As we emerge from the cold depths of winter into the sunshine and freedom promised by spring, that “fresh start” feeling makes for an excellent time to be selling your home.

Looking down the barrel of another long Australian spring/summer season, with longer days and the opportunity to do so much more with that extra sunshine, brings a sense of “anything is possible” for both sellers and buyers.

You won’t be the only one considering listing your home this spring.  To stand out from the crowd, here are five excellent tips to be sale ready.

1. First impressions

Make sure your property is looking it’s finest from the street for prospective purchasers.  Keep the lawns and gardens well-maintained, touch up any spots where the paint is looking tired, use the high-pressure hose on concrete areas to clean them and strategically place pots or outdoor furniture to maximise the home’s appeal and sale price.

2. De-clutter

Clear off those crowded bookshelves, kitchen benches and display units.  Paring down your belongings to only what you need to live comfortably will make your home feel larger, allow prospective purchasers to envisage their own furniture in each room and will make it far easier and quicker to pack when your home sells.  If you don’t have space to store boxes and furniture on premises, consider renting a storage unit to keep your belongings safe and out of the way until you move. Decluttering also makes it much easier to quickly whip around and tidy up before inspections and open homes.

3. Spring clean

Once you’ve cleared away the clutter, you’ll no doubt be left with a few long-forgotten cobwebs and dust bunnies.  Give your home a good spring clean from top to bottom, including washing the windows, to let the lovely spring light in and brighten up the space.  Mopping floors and cleaning mirrors also make a room feel larger as they are reflective surfaces.  Doing a big clean once and keeping on top of it once a week will make inspections a breeze.

4. Accessorise

Staging your home is very important.  When decluttering, make sure you leave enough furniture to make each room feel warm and welcoming.  Keep surfaces clear and clean, apart from items such as a lamp on a bedside table.  Ensure towels are in good condition and displayed neatly in the bathrooms and kitchen.  If necessary, hire some furniture or artwork to enhance your home and earn top dollar for your sale.

5. Repairs and maintenance

Any repairs or maintenance that have been put off for a while – now is the time to do it.  From leaking taps to flaking paint, it’s the little things that will make or break a sale on your home.  Keep the gardens looking fresh with new mulch (this will also help keep the weeds at bay!) and plenty of water and go over old paint in a fresh neutral tone.  Fix door handles, replace that broken glass panel and even give door hinges a spray withsilicone spray to stop any squeaking.