The Seller’s Preparation Checklist

When selling your home, the goal is to help buyers imagine their lives in your space. You don’t always need a full renovation to increase your sale price; often, it’s about “polishing the diamond” you already have.

Use this checklist to ensure every room in your home is working hard to earn you the best possible result.

Street Appeal: The First 30 Seconds

• The Lawns: Freshly mowed and edges trimmed. In the Waikato, lush green grass is a selling point—ensure it’s weed-free.

• Water Blast: Clean the driveway, paths, and house exterior to remove winter moss and grime.

• The Front Door: A fresh coat of paint and polished hardware. Add a new, neutral doormat.

• The Letterbox: If it’s leaning or rusty, replace it. It’s a small detail that signals the home is well-maintained.

Kitchen: The Value Driver

• Clear the Benches: Aim for 90% clear surfaces. Hide the toaster and kettle to make the workspace look vast.

• The Fridge: Remove all magnets, photos, and “to-do” lists.

• Organize the Pantry: Buyers will open your cupboards. Tidy, half-empty shelves give the impression of ample storage.

• Refresh: Replace dated cupboard handles with modern matte black or brushed brass options.

Living & Dining: Creating Flow

• The 30% Rule: Remove 30% of your furniture. This creates better “flow” and makes the rooms feel significantly larger.

• Depersonalize: Swap family photos for neutral artwork. You want the buyer to see their family on the walls, not yours.

• Let in Light: Open all curtains and blinds. Clean windows are essential for that “sparkle” in professional photos.

Bedrooms: The Sanctuary

• Hotel Luxury: Invest in new, crisp white or neutral duvet covers and plump pillows.

• Clear Under-Bed Storage: If a buyer sees boxes under a bed, they assume the house lacks storage.

• Wardrobe Edit: Thin out your clothes by half. This makes wardrobes look more generous and organized.

Bathrooms: The Spa Feel

• Hide the Routine: Remove all toothbrushes, razors, and used shampoo bottles.

• Grout & Silicone: Scrub the grout and replace any peeling silicone. This is a simple fix that can make a bathroom look years younger.

• The “Show” Towels: Hang fresh, fluffy, matching towels that are used only for viewings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to do a full renovation before selling?
A: Rarely. In Morrinsville, “refreshed” homes (paint, lighting, and landscaping) often see a better Return on Investment than those with high-end, expensive renovations that may not suit the next owner’s taste.

Q: Should I stage my home with professional furniture?
A: If your home is vacant, professional staging is highly recommended. If you are living in the home, “partial staging” (using your furniture but adding professional accessories) can be a great middle ground.

Q: What are the most important repairs to fix?
A: Focus on the “niggles”: dripping taps, sticking doors, blown light bulbs, and cracked window panes. These small issues suggest to a buyer that there might be larger, hidden maintenance problems.

Q: Is “Street Appeal” really that important?
A: Yes. Many buyers will drive past a property before booking a viewing. If the exterior looks unloved, they may never step foot inside.