Buyers decide how they feel about a home within seconds of seeing the listing photos, and again within seconds of walking through the front door. You don't need a full renovation to make a strong first impression. Most of the value comes from small, inexpensive jobs done well.
Here's the checklist we walk through with sellers before photography day.
Before you start: the three rules
- Fix, don't renovate. Buyers rarely pay back the full cost of a major renovation done just before sale.
- Clear a third. Pack away about a third of what's on benches, shelves and walls. Rooms look bigger in photos and in person.
- Think like a buyer. Anything broken makes buyers wonder what else has been missed.
Street appeal
- Mow, edge and weed. Add fresh mulch to garden beds.
- Clean or paint the front door and replace a tired doormat.
- Make sure the house number is easy to read and the letterbox is tidy.
- Wash down the driveway, paths and verandah.
Living areas
- Remove extra furniture so buyers can see the floor space.
- Replace blown globes and use the same colour temperature throughout.
- Open blinds and clean windows. Natural light sells homes in Brisbane.
- Touch up scuffed walls. A fresh coat of neutral paint is one of the best-value jobs you can do.
Kitchen
- Clear the benches except for one or two simple items.
- Clean the oven, rangehood and splashback. Buyers look inside.
- Fix dripping taps and sticking drawers or cupboard doors.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
- Make beds with plain, light linen and add a couple of cushions.
- Clear wardrobes enough that buyers can see how much space there is.
- Re-grout or re-seal tired showers and replace worn towels and bathmats.
Outdoor living
Outdoor space matters to Brisbane buyers. Clean the deck, set up an outdoor table or a couple of chairs, and make sure the pool is sparkling. If you have a view or a breeze, make it obvious.
Paperwork to have ready
- Council rates notice and water account
- Pool safety certificate, if you have a pool
- Smoke alarm compliance details
- Any building approvals for renovations or extensions
Want a checklist for your home?
Every home is different. Book a free appraisal and we'll walk through your property room by room, tell you which jobs are worth doing and which aren't, and give you a written price range based on recent local sales.
