Preparing to Sell Your Property

Start with timing and advice

Decide what you need from the sale and when you hope to move. Discuss timing and the likely buyer audience with your agent before committing to repairs or campaign costs. Not every improvement will return its cost, so weigh the likely benefit, time and expense before starting work.

Ray White Nelson is co-led by Paul Vining and Daniel Reed.

Gather the property information

Collect the title, plans, building-consent and resource-consent records, warranties, invoices, appliance details and service information. Include body-corporate documents where they apply. Tell your agent about known issues and material changes, and ask your lawyer what disclosures or documents are relevant to your situation.

For council information, confirm whether the address is in Nelson City Council or Tasman District Council and request the relevant property file or LIM early enough to review it. Council records can help identify questions but do not certify a building or replace independent advice.

Prepare the home and campaign

Walk through the property with fresh eyes. Tidy, clean and attend to straightforward maintenance where practical. Before arranging work on structural, electrical, plumbing, moisture or safety matters, seek advice from a suitably qualified professional. Check consent requirements before starting work that may require approval.

Agree the campaign plan before photography or advertising: access arrangements, presentation, image and copy approvals, marketing items and their costs, sale method, dates and who will handle enquiries. Tell your agent about access limits, alarms, pets or other practical considerations. Make a clear list of chattels and exclusions and check the sale documents describe them accurately.

This is general information, not legal or building advice. Contact Ray White Nelson on +64 (3) 544 8778 or nelson.nz@raywhite.com. Continue with our marketing guide or sale-method guide.

Prepare the outside as carefully as the rooms

Walk the route a buyer will use from the street or parking area to the front door. Check lighting, steps, paths, gates, handrails and the presentation of outdoor spaces. On a hillside property, ask a suitably qualified professional about concerns involving retaining, drainage or access rather than covering up an issue for photography.

Keep invoices, reports and warranties for significant repairs or work following damage. Discuss any gaps in the records with your lawyer and agent early so you can decide what further information is needed.

Choose work that suits your sale plan

Separate essential repairs, straightforward presentation and optional improvements. Ask how each proposed job helps the likely buyer understand or use the property, how long it will take and what it will cost. Obtain quotes before committing to major work. If you are selling while living in the home, agree a practical viewing routine and a place for valuables and personal paperwork.

Before spending on a campaign, request an appraisal and compare a preparation plan with the likely timing and audience for your home.