Selling Tips

A well-presented home helps buyers notice its space, light and useful features. Start with cleaning, maintenance and clear information about the property, then decide which extra work is worthwhile for your budget and timing. Presentation supports a campaign, but it cannot guarantee a price or sale date.

Focus first on practical improvements that make the home clean, welcoming and easy to inspect. Discuss major spending with your agent before committing; renovation costs may not be recovered in the sale.

An excellent test is to go outside, close your eyes and say to yourself… “I’m a buyer seeing this house for the first time ! “. Go right through the house and look at it as a potential buyer would.

Gather the title, available council records, relevant consents and code compliance certificates, and any earthquake repair and insurance documentation. Ask your lawyer about the documents and disclosures needed for your property. Christchurch City Council property files can help you find existing records; a missing approval needs investigation rather than an assumption that it can simply be obtained.

For an organised approach to the local records, read our Christchurch Property Records & Repairs guide. Keep available claim, assessment and repair documents clearly identified, and discuss gaps with the appropriate advisers before making assurances to buyers.

Make a list of all the chattels that will remain in the house. Anything you may wish to take with you should be noted on the contract as an ‘exclusion’.

Use these room-by-room and outdoor checks to prepare for photography and viewings:

Outside Appeal

Have an Exterior House Wash…

Cleaning exterior surfaces can freshen the presentation. Choose a method suitable for the cladding and paint, following manufacturer or professional advice. Include the fence, gate, paths and decks where appropriate.

Maximise Available Sunlight…

Make the most of natural light. Open curtains and clean windows; consider suitable pruning where vegetation blocks light, checking any tree protections before work.

What About a Few Pot Plants…

The careful placement of some pot plants around the entrance can lend a touch of colour and make your home feel more welcoming … and best of all you can take them with you when you go.

Keep The Lawns Ship Shape…

This is very easy and very inexpensive to do. Keep your lawns mown weekly and make sure the lawn edging is straight and crisp.

Get Rid of Garden Rubbish

Garden rubbish is unsightly and detracts from the appeal of your garden, but it’s easy for each of us not to ‘see it’ because we’re used to it being there. So if you have a pile of ‘stuff’, get rid of it. This goes for the garage, old sheds and any outbuildings.

Sparkling Swimming Pool

If you have a pool, ensure that it is clear of leaves, the water clean, tiles are clean top and bottom and any pool equipment is stored away.

Pets

Pets should be kept well out of the way during open homes. You may cherish your pet but some people will not come into a house that has a dog running loose.

Inside Appeal

Have A Spring Clean…

Sounds obvious, but what a difference a spring clean can make. Carpet cleaning can help make a home look and even smell much more inviting, particularly if pets are present. And when windows sparkle the whole home seems to take on more vitality and life.

Flowers & Warmth

Fresh flowers are always welcoming in a home and sometimes smell wonderful too. During summer open all windows and doors to the sun. In winter have the fire or heater going to warm the home up.

Make The Most Of Your Space…

Space is another significant universal requirement so make the most of it by ‘creating’ a feeling of space. You can do this by removing clutter, storing things in boxes … even re-arranging the furniture. Make the most of the space in every room.

Spruce Up The Paint Work…

Where needed, tidy paintwork can improve presentation. But remember it needs to be done well, rough edges or paint on the windows will send all the wrong signals to prospective buyers

And Don’t Forget The Bathroom and Laundry…

Clean and ventilate these rooms, repair obvious faults and investigate persistent dampness or mould. Do not cover up a known problem with paint or flooring. Keep records of relevant repairs and discuss disclosure with your agent and lawyer.

Kitchens Are Important Too…

Clean benches, cupboards and appliances, clear work surfaces and check doors and handles work properly. If you are considering replacement cupboard fronts or a benchtop, compare the cost with the likely benefit before proceeding. A tidy, practical kitchen may be enough without a large renovation.

Plan the right preparation for your home

Request a current market appraisal to discuss your property and priorities, compare sale methods, or call 03 386 0311.