The home selling secrets nobody tells you about

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and there’s no shortage of advice out there.  

With so many tips and tricks shared around, it’s easy to overlook some simple strategies that really work. Often, some of the best-kept secrets of successful sales fly under the radar. 

These six tips could give you the edge you need to stand out and maximise your property's sale price.

Going off-market can lead to an early win

The traditional way of bringing your property to the market would involve going live on the key public-facing listing portals on a certain date and beginning with open inspections. 

However, a top local agent will likely have an extensive database of motivated buyers in the area who can come and inspect the property in an off-market capacity (ie. before it's been publicly listed), and that can create a range of opportunities. 

Off-markets allow sellers to test demand without spending on costly marketing campaigns or dealing with the stress of open homes.

If it leads to a sale, you've just saved yourself a considerable amount of time and money. And if it doesn't, you've gained valuable feedback on your property and pricing strategy. 

It's always worth speaking to potential agents about their databases and whether they think going off-market is right for you as there are clear benefits for some sellers.

Don’t let invisible issues derail your sale

Even if your home looks stunning, unresolved structural or maintenance issues can undo all your hard work. 

If a building inspection reveals problems with plumbing, electrical systems, or the roof, buyers may renegotiate their offer or walk away entirely.

Taking care of these invisible issues upfront — before listing your property — can save you headaches down the line. 

It also gives buyers confidence, reducing the risk of delays or unexpected surprises as the sale progresses. Proactively investing in repairs could even lead to stronger offers, while trying to hide known issues may cause the whole thing to fall through at the last minute. 

Small-budget improvements can go a long way

The importance of presentation can't be understated when selling, but cosmetic upgrades don’t need to break the bank to make a big impact.

Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable and effective changes you can make to transform your home to attract more buyers. 

Painting is by far one of the best bang-for-buck improvements you can make. A fresh coat of neutral-coloured paint makes rooms feel clean and modern, and you can do it yourself with a small budget. 

Consider replacing old or dim light fixtures with bright, energy-efficient options. You can also swap outdated cabinet handles, door knobs, and taps for sleek, contemporary designs.

Level up your landscaping by tidying up the garden, mowing the lawn, and planting colourful flowers for instant curb appeal. And don't neglect cleaning every inch of the property, from windows, walls and cupboards to carpets and floors. 

These simple changes focus on making your home feel move-in-ready, which is a key factor for many buyers. Think of it as creating a blank canvas where buyers can envision their future.

Consider seasonality in your presentation

Highlighting your home’s seasonal appeal can make a lasting impression on buyers, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

In winter, draw attention to cozy living spaces by staging with soft throws, warm lighting, and candles. Flick on the heater or ready the fireplace to make sure your buyers feel comfortable and invited the moment they step through the door. 

In summer, maximise your outdoor areas by setting up lounge chairs, pot plants, and a stylish umbrella to showcase alfresco living. 

If you have air conditioning, make sure you're putting it on show with the perfect temperature. If you don't, think about opening windows to promote a cooling crossbreeze. 

Tailoring your home’s presentation and feel to the time of year helps buyers connect emotionally with the property and picture themselves living there.

Make your property a treat for all the senses

Visual impact is of course one of the most critical elements to nail in the selling process, but it's not the only sense that needs to be considered. 

A buyer's nose is also going to be feeding into their first impressions, whether they know it or not. 

Pets, kids, and everyday living can leave behind lingering odours that you may have stopped noticing — but buyers won’t miss them.

Before inspections, have carpets professionally cleaned, air out the property, and consider adding a subtle fragrance like fresh flowers or a light vanilla candle. Baking cookies might sound cliché, but it’s a trick that works because it evokes a sense of warmth and homeliness.

Creating a fresh, neutral-smelling environment will ensure buyers focus on the home itself — not distractions like pet smells or stuffy rooms.

Find a negotiator who can maximise your price

Not all agents are expert negotiators by default, so choosing the right person is essential to getting the best possible result. 

A great negotiator can create competition among buyers, manage emotions, and extract the highest price for you. But how can you tell that an agent has strong negotiation skills? 

When you're speaking with local agents to make your decision, ask them for specific examples of deals where they've achieved exceptional results. You can also ask how they handle common scenarios like juggling multiple offers or managing lowball bids.

Remember, negotiation isn’t just about skill — it’s also about strategy. Look for an agent who communicates clearly, understands market dynamics, and can keep buyers engaged throughout the process.