Preparing to Sell

Before spending on presentation, agree what your home needs and what will help buyers assess it. A clean, comfortable property and organised information can be more useful than a rushed renovation.

Start with maintenance and paperwork

Make a list of repairs, unfinished work and known issues. Deal with leaks, loose fittings and safety concerns using appropriate tradespeople. Keep invoices and consent or repair documents together. Discuss defects with your salesperson and lawyer; decoration should never conceal a problem buyers need to know about.

For Christchurch homes, gather any earthquake assessment, repair, insurance and consent records you hold. A fresh coat of paint is not a substitute for understanding previous work. Your lawyer and suitable building professionals can advise on missing information and what needs explaining.

Choose a sensible presentation budget

Walk through the property with your salesperson before booking major work. Separate essential repairs from low-cost improvements and optional upgrades. Compare the cost, disruption and timing with the likely usefulness to buyers. No improvement guarantees a higher sale price.

• Clean windows, bathrooms, kitchens and frequently touched surfaces.
• Clear benches and excess furniture so room sizes and circulation are easy to understand.
• Organise cupboards and storage without making the home feel empty or unwelcoming.
• Tidy paths, trim planting that blocks access or light, and clear gutters safely.
• Check lights, handles, doors and visible maintenance details.

Plan photography

Agree the rooms and features to show, then prepare them before the photographer arrives. Put away valuables, family photographs and sensitive paperwork. Consider what is visible through windows, in mirrors and on screens. Discuss pets, vehicles, access and the best light with your salesperson.

Keep the presentation honest. If furniture is digitally added or an image altered, discuss appropriate disclosure. Buyers should be able to recognise what is actually for sale when they visit.

Make viewings comfortable

Allow time to tidy and air the home before a viewing. In colder Christchurch weather, a comfortable indoor temperature helps visitors assess how the rooms feel. Keep entrances safe and dry, secure pets and valuables, and agree how the salesperson will lock up. For a tenanted home, arrange access and notice appropriately through the responsible people rather than assuming an open home can go ahead.

Keep a manageable checklist

Choose what needs doing before photography, before the first open home and during the campaign. Confirm who is responsible for each job. If you cannot complete everything, ask which tasks matter most for your property and timetable.

Arrange a Burnside appraisal before committing to major preparation costs, or call 03 359 0384. For independent advice, read Settled’s preparing-to-sell guidance.

A preparation plan you can actually finish

Walk through the home as a buyer would, starting at the street. Make three lists: faults to investigate, affordable presentation improvements and work that can wait. Resolve safety concerns and maintenance issues first. Then focus on clean surfaces, working lights, clear access and a garden that shows how the outdoor space can be used.

Before photography

• Clear benches and floor space without making rooms feel empty. Show a practical place to eat, relax and work.
• Clean windows and open curtains so available light is visible. Replace failed bulbs and check that fittings work.
• Remove personal documents, medication, valuable items and family photographs you do not want online. Check mirrors and reflective surfaces too.
• Move bins, excess vehicles and loose garden equipment away from the main views. Sweep paths and tidy the entrance.
• Tell the salesperson about features that deserve to be shown, such as storage, a sheltered outdoor area or a useful second living space.

During the campaign

Keep a short viewing routine: ventilate the home, tidy kitchens and bathrooms, manage pets safely and leave access clear. Avoid strong fragrance intended to mask a smell. Buyers may want to understand its cause. Agree viewing arrangements in advance so the campaign can work around household routines.

In cooler months, show how the home is heated and keep paths free from slippery leaves. In warmer months, maintain lawns and planting and show shade and outdoor living honestly. Do not hide dampness, damage or another known issue behind furniture or decoration.

Decide whether larger work is worthwhile

Compare the likely benefit, cost and delay before replacing a kitchen, bathroom or flooring solely for a sale. A major project can use funds needed for your next home and may not match the next owner’s preferences. Discuss how the property would be positioned in its current condition and with the proposed work completed, then choose with a clear budget.

For a tenanted property, plan access and presentation with the property manager and obtain advice on the tenancy and any proposed vacant-possession arrangements before agreeing sale terms. A sale campaign does not remove the tenant’s rights.

Plan your sale with Ray White Burnside

Use the appraisal form below to tell us about your property and the move you are considering. If you would like to work with a particular salesperson, include their name in your message. You can also call 03 359 0384 to talk with the office.