A well-presented home helps buyers understand its spaces and picture how they could live there. Start with worthwhile, manageable jobs rather than assuming an expensive renovation is needed. Discuss your budget and likely buyer audience with your salesperson before committing to major work.
A simple exercise is to walk through your property as a potential buyer would. Take note of what stands out, both inside and out.
- If you’ve recently completed major building work, be sure to have your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) from the local Council.
- It’s also a good idea to obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) for your property.
- Create a list of all chattels (items that stay with the home), and make sure to note anything you plan to take with you on the contract as an ‘exclusion.’
Use these practical tips to prepare for photography and viewings. Good presentation supports a campaign, but it does not guarantee a price or selling time.
Choose the jobs that matter most
Put safety, known defects and accurate property information first. Next tackle affordable cleaning, clutter and straightforward maintenance. Treat painting, landscaping, staging or kitchen changes as optional decisions to weigh against cost, disruption and the likely buyer audience. Ask for advice before committing to larger work; a tidy, honestly presented home does not have to look newly renovated.
Enhancing Outside Appeal
- Have an Exterior House Wash: A suitable professional wash can refresh the exterior; get a quote and check the surface and condition before choosing a method. Use a soft wash instead of a water blaster unless the surface is very robust, and don’t forget to clean the fence, gates, paths, and decks.
- Maximise Sunlight: Sunlight is a huge selling point. Consider pruning trees or shrubs that block light to allow more natural sun into your home.
- Add a Touch of Greenery: Place a few pot plants around the entrance to add colour and create a welcoming feel. Best of all, you can take them with you when you move!
- Maintain the Lawn: This is an easy and inexpensive task. Mow and edge when the lawn needs it, allowing for the season, growth and weather, so the garden is tidy for photography and viewings.
- Clear All Rubbish: Old garden refuse, junk in the garage, or cluttered outbuildings are unsightly and can detract from your property’s appeal. Take the time to remove them.
- Sparkling Swimming Pool: If you have a pool, ensure the water is clean and clear, the tiles are spotless, and all pool equipment is neatly stored away.
- Manage Your Pets: Keep pets out of the way during open homes. Many people are uncomfortable with animals, and a loose pet can be a major distraction.
Boosting Inside Appeal
- Deep Clean Everything: A good spring clean can make a world of difference. Professionally cleaning carpets can make your home look and smell more inviting, especially if you have pets. Sparkling windows let in more light and make the whole home feel more vibrant.
- Add Flowers and Warmth: Fresh flowers are a simple way to make a home feel welcoming. In the summer, open windows and doors to let the air in. In winter, make the rooms comfortably warm using heating safely and as intended. Address dampness and ventilation problems rather than masking them.
- Create Space: A sense of space is a universal desire. Remove clutter, store non-essential items in boxes, and consider rearranging furniture to make each room feel larger.
- Freshen Up Paintwork: A fresh coat of paint can be an excellent investment, but ensure it’s done well. Sloppy paintwork on edges or windows will send the wrong signal to buyers.
- Don’t Forget the Bathroom and Laundry: Clean these areas safely, follow product instructions and investigate recurring mould or leaks rather than simply covering them up. If you need to replace old lino, choose a neutral, non-descript pattern.
- Improve the Kitchen: A great kitchen is a major selling point. Cleaning, working fittings and clear benches are a good starting point. Replacement doors or benchtops may help some kitchens, but weigh the cost and disruption against the rest of the home before proceeding.
Have the property information ready
Bring together plans, consents and relevant completion records for alterations, warranties and the chattels list. Tell your salesperson about known issues, earthquake damage or repairs and any unresolved claims. Keep supporting records available so questions can be answered accurately. A LIM and the council property file serve different purposes; ask your lawyer which records are needed for your property.
Check Settled’s preparation guidance and the Christchurch City Council property-information guide for current property-record services. Work affecting trees, structures, services or building materials may need professional advice before you start.
Then agree your sale method and marketing plan, or arrange a free appraisal with Ray White Addington.
The final check before photography or an open home
- Clear benches and floors, open curtains and present each room for its normal use.
- Store medicines, keys, private documents and valuables securely; check photographs will not reveal personal information.
- Agree pet arrangements, access, parking and which spaces are available to visitors.
- Check lights and everyday fittings safely, and tell the salesperson about anything that is not working.
- Confirm the time, who will open and lock the home, and how you will receive viewing feedback.
Keep the preparation manageable. Our Seller Resources links this checklist with the appraisal, campaign and sale-method decisions.