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Home › Sell Property › 14 Expert Tips for Selling Your Home (and Getting the Best Price)
Selling your home isn’t just about putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a journey that involves strategy, timing, and a bit of emotional preparation too. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or moving interstate, getting the process right from the start can mean the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one.
In 2025, Australia’s housing market continues to move quickly with steady buyer demand in major cities despite rising living costs. That means homeowners who plan carefully, price strategically, and work with skilled agents are the ones achieving standout results.
This guide walks you through 14 expert tips for selling your home, from preparation to negotiation. You’ll learn how to understand your local market, attract serious buyers, and avoid the common mistakes that can cost you thousands.
Key Takeaways Preparation pays off: Clean, decluttered, and well-styled homes attract more buyers and sell faster. Data matters: Use recent sales data and professional advice to set a smart, realistic price. Marketing is everything: Invest in professional photos and multi-channel marketing for maximum exposure. Trust the experts: The right real estate agent can add tens of thousands to your sale price through local knowledge and negotiation skills. Transparency builds trust: Be upfront about any issues to protect yourself legally and make buyers feel confident. Timing and flexibility count: Choose your listing window carefully and make it easy for buyers to inspect.
Key Takeaways
Next Step: Before you dive into the tips, take a moment to compare the top-performing real estate agents in your suburb. The right agent can make all the difference to your sale price and it’s completely free to check.
Before you even think about photos or pricing, it’s essential to understand what’s happening in your local property market. Every suburb behaves differently and knowing these trends helps you list with confidence.
Start by researching recent sales in your suburb through trusted sources like CoreLogic, Domain, or realestate.com.au. Look for:
If homes similar to yours are selling quickly or even above asking price, it’s a strong signal that the market is in your favour.
Focus on properties that are comparable to yours with the same number of bedrooms, similar land size, and location. This helps you get a realistic idea of what buyers are willing to pay right now. You can use free online sales data, but an experienced local agent will give you the most accurate picture because they know the “on-the-ground” factors that raw data can’t capture (like renovations, street appeal, and local school zones).
While spring has traditionally been Australia’s busiest selling season, timing can vary by location. For example:
A good agent can help you pick the sweet spot for your suburb, balancing buyer activity with lower competition.
Knowing your market isn’t just about numbers, it’s about understanding what local buyers want, what they’ll pay, and when they’re most likely to buy.
One of the smartest moves you can make when preparing to sell your home is to get expert advice early well before your property hits the market. Too many sellers wait until they’ve already made big decisions, only to find out they’ve missed key opportunities that could have boosted their sale price.
A trusted local real estate agent isn’t just there to put up signs and run open homes. They’re your strategy partner. Speaking to an agent early helps you understand:
Agents see dozens of homes in your area every month. They know what buyers are asking for, what turns them off, and what features make homes stand out online. That insight can save you time, money, and stress.
If you start preparing months before listing, you can plan things like repairs, styling, photography, and marketing without rushing. Sellers who plan early typically:
An agent’s early guidance also helps you avoid the most common seller mistakes such as overpricing your home or listing during a quiet period.
Ask your agent for a Comparative Market Analysis, often called a CMA. This free report compares your home to similar properties recently sold nearby, giving you data-driven insights to guide your pricing strategy.If you’re not sure where to start, Which Real Estate Agent can match you with top-performing local agents who have a proven sales record in your area, saving you hours of research.
Don’t rely solely on online valuation tools. They’re good for rough estimates, but an experienced local agent can account for unique features (like a renovated kitchen or a quiet cul-de-sac) that can make a huge difference to your final sale price.
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions can make or break a sale. This is the reason why property styling is important. Buyers often decide how they feel about a property within seconds of arriving sometimes even before they step through the front door.
That means your home’s exterior, entryway, and presentation set the emotional tone for the entire inspection. And when buyers fall in love quickly, they’re far more likely to make strong offers.
Curb appeal simply means how attractive your home looks from the street. It’s the first thing buyers and online viewers see and it can have a major impact on perceived value.
Simple updates can go a long way:
According to Domain, homes with strong visual appeal can attract up to 20% more buyer interest than poorly presented ones. Buyers often assume a neat exterior means the rest of the home is equally well maintained.
