Getting Your Home Ready to Sell: A Guide to Making a Great First Impression

The home you live in and the home you're selling are two different things. When you list your property for sale, it becomes a product and in today’s competitive market, your goal is to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Buyers are drawn to homes that are clean, cozy, and spacious. Most importantly, they need to picture themselves living there. That means creating a space where they can easily imagine placing their own furniture and personal touches.

Here’s how to make your home stand out, inside and out

Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter

Outside Your Yard

• Mow and edge your lawn so it looks tidy and well-maintained.
• Clean your boundary walls rinse off rain marks, fix any visible cracks.
• Paint faded or stained areas like fences, gates, or walls for a fresh look.
• Repair broken walls especially leaning or damaged pre-cast ones.
• Test gates and lighting ensure all locks, motors, and outdoor lights work properly.
• Maintain the roof, gutters, window putty and wooden frames.

In the Garden

• Keep grass short and edges neat.
• Rake leaves and remove dead foliage from plants.
• Pack away tools and toys lying around the garden.
• Clear pathways to the front door for easy access.
• Fix cracks in the driveway and remove weeds between paving stones.
• Clean and maintain your pool if you have one it’s a great selling point.
• Refresh the garden before viewings, especially in summer water lightly for a lush appearance

Inside the Home: Keep it Clean, Bright & Inviting

Clean and Declutter

• Give your home a deep clean before listing it. Buyers notice!
• Declutter rooms, pack away small furniture, personal items, and unnecessary decor to make spaces appear larger.
• Tidy cupboards and wardrobes, buyers often peek inside to check for storage space.
• Make every bed and tidy every room before a viewing.
• Keep floors clear of toys, laundry, or obstacles.

Neutral and Neat

• Use neutral colours on walls to appeal to more buyers.
• Fix small issues patch up cracks, paint touch-ups and skirting boards.
• Repair leaks, broken handles, squeaky doors or windows.
• Ensure all lightbulbs work well-lit homes feel bigger and more welcoming.
• Replace cracked windows or missing fixtures like plugs, handles, or cupboard locks.

Don't hide damage. If there’s damp or a roof leak, disclose it. Hiding serious issues can lead to legal problems later under the Consumer Protection Act.

When Buyers are Viewing: What NOT to Do

• Don’t hover or chat too much. Let your estate agent guide the tour they know what buyers are looking for.
• Don’t try to sell your furniture. Focus on the home, not the contents.
• Avoid apologies. If your home is clean and well-kept, there’s no need to downplay it.
• Keep pets out of sight. Some buyers are wary or allergic and energetic pets can be distracting.

Quick Pre-Viewing Checklist

• Lawn mowed and garden tidy.
• Toys and clutter packed away.
• Beds made and rooms arranged neatly.
• Lights on and curtains open.
• Fresh air circulated.
• No visible damage or leaks.
• Pets secured.

Stand Out with HD Photos and Video:

Property Nest supports high-definition photos and video to showcase your home in rich detail and vibrant colour. Listings with HD media rank higher on our site, increasing visibility to buyers. Need help? We’ll connect you with trusted local Digital Media Consultants for professional photos and video walkthroughs.

Prep Your Home for Photos and Video:

Before the Digital Media Consultant arrives:

• Clean thoroughly: floors, windows, counters.
• Pack away dishes, clothes, toys and clutter.
• Make all beds and tidy surfaces.
• Turn on all lights, all TVs off.
• Open blinds, windows and all doors.
• Use fresh towels; hide used ones.
• Put toilet seats down.

A tidy, well-lit space makes a big impact on camera.

Create a Strong Listing description

Write a clear, appealing description and include standout features and location details. Don’t waffle on, be precise with your descriptions and features

Show House Considerations

Show days are a great way to attract serious buyers. A clean, welcoming home gives people the chance to imagine themselves living there.

But be cautious:
Security is a concern in South Africa. Agents are often on alert and sellers should be aware that not all visitors are genuine buyers.

