Preparing and marketing your home

Reviewed by Rama Dwarapudi on 14 October 2026.

How a home looks and how it is shown can change how it sells. This guide covers getting it ready and putting it in front of buyers.

Make a plan

Where do I start?

Decide what to do, in what order, and what to leave alone.

Ask your agent what buyers in your area look for, and what is not worth spending on.
Make a list of repairs, from the cheap and obvious to the larger jobs, and a budget.
Allow time. Tradespeople and photographers can be booked up.

Repairs and tidying

What should I fix?

Buyers notice small faults, and they wonder what else might be wrong.

Fix what is broken or does not close, and touch up paint that is marked.
Clean everything, including windows, floors, the oven and the bathrooms.
Tidy the garden, mow, trim and clear the paths and the front entry.
Remove clutter and some of your belongings so rooms look larger.

Photos and the listing

How is the home shown online?

Most buyers see the home online first. The photos and the words are your shop window.

Use clear, bright photos, taken in good light.
Make sure the description is accurate. A statement that cannot be backed up can cause trouble later.
Add a floor plan, if you can. It helps buyers understand the home.
Check the listing for mistakes before it goes live.

List your property

Inspections

How do I run open homes?

Make it easy for buyers to see and enjoy the home.

Open the curtains, turn on the lights, and keep the home fresh and warm or cool as the weather needs.
Put away valuables and personal papers. Your agent should be in the home while buyers are there.
Keep pets away, and take them with you if you can.
Ask your agent for feedback after each inspection.

Open inspections and upcoming auctions

Choose how it will be sold

What is the best way to sell?

There is more than one way to sell. Ask your agent which suits your home and your area, and why.

Private sale: buyers make offers and you can negotiate.
Auction: buyers bid on a set day. Bidders are bound when the hammer falls, so you will need to decide your reserve price beforehand.
Whichever you choose, read the agent's agreement and ask what the marketing will cost.

After you go live

What should I do once it is on the market?

Stay in touch with your agent, and look at what is happening.

Ask your agent how many people are looking and what they say.
Look at what else is for sale nearby, and what has sold.
If there is little interest, talk to your agent about whether the price, the photos or the way it is sold should change.

This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and rates differ by state and territory and change often. Check the official source for your state, and speak to a licensed professional before you decide.

Disclaimer

Our service utilises AI search capabilities based on publicly available indexed data for non-commercial purposes and testing phase. The above information is an excerpt from publicly available data and may be subject to errors or changes. RealSearch.com.au makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of this data. Please consult the Agency/Agents directly for the most up-to-date information.