Pre-Sale Preparation Checklist
A complete pre-sale preparation checklist for Brisbane homeowners. Tick tasks off as you go. Progress saves automatically.
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Tick items off as you go.
What buyers see before they open the door.
Mow, edge and fertilise lawns. Remove weeds from garden beds and replace dead plants.
Pressure wash driveway, pathways, and exterior walls. First impressions begin at the kerb.
Touch up or repaint the front fence, gate, and letterbox. Peeling paint signals neglect immediately.
Replace or repaint the front door. A bold, fresh front door is a proven ROI item.
Clean all exterior windows inside and out. Dull glass dulls presentation.
Add potted plants or a small garden bed at the front entry to soften and welcome.
The building-report items that turn buyers cautious.
Fix all dripping taps, running toilets, and leaking showerheads. Buyers notice water damage and assume worse.
Repair or replace damaged flyscreens, door handles, locks, and hinges. Rattling and sticking is a turn-off.
Fill and touch up all wall cracks, scuffs, and nail holes. Repaint in the original colour where needed.
Replace broken light globes and faulty switches. Every light should work during inspections.
Re-grout and reseal bathrooms and kitchen tiles. Stained grout reads as old and unclean.
Service air conditioning units and replace filters. Buyers will test them.
Fix any sagging gutters, blocked downpipes, or visible roof damage. These flag in building reports.
Sand and oil timber decking or verandah floorboards if weathered. Adds significant perceived value to prewar homes.
Less is more. Buyers need to see the space, not you.
Hire a professional cleaner for a full deep clean: oven, bathrooms, skirting boards, ceiling fans, and inside cupboards.
Remove at least 30% of furniture and personal items. Less furniture makes rooms feel larger. Buyers need to see the space, not your belongings.
Clear all bench tops in kitchen and bathroom. Every item on a bench reduces perceived bench space.
Clean the oven, range hood filter, and dishwasher. Buyers open these during inspections.
Remove all family photos, religious items, and personal memorabilia. Buyers need to see themselves in the home.
Have carpets professionally steam cleaned. Odour and visible staining are among the top buyer objections.
Clear the garage to at minimum half capacity. A crammed garage reads as not enough storage.
The 5 to 10% edge that professional styling delivers.
Engage a professional property stylist for key rooms (living, master bedroom, dining). Styled homes consistently achieve 5-10% above comparable unstyled properties.
Replace tired or mismatched cushions, throws, and soft furnishings in the living areas with neutral, contemporary pieces.
Add fresh white towels to bathrooms and a new bath mat. Replace soap dispensers with matching sets.
Place a large bunch of fresh flowers or a potted plant in the living room and kitchen for photography and open homes.
Ensure all window furnishings are clean and in working order. Stick to open, light-filtering blinds for photography.
Upgrade kitchen handles, tapware, or bathroom accessories if dated. Small hardware changes read as renovation.
What your solicitor and buyer will ask for.
Engage a solicitor or conveyancer to prepare the contract of sale and vendor disclosure documents before launch.
Obtain a building and pest inspection report. Identifying issues before launch lets you address them on your terms, not the buyer's.
Gather all council approvals for any structures (decks, sheds, pergolas, carports) built since purchase. Unapproved structures must be disclosed.
Obtain a current smoke alarm compliance certificate. This is a legal requirement for all QLD property sales.
Obtain a pool safety certificate if applicable. Required before contract in QLD (or within 90 days of settlement for buyers).
Locate your current rates notices, water accounts, and any body corporate records. Buyers will request these.
Obtain your most recent land tax notice if applicable. Useful for buyers doing their due diligence.
Ready to take the next step?
Working through the checklist? Get a professional opinion on what to prioritise.
Every property is different. Before you spend on renovations, a professional walkthrough helps identify what actually moves buyers in your street, and what you can skip. No obligation, no sales pitch.
Book a Free WalkthroughWant more context? Read the full guide: How to Prepare Your Home for Sale in Brisbane →