Nine tips to prepare your home for sale

Property Advice from estate agent Majella Galvin

There are also important legal steps you should take to ensure a smooth and timely sale process. Picture: iStock

Hi Majella, I’m in the process of preparing our family home in Cork for sale, but I’m overwhelmed by where to start. We have a lot of stuff, including excess furniture, gym equipment, kids’ toys, and everyday items. What should I do with these belongings during photos and viewings? If you have any other advice to help me speed up the sale it would be great to get it. — Shona

Dear Shona, preparing your home for sale while living in it, especially with a family, can indeed be challenging. Managing everyday items, excess furniture, and bulky gym equipment while keeping your home presentable for viewings and photos is no small feat. However, with the help of a few smart hacks, you can make your home shine without losing access to the things you need.

In this article, I’ll walk you through several tips on decluttering, storage solutions, and presenting your home for a quick sale. I’ll also discuss some of the important legal steps you should take to ensure a smooth and timely sale process.

1. Declutter and depersonalise

One of the most crucial steps in preparing your home for sale is decluttering. Buyers want to see the space, not your possessions, so it’s important to minimise clutter and create a more neutral, open feel.

Depersonalising your home allows buyers to envision themselves living there, which can significantly speed up the sale process.  Picture: iStock

Start by removing personal items such as family photos, children’s artwork, and personal collections. These items, while meaningful to you, can distract potential buyers. Depersonalising your home allows buyers to envision themselves living there, which can significantly speed up the sale process.

Clear off countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and remove excess items from bookshelves and coffee tables. You don’t need to empty these areas completely, but a minimalist approach helps buyers see the functionality of the space. The more open and airy your home feels, the better.

2. Utilise temporary storage for large or non-essential items

If you have excess furniture or large items like gym equipment that make rooms, feel crowded, consider renting a temporary storage unit. This will instantly create more space in your home, making it feel larger and more appealing to potential buyers.

Whether you need to store extra sofas, bulky furniture, or gym equipment, placing these items in storage will help buyers focus on the property’s key selling points without the distraction of oversized furniture.

3. Designate one room for storage

If off-site storage isn’t feasible, you can designate one room in your home for temporary storage. Choose a room that isn’t central to the home’s selling points, such as a spare bedroom or an underused office. Use this space to store non-essential items in an organised and tidy manner, with neatly stacked boxes and your stored furniture.

With a few smart hacks, you can make your home shine without losing access to the things you need.

By containing the clutter to one room, you’ll keep the rest of the house looking clean and open. Be sure to inform your estate agent about this storage room, so they can manage buyer expectations during viewings.

4. Pack in stages

Moving house can be overwhelming, but packing non-essential items in stages can make the process easier. Start by packing things you don’t need in the immediate future, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, or rarely used kitchen appliances. This creates more space in your home and helps reduce stress closer to moving day.

5. Sell, donate, or recycle

Unwanted items decluttering also gives you the perfect opportunity to part with items you no longer need. Consider selling unwanted furniture, appliances, or household items online, donating them to local charities, or recycling what you can.

6. Presenting your home for sale — fresh, clean, and bright

Once you’ve decluttered and stored away excess items, it’s time to focus on presenting your home in the best possible light.

Fresh and clean: A clean home is more inviting to potential buyers. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. If time is an issue, consider hiring a professional cleaning service —your estate agent can recommend a reliable local team. A spotless home, particularly in key areas, creates a positive first impression and sets the stage for a successful viewing.

Bright and airy: Natural light can make any home feel larger and more welcoming. Clean your windows thoroughly and make sure all blinds and curtains are in good working order. If your property lacks natural light, ensure that all light bulbs are working and use brighter bulbs if necessary. Having well-lit rooms will make your home feel more open and inviting.

Neutral decor: To appeal to the widest range of buyers, consider using neutral colours throughout your home. This allows buyers to imagine their own furniture and decor in the space. Bold colours or unique designs may not appeal to everyone, so a more neutral palette can help your property appeal to the masses.

Tidy outdoor spaces: Your outdoor space is just as important as the interior. Whether you have a small balcony or a large garden, make sure the area is well-maintained. Cut back overgrown hedges, power wash patios, and clear driveways or parking areas. A tidy outdoor space can be a significant selling point for buyers.

7. Get the legalities in order

Appoint a solicitor. One of the most important steps when selling your home is appointing a solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the sale. If you already have a solicitor, instruct them to immediately draft contracts for sale so they’re ready once you’ve accepted an offer. Having the legal groundwork completed early can prevent unnecessary delays later in the process.

A solicitor will manage key legal tasks, including drafting contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and liaising with the buyer’s solicitor. This step is critical for a smooth, legally compliant sale.

8. Obtain a building energy rating (BER) certificate

In Ireland, it’s a legal requirement to have a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate when selling a property (with some exceptions, such as listed buildings). The BER certificate provides potential buyers with information on the property’s energy efficiency.

If you don’t have a BER certificate yet, now is the time to arrange for one. Your estate agent can help organise this process, ensuring that your home is fully compliant with legal requirements before it goes on the market. In some cases, improving your property’s energy efficiency before obtaining the certificate can also increase its appeal to buyers.

9. Launching your home on the market

You’ve decluttered, cleaned, and taken care of the legal requirements, you’re ready to launch your home on the market. Your estate agent will arrange professional photography, digital walkthroughs, and other marketing strategies to showcase your home. With a well-presented, legally sound property, you’ll be well-positioned for a quick and successful sale.

Some people can be quite laid back but selling a home generally involves a degree of stress. But by preparing early, decluttering strategically, and getting your legal documents in order, you can make the process smoother and more efficient. Buyers are looking for a home that’s clean, bright, and ready to move into. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of a fast and successful sale.

Majella Galvin is chair of the southern region of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. A chartered surveyor, estate agent, and registered valuer at DNG Galvin Auctioneers Bandon, she has been working in the property sector for over a decade — www.dnggalvin.ie

If you have a property-related query or issue you would like to raise with Majella, please email [e-mail].