The Ultimate To-Do List When Selling Your Home
The housing market is an incredibly competitive place yet strong buyer demand does not always mean your house will sell as quickly as you want it to, or at all. Your property still needs to be desirable and it still needs to be able to hold its own amongst the competition. There are lots of things you can do in preparation for putting your house on the market and to help you achieve the best possible price. Aside from finding a professional brokerage and hiring the right agent to help you, here is the ultimate to-do list to consider when putting your house up for sale.
Kerb appeal
When it comes to house hunting, kerb appeal does matter. The absence of kerb appeal could put a buyer off of your property before they have even stepped inside or at the very least considerably impact the value of your home. To ensure that you have maximised the kerb appeal of your property here are some top tips;
- Jet wash paths and patios.
- Mow the front lawn, trim bushes and hedges and pull out or remove unsightly weeds.
- Clean the windows, window frames and doors.
- Hide the bins.
- Paint the front door.
- Call professionals who offer junk removal in London to help remove any rubbish, debris or unsightly items from the front of your property.
Depersonalise your home
That is not to say you want your home to bear and without sentiment. You need to try and strike the right balance between a loved and lived in property and one that allows potential buyers to see past your personal tastes and make your house their home. Don’t be afraid to leave up photos, pictures or to-do notes on the fridge, just be mindful that a room covered in Minecraft posters, records or animal heads pinned to the wall may be too much for prospective buyers to see past.
Your roof
The roof of your property can be a deal-breaker or a considerable stumbling block when it comes to the property price if it is found not to be intact. Before putting your home on the market give your roof once over. Ensure there are no missing, cracked or faulty tiles and check for any leakage in your loft space. It may be wise to call out professional roofers to fully inspect or rectify your roof before going to market.
Declutter your home
You want your home to look as presentable as possible when taking photos and undertaking viewings. Clutter is a guaranteed way to put buyers off and make your home feel smaller than it is. It also makes it harder for would-be buyers to visualise your home with their belongings in it. So, before you put your home on the market, dedicate some time to sorting through your belongings. Sell, give away or recycle items you don’t want and consider storing away those items that you do want but that take up unnecessary space.
Clean your home
Once you have sorted through your possessions and thoroughly decluttered it is essential that you then spend time cleaning your house. To give the very best impression of your home you have to ensure it is sparkling clean when showing it. There is no greater turn off than mess, dirt and an unhygienic home to prospective buyers. It also gives the impression that your home has not been looked after or cared for, which could be a concern for buyers. It can be a good idea to hire the skills and tools of a professional cleaning company to give your home a thorough and deep clean. This will also help ensure there are no neglected areas.
Don’t forget the back garden
Whatever time of year you are selling your home you mustn’t overlook the garden. You never know what is on a buyer’s wish list and it is thought outdoor space is becoming more and more important to homeowners. Be sure that you give your garden the TLC it needs to bring it up to scratch with the rest of the house. Mow the lawns, trim hedges, plants and bushes, jet wash patios and be sure that you have removed all clutter and mess.
Be mindful of odours
Every home has a slightly distinct smell, one you probably don’t even notice. That said, some lifestyle factors can negatively contribute to the smell of a home. Factors such as pets, smoking or cooking can all leave an odour in your home. Ahead of viewing, therefore, open up the windows and try to let as much fresh air into your home as possible. In the colder months consider investing in diffusers or devices that release pleasant odours into your home.
You May Also Enjoy
Four summer interior mistakes you’re probably making right now
Housing Insight Report: April 2026
Stop managing damp. Start managing risk
Biggest challenges facing agents is generating motivated buyer leads
Against all odds, recovery remains on track
