The Ultimate Pre-Sale Home Checklist: What to Fix Before You List

Getting your home ready for sale isn’t just about cleaning and staging—it’s also about making smart fixes that improve your chances of a smooth sale. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing or relocating, knowing what to repair or refresh before you list can help your property stand out, attract more buyers, and even avoid costly surprises during the buyer's inspection.

This pre-sale home checklist is designed to help Australian homeowners prepare their homes for the market. From small cosmetic upgrades to safety-related fixes, we’ve got it covered. And if you need help ticking things off, you can easily hire local tradies on ServiceSeeking.com.au.

1. Book a Pre-Listing Inspection

One of the smartest moves sellers make is getting a professional inspection before the house hits the market. This gives you a clear idea of what might raise red flags for buyers and lets you handle repairs proactively. It also gives your agent a chance to promote the home as “pre-inspected,” which can build buyer confidence.

Common inspection issues that may come up:

• Termite or pest damage
• Roof leaks
• Electrical safety concerns
• Plumbing issues or slow drainage
• Structural movement or cracks

Hiring a qualified inspector can save you time, money and stress down the track.

2. Fix Anything Broken or Unsafe

Buyers will notice obvious faults—so should you. This is the time to address anything that makes the home look neglected or could pose a hazard.

Things to prioritise:

• Leaking taps or running toilets
• Broken tiles, chipped paint, or cracked windows
• Sticky doors or loose handles
• Wobbly fences or decks
• Faulty light switches or outlets

It’s not about overhauling the entire house, but about making sure everything works as expected.

3. Focus on First Impressions

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Buyers form opinions the moment they arrive—so the outside of your home matters just as much as the inside.

Key exterior updates to consider:

• Mow the lawn and tidy garden beds
• Trim overgrown trees and hedges
• Repaint the front door or fence if needed
• Power wash the driveway and exterior walls
• Repair or replace house numbers and outdoor lights

Think neat, tidy, and well-maintained. You want your home to invite people in from the street.

4. Freshen Up Walls and Floors

A fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour scheme can make a home feel bigger, cleaner, and move-in ready. Stick to whites, greys, and other light tones to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

For flooring, consider the following:

• Professionally clean carpets or replace them if stained
• Polish timber floorboards if they’re scuffed or dull
• Replace cracked tiles or regrout where needed

These cosmetic upgrades are relatively low-cost but can make a big impact on buyer perception.

5. Modernise Where It Matters

You don’t need a full renovation to modernise your home. In fact, many buyers prefer to personalise kitchens and bathrooms themselves. Instead of spending thousands, aim to refresh these areas so they look clean and functional.

Simple improvements include:

• New tapware or cabinet handles
• Resiliconing or regrouting around sinks and showers
• Updating light fittings to something more contemporary
• Replacing tired blinds or curtains

These small touches can make dated areas feel more current without overcapitalising.

6. Declutter and Depersonalise

Decluttering is essential for creating a sense of space. Too much furniture or personal items can distract buyers and make rooms feel smaller.

What to do:

• Remove family photos and personal décor
• Store bulky or excess furniture
• Clear benchtops and shelves
• Organise wardrobes and storage areas

The goal is to help buyers visualise themselves living there, not feel like they’re walking through someone else’s home.

7. Deep Clean Everything

This one’s non-negotiable. A spotless home tells buyers that it has been well cared for. Focus on:

• Bathrooms: no mould or grime in grout or on taps
• Kitchen: clean appliances, sinks, and splashbacks
• Windows: inside and out
• Skirting boards and light switches
• Air vents and ceiling fans

If you don’t have time to do this yourself, a professional cleaning service is worth the investment.

8. Lighting and Ventilation

Bright, airy homes photograph better and feel more welcoming. Replace any blown light bulbs and switch to white light for a cleaner feel. Open windows before inspections to let in fresh air and natural light.

Other small tweaks:

• Wash window screens
• Remove heavy curtains or tie them back
• Add mirrors to reflect light and open up small rooms

9. Don’t Overdo It

Before spending on major upgrades, speak to your real estate agent. Some improvements might not add value, especially if buyers are planning to renovate. The key is to fix what's broken, make the home presentable, and let buyers imagine the potential.

10. Bring in the Experts

While there’s plenty you can organise, it’s worth hiring licensed professionals to handle the technical work—especially anything structural, electrical, or plumbing-related. A rushed or poorly done job can backfire when it’s time for the buyer’s inspection.

On ServiceSeeking.com.au, you can compare quotes from local trades and find trusted experts to help get your property market-ready without blowing your budget.

Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach and a clear pre-sale home checklist, you can make smart updates that help your property stand out. Focus on presentation, safety, and function—and lean on the expertise of professionals where it counts.

Ready to list your home?
Find trusted tradies for pre-sale repairs and upgrades on ServiceSeeking.com.au today.