Numbers Matter:

Limit viewings to one couple at a time and always accompany them. Gone are the days of large groups wandering freely. Selling your home involves risk, criminals can slip through. Agents stay vigilant, but caution is essential.

Take Extra Precautions When Selling:

• Lock away jewellery and valuables.
• Never leave cash out.
• Ask your agent how buyers are vetted and request their contact details.
• Insist the agent stays with buyers during viewings.
• Report any theft immediately to the agent and police.

To boost security, many sellers use virtual tours, allowing serious buyers to explore the home online before visiting.

How to Price Your Home Correctly: It’s Not Just About the Numbers

Pricing a home isn’t a straightforward formula it’s not as simple as plugging numbers into a calculator. In fact, many different factors influence what a fair and market-ready price should be.

We’ve all browsed property listings and thought, “That house is way overpriced!” Emotional attachment, guesswork, or aiming too high can all backfire, leaving sellers with a stagnant listing that no one’s biting on.

The truth is, pricing a home right requires a balanced, informed approach. Here are the key factors to consider:

6 Factors That Influence a Home’s Selling Price

1. Location, Location, Location

This is the golden rule of real estate and for good reason. Homes in sought-after neighbourhood’s naturally fetch higher prices. However, it's not just about the suburb. A house on a quiet cul-de-sac might sell for more than a similar one on a busy main road, even if both are in the same area.

Tip: Premium suburbs can boost value, but micro location still matters.

2. Unique Designs That Miss the Mark

Architecturally unique or custom-designed homes don’t always appeal to the general market. While the owner might love the bold or unconventional style, buyers may not share the same vision and that limits demand. These homes often sit longer on the market and may require a price drop to attract interest.

Tip: Design for broad appeal if you're planning to sell within a few years.

3. Condition and Age of the Home

Vintage homes with character features like Oregon pine floors or stained-glass doors can attract buyers if they're well maintained. But if the home hasn’t been updated in decades, expect a lower offer. Buyers today want modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and move-in-ready convenience.

Tip: Do regular updates over time instead of major renovations before selling. Large upgrades don’t always yield a return on investment.

4. Perception of the Area

Safety and lifestyle perceptions play a big role. If the property is in an area known for high crime, even if crime has declined, buyers may hesitate and this can impact the price. While this is a sensitive topic, especially in South Africa, it’s one that can’t be ignored.

Tip: Highlight community improvements, neighbourhood watch initiatives, or recent security upgrades, where possible.

5. Size and Layout

Bigger isn’t always better. While spaciousness matters, not every buyer is after a five-bedroom house. What does matter more than square meterage is functionality and comfort. One commonly overlooked feature that can sway buyers? Bathrooms. A three-bedroom, one-bathroom home can be a hard sell in today’s market.

Tip: If adding a second bathroom is possible, it could boost your home’s value significantly.

6. The ‘Wow’ Factor

This is the emotional element. A beautifully presented home, clean, stylishly decorated, with a well-maintained garden can steal a buyer’s heart. Even if your home is similar in layout to your neighbours, if it looks and feels better cared for, buyers are more likely to pay a premium.

Tip: Small touches make a big impact. Think fresh paint, manicured lawns, and decluttered interiors.

Final Thought: Price Smart, Sell Faster

The right price isn't about what you want to get it's what the market is willing to pay. Overpricing can lead to weeks or months of no offers, while competitive pricing can generate interest and even spark bidding wars. It’s not a science, and it’s not just emotion either, it’s about understanding where your home fits in the bigger picture. Need help determining a fair price? A professional valuation, combined with recent sales data and local market insights, can help you hit the mark from day one. Using platforms like Lightstone which will assist you in purchasing specific market reports that will guide you in the correct pricing of your home.

Property Transfer process:

Understanding Property Ownership and Conveyancing in South Africa

Ownership of immovable property is not transferred when an offer to purchase is signed nor when the purchase price is paid. Legal ownership is only established once the property is registered in the buyer’s name at the Deeds Registry Office.