Once buyers step inside, your entrance should feel calm, bright, and welcoming. Try these small but powerful touches:
Remember, buyers aren’t just inspecting walls and floors, they’re imagining their future life there. Your goal is to make it easy for them to see themselves calling it home.
In a competitive market, presentation is your secret weapon. Well-styled, clean, and welcoming homes don’t just sell faster they often sell for thousands more because they appeal to buyers on an emotional level. Even small improvements can influence perceptions of value and help your home stand out online where most buyers begin their search.
Tip: Take photos of your front façade and entryway from a buyer’s perspective standing across the street or at the front step. You’ll often spot little details (like dirty windows or overgrown plants) that you miss when living there every day.
Once your home’s exterior makes a great impression, it’s time to work on what buyers will see inside. A clean, calm, and beautifully styled home helps buyers picture themselves living there and that emotional connection is what drives strong offers.
Less really is more when you’re preparing your home for sale. Clutter from kids’ toys to crowded bookshelves can make rooms feel smaller and distract buyers from your home’s best features.
Start by:
If you don’t have room to store things at home, consider renting short-term storage or asking family to help. Think of it as preparing for your move early, while giving your property the clean, airy look buyers love.
A spotless home gives buyers confidence that the property has been well maintained. Pay special attention to:
Even small details like dust-free skirting boards or sparkling taps can make a big difference to how your home feels.
Styling isn’t about luxury furniture or expensive décor; it’s about creating a mood that appeals to the widest range of buyers. You want rooms to feel light, open, and harmonious. Consider:
If budget allows, a professional home stylist can transform your space using hired furniture and accessories. According to Domain, professionally styled homes in Australia can sell up to 10% faster and for higher prices because presentation sells a lifestyle, not just a property.
Arrange furniture to create a sense of space and natural flow between rooms. Avoid blocking windows or pathways. This helps buyers visualise entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living in the home.
Tip: Before each open inspection, walk through your home as if you were a buyer seeing it for the first time. Notice how it feels, the light, the space, and the smell. Tiny adjustments, like opening blinds or adding fresh flowers, can transform the atmosphere.
When buyers inspect your home, they’re looking for signs of how well it’s been cared for. Even small issues like dripping taps, cracked tiles, or flickering lights can plant seeds of doubt and make buyers wonder what else might be wrong.
Fixing these little problems before you list sends a clear message: “This home has been well maintained and ready to move into.”
Minor defects might seem harmless, but they can easily add up in a buyer’s mind. Instead of seeing them as small tasks, buyers may imagine expensive future repairs or use them to justify a lower offer. By taking care of these details early, you protect your asking price and give your property a polished, cared-for look.
You don’t have to spend a fortune just focus on what buyers will notice most:
These quick fixes show pride of ownership and help your home photograph beautifully for online listings.
If your property is older, it can be worth getting a handyman or building inspector to do a quick walk-through. They’ll spot things you might have missed like minor leaks, ventilation issues, or pest entry points before they turn into deal-breakers during a buyer’s inspection.
Not all improvements require professional help. Simple DIY updates, such as new tapware, fresh paint in neutral tones, or updated cabinet handles, can give rooms a modern lift at minimal cost. According to CoreLogic, homes that show well-maintained finishes and small updates often achieve higher buyer confidence, which can translate into faster offers and stronger sale prices.
Tip: Walk around your home with a notepad as if you were a buyer inspecting it for the first time. Write down every minor flaw you notice then fix as many as you can. It’s often the little details that convince buyers they’re looking at a “move-in ready” home.
Every home has something special, it could be natural light, a renovated kitchen, a quiet street, or a beautiful outdoor area. The key is to identify what makes your property stand out and showcase it clearly to buyers.
When buyers see what makes your home unique, they connect emotionally and that’s often what leads to faster sales and higher offers.
Think about what first attracted you to the property. Was it the high ceilings? The spacious backyard? The north-facing living room? Those same features are likely to appeal to new buyers.
Make sure your marketing, photos, and open home styling highlight:
Buyers aren’t just purchasing walls and floors; they’re buying into a lifestyle. Help them feel what life could be like in your home.
Paint a picture of how space makes life easier, more enjoyable, or more connected.
Good real estate photos and descriptions work together to tell a story. A skilled photographer will know how to frame shots to bring out your home’s personality for example, showcasing morning light streaming into the kitchen or evening ambience on the patio.
In your listing description, focus on benefits, not just features:
This emotional storytelling makes your property more memorable and desirable.
