Just Listed Your Property? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for Sale

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Just Listed Your Home? Here’s What Happens Next (And How to Get Ready for a Great Result)

A comprehensive guide for Sunshine Coast homeowners preparing their property for sale.

With Leigh Martinuzzi MPG – eXp Australia 

Introduction: Welcome to the Market

So, you’ve signed on with an agent and taken the big leap—your property is officially heading to market. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just taking advantage of current conditions, this is a big milestone in your property journey.

But what happens now? And more importantly, what should happen to give your home the best chance of success?

At Martinuzzi Property Group, we know that the preparation phase is where the real momentum begins. And while every seller’s situation is unique, there are a few proven steps that can elevate your campaign, improve your buyer interest, and potentially boost your final sale price.

This guide is your roadmap—simple, practical, and based on real experience helping homeowners just like you.

Step 1: Understand the Process and Set the Timeline

Before anything else, it’s important to understand what happens once the listing agreement is signed. This ensures you’re prepared—not just practically, but mentally too.

Most real estate campaigns follow a rhythm. Once you list, your agent will get moving fast to organise photography, marketing, and prepare for the launch.

Here’s a typical timeline:

  • Day 1–5: Property prep, clean-up, final repairs

  • Day 6–7: Professional photo and video shoot

  • Week 2: Property goes live on real estate portals

  • Week 2–4: Open homes, buyer inspections, feedback

  • Week 4+: Negotiations, offers, and (hopefully) a sale

We’ll always work with your preferred timeframes and keep communication clear, but knowing the general pace helps you plan around life, work, kids, and moving.

Step 2: Declutter and Depersonalise

Now’s the time to start seeing your home through the eyes of a buyer. That means simplifying and depersonalising. You want buyers to feel a sense of space, flow, and potential—not to get caught up in your personal story.

This doesn’t mean stripping your home bare. It’s about highlighting the features, not the clutter.

Focus on:

  • Kitchen: Clear the benches—no appliances, tea towels, or fruit bowls. Less is more.

  • Living spaces: Pack away toys, excess cushions, and anything that makes the space feel crowded.

  • Bedrooms: Remove personal photos, clear out wardrobes, and present beds neatly with fresh linen.

  • Bathrooms: Hide toothbrushes, toiletries, and cleaning products.

  • Garage/laundry: Neat, clean, and minimal—store away or box up where possible.

TIP: If you’re overwhelmed, start with one room at a time. Or consider hiring a short-term storage unit or asking friends/family to hold a few boxes.

Step 3: Deep Clean (Yes, Really Clean)

Presentation matters. A deep clean might seem like a small detail, but it has a massive impact—both in photos and in-person inspections.

Buyers often use cleanliness as a subconscious benchmark for how well a home has been looked after. Dusty fans, dirty grout, or smudged windows can send the wrong message.

Prioritise these areas:

  • Windows (inside and out)

  • Skirting boards, fans, and light fittings

  • Carpets and floors (professional clean if needed)

  • Bathrooms and kitchens (especially rangehoods and splashbacks)

  • Outdoor living areas

Pro Tip: A cleaner home also photographs better. Clean lines, shiny surfaces, and lots of light = buyer appeal.

Step 4: Fix What Needs Fixing

No home is perfect, but fixing minor issues helps prevent hesitation from buyers. You’re not aiming for perfection, just presentation.

These aren’t expensive fixes—they’re quick wins that remove objections.

Think:

  • Fix leaky taps or running toilets

  • Replace blown light bulbs

  • Patch small wall dents or scuffs

  • Repair loose handles or hinges

  • Oil squeaky doors

  • Replace cracked tiles

These little touches add up to create the perception of a well-maintained home—and that gives buyers peace of mind.

Step 5: Boost Street Appeal

Your home’s exterior is its first impression. Even before buyers step through the door—or click on the listing—they’re forming an opinion.

Fortunately, a little effort outside can go a long way.

Quick tips for curb appeal:

  • Mow the lawn and edge the paths

  • Weed gardens and add a layer of fresh mulch

  • Clean or repaint the front door

  • Replace rusty house numbers or light fittings

  • Add potted plants or an outdoor mat

  • Make sure bins are hidden and not overflowing

If you have a pool, patio, or outdoor entertaining area—set it up like it’s party-ready. That emotional connection is what helps people fall in love with a lifestyle, not just a home.

Step 6: Consider Styling or Light Staging

Not every home needs full styling, but most benefit from a bit of attention to décor and layout. Even minor styling can help open up spaces, make rooms feel lighter, and show how a home can be lived in.

Styling ideas you can do yourself:

  • Add throws and cushions in neutral tones

  • Use mirrors to reflect light

  • Add some greenery or indoor plants

  • Remove any bold or dated decorations

  • Keep it light, natural, and simple

If you’d like support, we can organise professional styling or partial furniture hire. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make a big difference.

Why Styling Matters: A Smart Investment for Sellers

Investing in professional property styling can yield substantial returns. In Australia, styled homes have been shown to increase sale prices by up to 12% and sell faster than unstaged properties. With styling costs starting from around $1,700, the potential return far outweighs the initial investment. Moreover, styled homes resonate more with buyers, making it easier for them to connect emotionally and envision their future in the space.

Step 7: Get Ready for Photography Day

This is the moment where your hard work pays off. The photo shoot is what brings your listing to life online—and first impressions matter more than ever.

We’ll coordinate the photo/video team, but here’s how you can make sure everything shines.

Your photo day checklist:

  • Beds made with fresh linen and plump pillows

  • All lights on (replace blown globes ahead of time)

  • Blinds and curtains open for natural light

  • Toilets clean, lids down, no cleaning items in view

  • Benchtops cleared and wiped down

  • No washing on the line or dishes in the sink

  • Outdoor furniture styled with cushions

  • Remove pet bowls, beds, and toys

We can send you a full photography prep checklist to make this easier—but if you follow the above, you’re 90% of the way there.

Step 8: Be Open to Feedback and Stay Flexible

Once your campaign goes live, you’ll start getting enquiries, buyer feedback, and inspections. Not everyone will fall in love with the property, and that’s okay.

Stay open to what we’re hearing from the market—it’s valuable insight and helps us fine-tune the strategy.

A few reminders:

  • Be ready to vacate during open homes (we’ll give plenty of notice)

  • Keep the house tidy between inspections

  • Don’t take negative feedback personally—it’s just part of the process

  • Trust the timeline. Some homes sell fast, others take a little more nurturing

You’ve got a professional team in your corner. Lean on us and we’ll guide you through each step, with clear advice and honest communication.

Bonus Prep Tips

These extra steps aren’t always necessary, but they can make your home stand out or fast-track the process when a buyer comes along.

  • Have council documentation or approvals ready (for renovations, pools, etc.)

  • Consider a building and pest inspection (especially for older homes)

  • Get quotes for minor jobs (buyers like to know the cost to update)

  • Organise a conveyancer early so contracts can be reviewed promptly

  • Make a plan for your next move, especially if you sell fast

Downloadable Resources

The team are working on setting up our resources as free downloads. Please stay tuned. 

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Selling your home is a big moment—but with the right plan and support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. You don’t need to do everything perfectly. You just need to present your home in the best light possible, based on your circumstances, timeline, and energy.

Some sellers go all in with styling, storage, and upgrades. Others take a more minimalist approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy—but there is a smart way forward, and that’s what we’re here for.

At Martinuzzi Property Group, we’re committed to walking with you through every step—offering clear guidance, personalised service, and results that speak for themselves.

Ready to get started? Let’s get your property shining and sold.

 

Haven’t yet listed and ready to take the next step?

 

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