agent
If your current agent isn’t delivering results, don’t hesitate to explore other options. A new agent may bring a fresh strategy or stronger buyer database.
5. Consider Renting Temporarily
If the market is slow or your ideal buyer isn’t emerging, renting the property short-term may help cover holding costs until conditions improve.
Key Areas to Prioritise Before Listing
When preparing your home for sale, focus on these high-impact areas:
- Curb appeal – Mow the lawn, trim hedges, pressure clean the driveway, and add plants or mulch
- Entryway – Clean, clutter-free, and welcoming
- Kitchen and bathroom – These are big selling points, so ensure they are sparkling and functional
- Lighting – Replace outdated fixtures and use warm-toned lighting to create a cosy feel
- Storage spaces – Tidy wardrobes and cupboards to show off space
Sell with Purpose
Selling your property is a big financial decision. It can also be emotional—but with the right preparation, team, and strategy, it’s possible to achieve a fantastic outcome.
Your role as a seller is to present your home in the best possible light and be clear on your goals. A strong market can help, but your results will be driven by how much care you put into the process—from your pricing and agent selection through to final presentation.
If you’re serious about selling for top dollar, use data to your advantage. SuburbsFinder’s investment property research tool lets you compare market conditions across more than 15,000 Australian suburbs. You can track supply and demand indicators, compare median prices, and assess how suburb performance aligns with your property’s profile. This level of insight ensures you go to market with confidence and clarity.