Modern buyers start their search online, often scrolling through dozens of listings.Your goal is to make yours the one they stop on. That’s why clear, high-quality images and strong descriptions are essential.
If you’re working with a professional agent, they’ll know exactly how to position your home’s best features to attract the right audience.
Tip: Ask your agent which features buyers in your area care about most right now. For instance, in many Australian suburbs, energy efficiency and outdoor entertaining spaces are major selling points especially since lifestyle preferences shifted post-2020.
Get matched with agents who understand your property type, know your suburb, and have proven success selling homes just like yours.
In today’s digital-first property market, your home’s online presence is everything. More than 90% of buyers start their property search online which means your photos, video, and marketing strategy must instantly capture attention.
Great marketing doesn’t just show your home it tells a story that makes buyers imagine living there.
Smartphone photos simply can’t compete with professional real estate photography. Professional photographers know how to:
Well-shot images help your property stand out in crowded online listings often leading to more enquiries, more inspections, and stronger offers. If your home has standout features (like a pool, garden, or ocean view), consider adding twilight photography or aerial drone shots to highlight its full potential.
Strong listing descriptions should go beyond basic details like “3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms”. They should focus on how the home feels and why it’s special. For example:
Buyers connect emotionally to homes that sound inviting and relatable.
A well-rounded marketing strategy reaches buyers wherever they’re looking. Your agent should help you market across:
The broader your reach, the more competition you create and competitive interest often drives up your sale price.
Video walkthroughs and 3D tours are becoming increasingly popular. They help buyers visualise the space before visiting, and can attract interstate or international buyers who might otherwise miss out. Homes with professional video marketing can receive up to 400% more enquiries, according to industry studies.
Not all marketing packages are equal. A good agent will tailor your campaign to suit your property type, location, and budget ensuring your money goes where it makes the biggest impact.
Ask potential agents for examples of their previous listings and results. This gives you a clear sense of how they present homes and what kind of response they generate.
Tip: When reviewing your property’s online listing, check how it looks on a phone. Most buyers browse on mobile so make sure photos load fast, descriptions are easy to read, and the first image makes people stop scrolling.
Getting your price right is one of the most important steps in selling your home. Price too high, and you risk scaring off serious buyers; price too low, and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table. The goal is to set a price that’s competitive, realistic, and backed by data.
The first two weeks after listing are critical. That’s when your property gets the most online views and inspections. If your price is too ambitious, buyers may overlook it entirely and once a listing goes stale, it can be harder to regain interest, even if you later reduce the price.Setting a smart price from day one attracts more buyers, creates competition, and often leads to higher final offers.
Your real estate agent will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), a report showing what similar homes in your area have recently sold for. When reviewing the CMA, pay attention to:
You can also cross-check data from trusted sources like CoreLogic, Domain, or realestate.com.au to see the median house price trend for your suburb.
It’s natural to feel emotionally attached to your home, but buyers see it differently. They’re comparing it to every other property in their price range. Try to look at your home objectively, focus on market realities, not memories. Your agent’s data and experience will help you balance your expectations with what buyers are willing to pay today.
Your agent might suggest one of several pricing approaches:
Each strategy suits different markets and property types. In hot markets, auctions can deliver premium results. In slower markets, a fixed or range price may draw more enquiry.
Even the best-researched price needs review once your property hits the market. If you’re getting plenty of inspections but no offers, buyers may be signalling that your price is a little high. Your agent will monitor feedback and adjust the strategy to keep momentum strong.
Tip: A realistic, data-driven price doesn’t mean underselling, it means positioning your home to attract serious buyers quickly and spark competition. That’s what often leads to your best final sale price.
Choosing the right real estate agent can be the single biggest factor in how smoothly your sale goes — and how much you walk away with. A great agent doesn’t just list your property; they position it strategically, negotiate effectively, and protect your interests from start to finish.
It’s easy to think “any agent can sell a home”, but results can vary dramatically. According to CoreLogic data, properties marketed and negotiated well can achieve up to 10% higher sale prices than those handled poorly, often meaning tens of thousands of dollars difference in your pocket.
A great agent will:
When comparing agents, focus on more than just commission. Look for:
Remember, this is a partnership where you need someone who listens to your goals and has the track record to achieve them.
