How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale

Sell your home faster (and for more) by mastering the art of depersonalisation.

When the time’s right to sell your home, the first step is to make sure it appeals to potential buyers.

After all, that’s the name of the game.

And while that may sound easy, how do you actually do it?

By creating a blank canvas.

Potential buyers often struggle to visualise themselves in a home that still carries the strong personality of its current owner - and that can be a real turn-off.

So by creating a space that is neutral, staged well - but not over-styled - and depersonalised, it allows them to imagine their own life, furniture and belongings existing in the space.

In fact, studies have shown that depersonalised, well-staged homes sell faster - and for more - than their non-styled counterparts.

Here are a few of our best (and easiest) tips for creating a home that potential buyers will fall in love with.

Start with a clean slate.

Before diving into the nitty gritty of depersonalising, it's essential to first declutter your home.

This includes removing any larger or excess items - unnecessary furniture, clothes, toys and other personal items that unnecessarily fill the space.

A clutter-free space not only makes it easier for potential buyers to move around your home, but makes it feel more spacious and gives them the sense that it has been well-maintained and cared for.

Make it neutral.

While you may love your bright blue curtains or psychedelic bedspread, bold colours or patterns in your home can subconsciously turn potential buyers off.

As eye-catching and interesting as they are, they can sometimes make for a fairly abrupt first impression and cause buyers to feel on edge.

Instead, when styling, opt for neutral shades like white, beige or light grey wherever possible.

These colours create a more soothing ambiance that allows buyers to imagine their own décor in the space.

Switch out bright soft furnishings with toned down alternatives, take down excessively colourful wall art and - if possible - repaint feature walls that stand out.

If you're unsure about which colours to choose, the best thing you can do is consult with a professional stylist or real estate agent.

They know what appeals to buyers, and can help you make decisions about how to style your home so it’s perfectly presented for open inspections.

Think modern & minimalistic.

Following on from above, unless your home sits within the vintage or character realm, current trends suggest homes with modern appeal attract more buyers.

We’re talking clean lines, intentional furnishings and neutral colours.

Easy ways to modernise your home include updating dated tapware, replacing cupboard doors, regrouting the bathroom or resurfacing worn benchtops.

Not only does adding a modern touch to your home depersonalise it, but it will make it feel fresh and up-to-date.

Depersonalise & declutter.

Personal mementos make a home feel, well… homely.

But too many personal items - like family photos, ornaments, souvenirs and collections - can be distracting and make it difficult for buyers to picture themselves living there.

The same can be said for artwork. A few feature pieces here and there can help give your home pep, but too many can be overwhelming.

So pack away these bits and pieces, or minimise them. This will create a more neutral environment that appeals to a broader range of buyers.

To make it easier and less overwhelming work on just one room at a time.

Sort items into four groups - keep, sell, donate and throw away / recycle.

Not only will this help you declutter your current abode and sort through everything, it will allow for beautiful marketing photos, make moving easier and help to start fresh in your new home!

Don’t forget outside!

Even before they step inside, the first thing potential buyers notice is your home’s façade.

So making sure it appeals is just as important as the inside.

Remove personalised things like garden gnomes, wind chimes and any novelty signs or letterboxes.

Either leave them out altogether, or replace with simpler versions that enhance your home's curb appeal.

Tidy up the garden too!

Dot a few inexpensive green shrubs about the place, mow the lawn and repair any broken fences or outdoor furniture.

And if there are any bold or bright colours? Consider painting over them with more neutral tones.

Showcase the best.

Depersonalising doesn't mean making your home bland, boring or dull.

Far from it!

It's actually about ensuring your home’s best features shine.

Think large windows, high ceilings, spacious rooms, the updated kitchen - even that gorgeous backyard view!

So clear the way for these things to make an impact.

Take a step back, and if you’re eye isn’t instantly drawn to them, consider rearranging (or removing) furniture or décor that’s getting in the way.

If in doubt? Hire a professional!

When it comes to decluttering and styling your home for sale, just the thought can be overwhelming.

It’s can also be difficult to think objectively about your own personal style vs. what potential buyers are going to like.

That’s where a professional home stylist comes in.

A home stylist will help you achieve the perfect balance between depersonalisation and highlighting your home's best features.

And while it may require an upfront investment, your return could be significant.

Why? Because professionally styled homes often sell faster - and for a higher price.

In fact, various surveys have shown that styling your home could actually see it sold up to 3 times faster AND boost your final sale price by up to 12.5%!

Now that’s a seriously good news story.

And if you need a recommendation?

One of our fave home stylists is Melanie Hansen Co.

Based in Adelaide, Melanie is an expert home stylist and home organisation guru that can help transform your home and get it primped, primed and ready for sale, pronto.

Decluttering, depersonalising and styling your home is vital to making sure buyers see its potential.

Do this, and you'll be well on your way to attracting the right buyers.

And if you need some expert advice? Reach out to a reputable real estate agent!

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As property experts with over 21+ years combined experience in buying, selling and managing property in Adelaide, We Connect Property are ready and waiting to offer expert guidance and support when you need it most, and answer all your questions about selling your property.

Check out our 5 star Google reviews here or Rate My Agent testimonials here to find out what our happy clients think!

And if you’re just getting started, or looking for valuable property buying, selling or investing tips?

Check out these other handy articles on our blog:

Give us a call on 0403 799 983 today, or drop a line to sales@weconnectproperty.com.au - we can’t wait to chat!

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.