This registration process is known as conveyancing, a legal procedure that ensures the buyer lawfully becomes the new owner of the property. Each time a property changes hands, a new deed of transfer must be drawn up and lodged with the Deeds Office to protect and confirm the buyer’s title.

Three Types of Conveyancing Attorneys

Property transactions typically involve three different conveyancing attorneys, each representing a different party and serving a unique function:

1. Transferring Attorney

• Appointed by: The Seller
• Role: Transfers the property from the seller to the buyer.
• Represents: The Seller

2. Registering (Bond) Attorney

• Appointed by: The Bank financing the buyer’s home loan
• Role: Registers the bond over the property in favour of the bank.
• Represents: The Buyer and the Bank

3. Cancellation Attorney

• Appointed by: The Bank cancelling the seller’s bond
• Role: Cancels the seller’s existing home loan on the property.
• Represents: The Bank

The Complex Role of the Conveyancer

Conveyancing is a demanding profession. While clients often expect fast results, much of the process is beyond the conveyancer’s direct control.
They rely heavily on third parties such as:

• Municipal offices (for rates clearances)
• Banks (for bond instructions)
• Deeds Offices
• Other attorneys and estate agents

Delays are frequently caused by:

• Late deposit or rental payments by buyers
• Amendments to agreements by buyers or sellers
• Issues with compliance certificates or latent defects

Each property transaction typically involves many separate actions, coordinated across many and with many different parties.

Despite this, conveyancers are often outnumbered by estate agents at ratios as high as 25 to 1. Yet, they are the central figure in ensuring your sale goes through smoothly.

What Sellers Can Expect from their Conveyancer

good conveyancer, acting for the seller, should:

• Protect the seller’s interests above all else (within the bounds of the law).
• Clearly explain the conveyancing process and provide regular updates.
• Advise on the Offer to Purchase, especially regarding suspensive conditions.
• Guide the seller through bond cancellation, including penalties and notice periods.
• Obtain clear instructions before issuing any financial guarantees.
• Strive to register on the agreed date, or as close as possible.
• Clarify the seller’s obligations to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Meet with the seller to explain and sign required documentation.
• Ensure lodgement documents are prepared carefully to avoid rejection.
• Notify the seller on the day of registration.
• Provide a full financial breakdown within two business days of registration.

Final Word

While the conveyancer may work behind the scenes, their role is critical to the successful transfer of your property. Choosing a skilled and communicative attorney can mean the difference between a smooth sale and a frustrating one.

Purchasing Property: The Importance of a Properly Drafted Offer to Purchase by your selected attorney is most important:

The safest and most reliable way to purchase a property is to have your estate agent or attorney draft the Offer to Purchase (OTP) and explain all the clauses in detail. This helps prevent misunderstandings, legal issues, or future disappointment.

Once the OTP has been signed by all parties, it becomes a legally binding agreement. It’s important to remember that a verbal agreement for the sale of immovable property is not valid in law.

Quick Checklist Before Signing an Offer to Purchase:

• Property Description: Ensure the property is correctly described according to the title deed.
• Personal Details: Check that all buyer and seller details are accurate and clearly written.
• Purchase Price: Confirm that the amount is correct and clearly stated.
• Occupation Date and Rental: Are you satisfied with the occupation date and any occupational rent?
• Special Conditions: Understand any conditions (e.g., subject to bond approval or sale of another property) and take note of deadlines for fulfilling them.
• Inclusions/Exclusions: List all movable items that are to remain with the property and just as importantly, list any that are excluded.
• Commission: Verify that the estate agent’s commission is correctly recorded as agreed.

Tips for Completing a Standard Offer to Purchase: (Obtain legal advice and guidance from your chosen attorney)

• All blank spaces must be either fully completed or entirely deleted.
• Never insert terms like "to be agreed upon" in blank spaces this could render the contract invalid.
• Use clear, plain language when writing in blank spaces or adding clauses.
• Consider drafting complicated clauses on a separate paper first before including them in the OTP.
• Irrelevant or inapplicable clauses should be deleted completely.
• All amendments and deletions must be initialled by all parties to avoid later disputes.