Selling your home can be a bittersweet moment. It's a chance to move on to new adventures, but you're also giving up a comfort zone in a place you've made your home. However, it hurts less if you get the best value out of your sale.

Here are some tips to make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase your chances of a quick sale at the price you want.

1. Fix the small stuff

Buyers and home inspectors notice the little things. Squeaky hinges, cracked tiles, leaky taps, peeling paint and broken handles might seem insignificant – if you've lived with them long enough, you might not even notice them anymore. However, they create the impression that the place needs work.

Before listing your home, do a walk-through and make a list of the things that need fixing or touching up. A weekend of DIY or hiring a professional can make a huge difference to how potential buyers view your home.

2. Best keep paint colours light and neutral

Bright accent walls, bold wallpaper or dark rooms can turn buyers off. Repaint in soft, neutral tones like beige, soft grey, and off-white to freshen up a space instantly. The neutral palette makes it easier for people to imagine their own style in the home. The same goes for lighting – replace old bulbs, open the curtains, and make sure each room feels light, airy and inviting.

3. Declutter before you sell

Less really is more when you're selling. Clear countertops, pack away most of your ornaments and family photos, and tidy up open shelves or surfaces. You don't want the space to feel cold – just clean, open and lived-in without being too lived-in. A few stylish cushions, a nice candle, and a couple of plants can go a long way.

Remove personal objects like trophies and family photos to help the buyer to see the space as their home instead of yours, giving them the chance to imagine their memories on the wall.

4. Refresh the outside

First impressions count, and buyers get their first impression before they even enter your home. It's what estate agents refer to as pavement or curb appeal. If you’re not sure how your home shapes up, get expert professional advice from an agent about any red flags visible from the street that you need to deal with before listing.

Make sure the grass is cut, the yard is well kept, overgrown plants are cut back, and the driveway and entrance are swept. If necessary, give the front door a new coat of paint. If you live in a flat, make sure your balcony or patio is clean and invitingly styled – buyers still want that sense of 'outdoor living', even if it's small.

5. Styling and staging matters

Staging isn't just for estate agents or showhouses. It's something you can do with what you already have. Think about how each room is styled. Is there a clear purpose? Is the furniture arranged to maximise space and flow? Are there small touches that make it feel warm and inviting?

Style the home in a way that makes sense. If your second bedroom is currently a storage room, consider showing it as a home office or guest bedroom instead. And if your furniture makes a space feel cramped, put a few pieces in storage to let the room breathe.

6. Shoot appealing photos and videos

These days, your home's first impression usually happens online. Great listing photos matter – a lot! Whether you hire a photographer or snap a few pics yourself, remember these tips:

• Open all the curtains and turn on the lights.
• Clear clutter off counters and hide bins, cables and cleaning supplies.
• Fluff the pillows, make the beds, and add small styling touches like fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit.

The same rules apply to viewings or open houses: clean, neat, good smells, and a warm feel. If you have pets, it's best to find them a spot elsewhere during viewings and make sure no fur, food, or litter is left behind.

7. Be part of the first impression too

It's not just your home that's being judged. Buyers also pick up on you.

The way you present yourself at viewings or open houses can leave a lasting impression. If you come across as neat, organised and warm, it creates a sense that the home has been looked after with the same care.

People are more likely to trust that the property has been well-maintained if the person selling it appears thoughtful and tidy too. So, dress simply but smartly, greet visitors politely, and be ready to answer questions without oversharing – it all adds to the feeling that this is a home worth buying.

A little effort can go a long way

Making your home easier to sell doesn't mean a full kitchen renovation or replacing every window. Touching up a few odds and ends and a bit of thoughtful styling can help your home sell in a crowded market – and leave buyers with that all-important 'I can see myself living here' feeling.

If you're selling, there's a good chance you're looking for your next home. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, a Nedbank home loan can help you move forward with confidence. Visit our bond cancellation page to find out more about giving notice to cancel and how the cancellation process works.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the FAIS Act. Nedbank accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content. Please consult a qualified advisor before making financial decisions.