How to Prepare Your Home for Sale: The Complete Checklist

The 5-Week Pre-Sale Preparation Plan

The best sale results come from methodical preparation. This checklist covers everything from structural repairs to photography day. Start 5 weeks before your planned listing date.

Week 1-2: Repairs and Maintenance

Exterior

• [ ] Repair cracked or uneven pathways
• [ ] Fix broken fence palings or gates
• [ ] Replace damaged roof tiles or rusted guttering
• [ ] Repaint faded exterior walls or trim
• [ ] Service the air conditioning (buyers test it)
• [ ] Ensure all outdoor lighting works
• [ ] Fix any pool equipment or fencing compliance issues

Interior

• [ ] Fix all dripping taps and running toilets
• [ ] Repair cracked tiles or grout
• [ ] Replace broken door handles, hinges, or locks
• [ ] Fix sticking doors and windows
• [ ] Patch and repaint wall damage
• [ ] Replace burned-out light globes (use warm white throughout)
• [ ] Service smoke alarms (mandatory in Queensland)

Budget guide: $2,000-$8,000 for a typical Brisbane home. Every dollar spent on repairs returns $2-$4 at sale.

Week 2-3: Declutter and Deep Clean

The 50% Rule

Remove at least 50% of your personal items. This includes:
- Family photos and personal memorabilia
- Excess furniture (aim for spacious, not crowded)
- Kitchen bench appliances (keep only 1-2)
- Bathroom products (minimise to hotel-style essentials)
- Kids' toys and artwork from common areas
- Excess books, magazines, and collections

Rent a storage unit ($150-$300/month) — it's the highest-ROI preparation spend.

Deep Clean Checklist

• [ ] Professional carpet clean ($200-$400)
• [ ] Window cleaning inside and out ($200-$400)
• [ ] Oven and range hood deep clean
• [ ] Grout cleaning in bathrooms and kitchen
• [ ] Pressure wash exterior surfaces
• [ ] Clean light fittings and ceiling fans

Week 3-4: Styling and Presentation

Rooms That Matter Most

Kitchen: The #1 room buyers evaluate. If you can't renovate, at minimum:
- Replace old handles with modern ones ($200)
- Deep clean or repaint cabinets
- Clear benchtops completely
- Add a fruit bowl and fresh herbs

Master bedroom: Create a hotel-suite feel. Crisp white linen, matching bedside tables, and one statement artwork.

Bathrooms: Replace old towels with matching white sets. Add a plant. Ensure grout is white and clean.

Living areas: Arrange furniture to maximise space and flow. Remove oversized recliners and excess seating.

Professional Styling

If your budget allows, professional styling is the single highest-return investment:

Property Value	Styling Cost	Expected Return
$600K-$800K	$3,000-$5,000	+$15,000-$25,000
$800K-$1.2M	$5,000-$8,000	+$25,000-$40,000
$1.2M+	$8,000-$15,000	+$40,000-$80,000

Week 4: Landscaping and Street Appeal

Street appeal is your property's first impression. In Brisbane's subtropical climate:

• Mow and edge all lawns
• Fresh mulch in garden beds (dark brown or black)
• Trim hedges and remove dead plants
• Add 3-5 potted plants at the entry
• Clean or replace the letterbox
• Ensure the front door is freshly painted
• Add a new doormat and house numbers

Week 5: Photography and Launch

Photography Day Preparation

• Open all blinds and curtains (natural light is essential)
• Turn on all lights
• Remove cars from the driveway
• Hide bins, hoses, and pool equipment
• Remove pet bowls, beds, and evidence of animals
• Put fresh flowers on the dining table and kitchen bench
• Set the outdoor area as if ready for entertaining

Photography Standards

Your agent should arrange:
- Professional photographer with wide-angle lens
- 20-30 interior and exterior shots
- Twilight photography (premium feel)
- Drone photography (if the property or location warrants it)
- Floor plan
- Video walkthrough

Never accept phone photos. Professional photography is the single most important marketing element — it determines whether buyers click on your listing or scroll past.