Based on “The Ultimate Checklist for Selling Your Home in 2025” by Kathryn Fantov, Sydney Vendor Advocates.
Thinking about selling next year? These home selling tips will help you prepare well, market smart, and negotiate a strong result in 2026.
1) Know your local market
Start with facts, not guesses. Track recent sales, visit open homes and a few auctions, and compare like-for-like properties. Set up alerts on realestate.com.au and Domain, then keep a simple spreadsheet (superior / inferior / comparable) and note quoted ranges versus final prices. This keeps expectations realistic and strengthens your negotiating position.
2) View your home like a buyer
Step back and assess your place with fresh eyes. Neutralise strong colours, declutter room by room, and fix small issues (peeling paint, dripping taps, mould). Ask a trusted friend—or a professional—for frank feedback. A neutral, well-kept space helps buyers picture themselves living there.
3) Prepare for sale
Preparation lifts appeal and price. Book trades early, prioritise high-impact fixes, and consider professional styling if your furniture feels bulky or dated. Small, low-cost updates—fresh flowers, clean lines, modern handles, tidy garden—boost first impressions and encourage stronger offers.
4) Engage a property lawyer or conveyancer
Line up legal support before you list. Decide between a solicitor (ideal for complex matters) or a licensed conveyancer (fine for straightforward deals). Get quotes and have the Contract of Sale prepared in advance so your marketing can start without delay.
5) Choose the right sales agent—or work with a Vendor Advocate
The agent you choose can shape your result. Interview at least three. Ask about their strategy, recent results, and fees—and avoid pressure tactics. A Vendor Advocate can shortlist and manage agents for you and is typically paid by sharing commission, keeping incentives aligned while saving you time.
6) Nail photos and marketing
First impressions happen online. Co-create the plan with your agent/advocate, book professional photography, and make the home “inspection ready” (spotless, decluttered, styled). Decide if video suits your property—some homes benefit, others don’t. Prioritise hero areas: façade/exterior, living, kitchen, bathrooms, and a couple of bedrooms.
7) Run a standout first open
Set the tone on day one. Create calm ambience (fresh flowers, light scent, soft background music), maximise light (curtains open, lights on), and head out early so buyers can explore comfortably. Simple touches—fresh cushions, white sheers—can make rooms feel brighter and larger.
8) Handle offers like a pro
Choose the best sale method for your market (auction vs private treaty). If you have multiple buyers, structured tactics—best & final or a silent auction—can lift competition. For auctions, set a realistic yet aspirational reserve with your advocate. Stay open to compelling pre-auction offers that meet your goals.
9) Settle—and celebrate
A great sale is a milestone. Celebrate it, then switch to move-out logistics: removalists, utilities, mail redirection, and key handover.
10) Plan your next move early
Don’t leave finance to the last minute. If you’re buying again, align timing and approvals well before you list to avoid gaps and stressful deadlines.
Book a discovery call with me if you want to know more.
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