Selling a home is all about helping buyers picture themselves living there. On Table Talk, Tim spoke with Vance Thomson from Thomson Design, who shared five essential tips to ensure your property looks its best, boosting appeal, reducing time on the market, and maximising value.
1. Declutter and Depersonalise
Start by removing excess items, personal mementos, and anything that distracts from the home itself.
The goal is to make it easier for prospective buyers to visualise their life in the space, rather than seeing
yours.
2. Deep Clean and Repair
A spotless, well-maintained house signals care. Clean everything (floors, windows, fixtures) and fix minor
defects like leaky taps, peeling paint, squeaky hinges, etc. These small issues can otherwise leave a
negative impression and reduce buyer confidence.
3. Refresh With Paint and Neutral Tones
Interior and exterior painting even just touch-ups go a long way. Choose neutral, broadly appealing
colours that feel fresh and blank, helping buyers more easily imagine their own furniture and decor.
4. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions start from the street. Clean up your landscaping, trim hedges, mow lawns, tidy the
front entry, and ensure the facade looks inviting. A strong external presentation sets the stage before
buyers even enter.
5. Stage the Home Strategically
Arrange furniture and decor in a way that highlights flow, space, and functionality. Use lighting, mirrors,
and minimal styling to create an inviting atmosphere, enough to spark emotional appeal, but not so
much that the buyer is distracted by your personal taste.
Listen to the full conversation below!