Before signing any agreement, ask potential agents:
Their answers will give you insight into their professionalism, strategy, and communication style.
Choosing the right agent can feel overwhelming. That’s where Which Real Estate Agent makes it simple.
At Which Real Estate Agent, we help you:
Every recommendation is based on verified data and your unique property goals, so you can sell smarter and with confidence.
Find your best local agent now. It only takes a minute, and it could mean a faster sale at a better price.
Tip: Don’t automatically choose the agent who quotes the highest price for your home. A realistic, data-backed strategy from a skilled negotiator almost always delivers the strongest real-world results.
Once your home is listed, inspections are where the magic happens. It’s your chance to show off all your hard work, the cleaning, styling, and preparation and let buyers fall in love in person. The more people who walk through your door, the higher your chances of receiving strong offers. That’s why being flexible and accommodating with inspections is so important.
In a competitive market, buyers often have several open homes to attend each weekend. If your property is difficult to access, they might skip it altogether. To maximise your exposure:
The easier it is to view, the more buyer competition you’ll generate.
You want every visitor to imagine living there. Before each open home:
Make the home feel calm, bright, and ready to move into. If possible, step out during inspections. Buyers often feel more comfortable exploring and asking questions when the owner isn’t present.
Once your property is listed, keeping it clean and inspection-ready can feel like a full-time job but it’s worth it. Try these small daily habits:
This ensures your home is always ready for a last-minute showing because you never know when the perfect buyer will call.
After each open home, your agent will share buyer feedback. Listen carefully if multiple visitors mention the same issue (like lighting, clutter, or price), it may be worth making small adjustments to keep interest strong.
Tip: The goal of every inspection is to make buyers feel at home. If they leave imagining where they’d put their furniture or how they’d entertain friends, you’re already halfway to a great offer.
Once the offers start coming in, it’s time to shift from presenting your home to strategically negotiating for the best outcome. This stage can feel emotional after all, it’s your home but the key is to stay calm, informed, and guided by your agent’s expertise.
It’s exciting when that first offer arrives, but don’t feel pressured to accept right away. Sometimes it’s worth waiting to see how other interested buyers respond. Your agent will help you assess:
A good agent will know when to hold firm, when to counter, and when to close ensuring you don’t undersell your property through haste or uncertainty.
Price is important, but conditions matter just as much. Look closely at:
Sometimes a slightly lower price with cleaner terms can be a better deal overall.
Negotiation is where your agent truly earns their commission. Experienced agents know how to create competitive tension, manage buyer emotions, and protect your interests. They’ll present counteroffers strategically, using buyer psychology and market knowledge to achieve the strongest result.
If you’re selling privately, be careful. Emotional attachment can cloud judgment. Always keep negotiations factual, polite, and professional.
The goal of negotiation isn’t to “win” it’s to reach a deal that feels fair and satisfies both sides. Flexibility on minor points (like settlement date or inclusions) can help secure the right buyer and keep momentum going.
Before negotiations begin, decide your minimum acceptable price. Discuss it with your agent and stick to it but remain open to creative solutions that could still meet your needs.
Tip: The best negotiations are built on preparation. By knowing your priorities, understanding buyer motivations, and trusting your agent’s strategy, you’ll negotiate from a position of strength.
Honesty really is the best policy when selling your home. It might feel tempting to gloss over small problems or hope buyers won’t notice but transparency builds trust, and trust is what turns interest into offers.
Buyers are more informed than ever. They’ll likely order a building and pest inspection before signing the contract, and any undisclosed issues are bound to surface. Being upfront early avoids awkward surprises and protects you legally under Australian consumer and property laws.
In most states and territories, vendors are required to disclose known defects or issues that could affect a buyer’s decision such as structural problems, past flooding, or unapproved renovations. Failing to do so could risk the sale falling through or even legal action later.
While requirements vary slightly by state, a good rule of thumb is: if you know about it, disclose it. Common examples include:
If you’re unsure, your conveyancer or solicitor can help you understand what needs to be included in the vendor disclosure statement or contract of sale.
Buyers appreciate openness. When you’re upfront about minor issues and can show they’ve been repaired or accounted for in the price, it reassures them that you’re trustworthy. This can actually strengthen negotiations and speed up the decision-making process.
If your home is older or you suspect potential issues, consider getting your own pre-sale building inspection. It’s a small investment that lets you fix problems before listing or disclose them upfront confidently. Buyers will see that you’re proactive, not hiding anything.
