A GUIDE TO PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions
Your Barry Plant team has years of experience in successfully assisting people to prepare their homes for sale.
Our aim is to assist you to achieve a result beyond your expectation – and we know that a well-presented home attracts more buyers.
When you list with Barry Plant, your agent will give you advice if there are any recommendations to ensure your home is presented to its best advantage and has the maximum appeal. Experience tells us that a just a few thoughtful touches can make a world of difference and have a positive impact on the price.
There are many small, inexpensive ways to make your home more appealing. At Barry Plant, our goal is to help you present your property in its best light to attract competitive interest and maximise your sale price with as little stress as possible.
EVERY HOME IS UNIQUE (AND YOURS MIGHT ALREADY BE READY!)
Not sure where to start? Ask us first.
Many homes don't need major work or extensive prepping at all. Before you spend time or money on painting, repairs, or upgrades, talk to your local Barry Plant agent.
We know what local buyers are looking for and can help you pinpoint the few small tweaks that will deliver the biggest return on effort.
If you do decide to touch things up before photos or open homes, here are some simple, low-cost ideas to consider. Pick and choose what works for your lifestyle - focus on easy wins, not perfection.
BOOST STREET APPEAL
Buyers often do a quick drive-by before booking a visit.
A tidy front entrance sets a welcoming tone right away.
Tidy up the entry: A swept porch, clean front door, and a fresh welcome mat work wonders.
Quick garden freshen-up: Mow the lawn, pull visible weeds, or add a fresh layer of mulch.
Clear the path: Keep pathways free of leaves, clutter, or bins.
Refresh house numbers and the letterbox: Ensure your street address numbers are clean, modern, and easily readable from the road, and that your letterbox is secure and clear of junk mail.
Pressure-wash key surfaces: A quick wash down of the driveway, front footpath, and garage door removes built-up oil, dirt, and spiderwebs, making the exterior look instantly fresher without needing a paintbrush.
INSIDE YOUR HOME: CLEAN, LIGHT & SPACE
Inside, buyers want to picture themselves living in the space.
Creating a sense of light and spaciousness helps them fall in love with the home.
De-clutter where easy: Clearing kitchen benches and removing extra knick-knacks or personal photos helps rooms feel larger and brighter.
Brighten the mood: Open up curtains or blinds to maximise natural light, and pop on warm lamps in darker corners.
Simple fixes: Replace blown light globes and fix minor annoyances like dripping taps or sticky doors.
Fresh touches: Fresh towels in the bathroom and clean windows or mirrors instantly brighten up a room.
OUTDOOR LIVING & ENTERTAINING
Outdoor areas are a huge selling point in Australia. You don't need a complete landscape overhaul - just make it look inviting.
Showcase the lifestyle: Clean off the outdoor dining table or BBQ area so buyers can imagine entertaining friends.
Pools & Ponds: A clear, sparkling pool or tidy water feature adds instant appeal.
Pot plants: A couple of healthy potted plants on a deck or patio can add a splash of life and colour.
Light Up key features for evening appeal: Add warm solar garden lights along pathways or spotlight a nice feature tree/patio. Buyers often do late-afternoon inspections or evening drive-bys after work, and subtle lighting makes the property feel welcoming at dusk.
Define separate outdoor "zones": Even in a smaller yard or balcony, arrange furniture to suggest distinct functional areas - like a small coffee table set in a sunny nook or a fire pit with seating. Showing buyers multiple ways to enjoy the outdoor space adds perceived value.
OPEN FOR INSPECTION CHECKLIST: KEEP IT SIMPLE
On inspection days, aim to make potential buyers feel relaxed and comfortable:
Set the climate: Aim for a comfortable indoor temperature - warm in winter, cool in summer.
Let in light and air: Open internal doors and window coverings, and turn on subtle ambient lighting.
Soften the atmosphere: Gentle background music and a fresh scent (like light essential oils or fresh flowers) create a soothing environment.
Give buyers space: Plan a short outing for yourself and your pets during the open house. Buyers feel much more relaxed exploring and asking questions when the owner isn't present.
CONSIDERING PROFESSIONAL STYLING?
Whether your home is completely vacant, lived-in, or just needs a few finishing touches, a professional stylist can help in a variety of ways:
Partial Staging (Working with What You Have): A stylist can use your existing furniture as the base, adding curated artwork, rugs, cushions, lamps, and decorative accents to refresh key living spaces.
Full Staging (For Vacant Properties): If the property is empty, full-home staging fills the space with modern, scale-appropriate furniture, making rooms feel larger, warmer, and more inviting than bare walls.
Optimising Layout & Flow: Stylists know how to arrange furniture to maximise natural light, open up walkways, and make smaller rooms feel noticeably larger on camera and during open homes.
Defining Unclear Spaces: Have an awkward nook, spare bedroom, or under-stair area? A stylist can transform tricky spaces into functional selling points - like a cozy reading nook or a dedicated home office.
Creating Emotional Appeal: Through cohesive color palettes, soft textures, and lifestyle details, professional styling creates a polished, high-end feel that stands out in online photo listings and resonates emotionally with buyers.
Barry Plant agents work closely with trusted local stylists who specialise in presenting homes to appeal to buyers in your area. Ask your Barry Plant agent if professional styling is a good strategic fit for your property!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO I NEED TO RENOVATE OR MAKE MAJOR REPAIRS BEFORE SELLING MY HOME?
IS IT BETTER TO SELL A PROPERTY EMPTY OR FURNISHED?
HOW MUCH DOES PROFESSIONAL HOME STYLING COST?
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT AREAS OF THE HOME TO FOCUS ON WHEN PREPARING FOR SALE?
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START PREPARING MY HOME FOR SALE?
READY TO CHAT? LET'S TAILOR A PLAN SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR PROPERTY.
Contact your local Barry Plant agent for a complimentary property appraisal and a quick, tailored roadmap so you know exactly what will - and won't - make a difference to your result.