Get Your Home Sale-Ready: Steps to Achieve the Desired Sale Price

Getting your home ready to sell is all about making a great first impression, ticking the right boxes, and steering clear of common errors. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or it’s your first time out of the gate, these simple steps will help sellers attract more buyers, speed up the sale, and secure the best possible price. Here’s a simple guide on how to prepare a property to put on the market, and how working with local experts can make all the difference.

Declutter and Depersonalise

Start with a deep clean and declutter. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in someone else’s house, so pack away family photos, children’s drawings, trophies, and any lingering greeting cards. Clear up surfaces in kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms of excess clutter. Donate, recycle, or store anything that won’t be needed before the move. This makes rooms appear bigger, lighter, and more inviting, helping buyers connect emotionally with the space.​

Minor Repairs and Maintenance

Little things make a big impact. Replace flickering lightbulbs, fix dripping taps, and repair that squeaky door. Patch up chipped paint or scuffed skirting boards. For those selling an older house, add a fresh coat of neutral paint to cover dated colours or marks on the walls. Ensure there are no musty smells or signs of leaks. First impressions start at the door, so be sure to check that handles, locks, and even the doorbell work smoothly.​

Deep Clean for a Fresh Start

A spotless home radiates care and comfort. Clean every nook, from skirting boards and switches to windows and under sinks. Pay special attention to bathrooms and the kitchen, they’re make-or-break rooms when buyers are comparing houses. For homeowners who’d prefer to avoid cleaning the whole house, hiring a professional for a one-off deep clean may be worthwhile.

Define Every Room

Show buyers exactly how every space can be used. Set up the spare room as an office or guest bedroom, not as storage. Stage the dining room, with neutral dining sets and table decor. This helps buyers picture their own routines and makes the house look bigger and more versatile.​ At Michelle Burke, our expert estate agents can offer advice on how to stage certain rooms before the property goes on the market.

Maximise Light and Space

Open up curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Replace heavy or dark curtains with lighter colours or net styles, and add mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness. Fresh, light bed linen and towels add a hotel feel and keep photos looking clean and contemporary.​ Add clean-scented diffusers around the home to keep everything smelling fresh and inviting.

Boost Kerb Appeal

Galway buyers often do a quick drive-by before booking a viewing, so exterior work matters. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, tidy flowerbeds, and power-wash driveways and paths. Repaint the front door if it’s tired, add potted plants, and swap out worn-out doormats for something welcoming. Wash windows and make sure bins are out of sight.​

Get the Paperwork Ready

Before putting a house on the market, gather all the necessary paperwork: Building Energy Rating certificate, planning permission documents, warranties for appliances or extensions, and compliance certificates for any alterations. This helps the sale move smoothly and avoids last-minute delays.​

Staging for Viewings

Arrange furniture for flow and comfort, with enough space to move from room to room easily. Add finishing touches: fresh flowers, bowls of fruit, or a couple of cosy cushions. On viewing day, tidy up, light a scented candle, and keep pets out of the way. The goal is to make the home feel inviting, move-in ready, and easy for buyers to picture as theirs.​

Take the Next Steps and Achieve the Desired Sale Price

Selling a home doesn’t have to be stressful. With these simple, actionable tips, homeowners can put their best foot forward and be ready to make an excellent first impression on would-be buyers. Declutter, spruce up, let the light in and make a house feel like a home. 
At Michelle Burke, our experts are passionate about helping homeowners across Galway get the very best price for their beloved home, and we’re here to help make that a reality by getting your home sale-ready. Ready to sell, or just want straight-talking, practical advice? Contact us today to book a free valuation, and let’s get your home sale-ready.