Tip: Transparency doesn’t weaken your position, it strengthens it. Buyers are more likely to trust and negotiate fairly when they feel you’ve been open from the start.
Timing can make a huge difference to your sale price and how quickly your property sells. While you can’t always control when you need to move, understanding seasonal trends and market conditions helps you choose the best possible moment to list.
Traditionally, spring has been Australia’s most popular time to sell and for good reason. The weather’s pleasant, gardens are in full bloom, and buyers are more active. But that also means there’s more competition, as many sellers list at the same time.
Here’s a quick look at how the seasons can impact your sale:
The key takeaway? There’s no single “perfect” time, just the right time for your property and market.
Real estate is hyper-local. A strong time to sell in Sydney might not be ideal in Perth or Brisbane. Research what’s happening in your suburb using CoreLogic, Domain, or your local council’s data.
Look for:
Your local real estate agent can also provide suburb-level insights to help you pick the optimal listing window.
Life events such as a job change, growing family, or downsizing can influence when you need to sell. If possible, give yourself a few months to prepare your home, complete repairs, and plan marketing. Rushing the process can lead to missed opportunities or preventable mistakes.
Interest rates, inflation, and government incentives (like first-home buyer schemes) can all influence buyer behaviour. For example, lower interest rates or new grants can boost demand, while rising rates might slow activity temporarily. Keeping an eye on these broader trends helps you list when buyers are most active not when they’re sitting on the sidelines.
Tip: The best time to sell is when your home is looking its best, your finances are ready, and buyers in your area are active. With a skilled agent and solid preparation, you can achieve great results in any season.
Congratulations! Once you’ve accepted an offer, you’re on the home stretch. But before you celebrate too soon, there’s still one crucial phase to manage which is settlement and moving. A bit of early organisation here can save you a lot of last-minute stress.
Settlement is the official transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. In Australia, this usually happens 30 to 90 days after the contract is signed, though it can be negotiated to suit both parties.
During this time:
Staying organised and keeping communication open ensures there are no surprises as settlement day approaches.
Don’t leave moving arrangements to the last minute. Good removalists can book out weeks in advance, especially around weekends or at the end of the month. Get quotes early, confirm your dates, and consider:
If you’re downsizing, take the opportunity to declutter before moving, you’ll save time and money.
Before handing over the keys, do a thorough clean or hire professionals for a bond-style clean. Make sure all agreed repairs are completed, light bulbs replaced, and rubbish removed. Buyers appreciate a spotless, well-kept handover and it leaves a lasting good impression.
If you’re buying another property or renting, time your settlement dates carefully. Where possible, leave a few days of overlap so you’re not rushing between homes on the same day. Your agent or conveyancer can help you align the dates to reduce stress.
Selling your home is a huge milestone and it deserves to be celebrated. Whether you’re moving to your dream home, starting fresh, or downsizing for simplicity, planning ahead ensures a smooth and stress-free transition.
Tip: Keep a moving checklist and update it regularly. Write down everything from utility disconnections to mail redirection small details that make the move much easier when the big day comes.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you combine solid preparation, smart strategy, and the right support, you put yourself in the best position to achieve an exceptional result.
Every step from decluttering to pricing to negotiating plays a part in attracting the right buyers and securing the best price. But the truth is, even with all the preparation in the world, the right real estate agent makes all the difference.
A skilled agent brings local knowledge, marketing expertise, and negotiation power that can add tens of thousands to your final sale price, often far outweighing their commission.
Small improvements often deliver big results. Fresh paint, tidy gardens, updated lighting, and good styling can all lift your home’s perceived value. Working with a skilled real estate agent is also key, their negotiation skills and marketing strategy can add tens of thousands to your sale price.
Hiring a professional agent usually results in a higher sale price and a smoother process. Agents handle pricing, marketing, buyer enquiries, and negotiations, all while protecting your interests legally and financially. If you’re unsure who to choose, Which Real Estate Agent can help you compare the top-performing agents in your area for free.
Spring is traditionally the most active season, but the best time depends on your suburb, property type, and market conditions. Autumn often performs well, while winter can work in your favour due to lower competition. Your agent can help you pick the best timing based on current buyer demand and recent local sales.
Reach out to one of our knowledgeable team members below.
