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Thinking about buying your first home, or preparing to sell? Two experienced Hibiscus Coast agents, Sarah O’Gorman, Director and Residential Sales Specialist at Professionals Hibiscus Coast, and Christina Tubman from Bayleys, share their insights on what works in today’s property market, from easy improvements that add value to avoiding common mistakes.
For sellers, it’s often the small touches that make a big difference. Sarah says most homes need a few updates before going on the market due to general wear and tear. “Fresh paint in neutral tones creates an instant lift and appeals to a wider range of buyers,” she says. “Tidy landscaping and curb appeal – mowed lawns, trimmed hedges, and a clean entryway – create a great first impression. Make sure your gutters are clear and your roof is in good condition, because building inspectors will do a thorough inspection of the entire house including the roof on behalf of the potential purchasers.
Decluttering and depersonalising are also essential. “Fixing leaky taps or squeaky doors and taking down personal items like family photos can really help buyers imagine the space as their own,” Sarah says. Christina agrees. “Curb appeal really does matter. A fresh interior paint can help people visualise what it would be like to live there. And more often than not, the kitchen and bathrooms influence the decision – so giving those areas some attention is definitely worth it.”
Both agents believe home staging plays an important role in boosting buyer interest. “Professionally staged homes help buyers emotionally connect to the property,” Sarah says. “It helps showcase the home’s potential, especially in photos and during open homes. I recommend full staging for a vacant property or partial staging if it’s lived in and just needs some finishing touches.”
Christina says good staging enhances lifestyle appeal and spatial awareness. “It creates a positive perception around lifestyle and comfort, and creates an emotional connection with potential purchasers.
There are some mistakes sellers can easily avoid. Sarah warns against overpersonalisation and overcapitalising. “Bold décor can alienate buyers. Spending too much on renovations that don’t add value – or aren’t to buyers’ taste – can be a waste. Messy, cluttered homes reduce interest, so it’s best to work with your agent to prioritise what’s worth doing.” Christina adds that not decluttering is a frequent issue. “Clearing out makes the property appear larger and helps purchasers envision themselves there. Attend to repairs to remove objections and showcase your home in the best light.”
Although kitchens are an important selling point, Christina advises against overspending on them prior to selling.
“For a basic upgrade you are looking at about $5000-$10,000. This would include things like cabinet door replacement/refacing, a new laminate benchtop, fresh paint, hardware upgrade, and minor lighting tweaks – while keeping the layout and major fittings in place. As with most interior changes when listing your home, you want it to look great without overcapitalising.
With most buyers searching online, professional photography is crucial to get right. “Online is the first point of contact – great images can dramatically increase enquiry levels,” Sarah says. “Poor photos mean missed opportunities.”
Christina says the difference quality photography makes is huge. “You’ve got about three seconds to grab someone’s attention online. A great visual first impression, highlighting the home’s best features, will increase how much it’s viewed, shared, and prioritised.”
On timing, both agents agree that while spring is traditionally popular, any season can work with the right strategy. “Spring and early summer usually bring more buyer activity,” says Sarah. “But well-priced homes sell year-round. If your house is warm and modern, winter can be a great time to sell – especially when buyers are moving out of colder older, homes.”
“If your property has double glazing and is warm, then winter could be a good time to sell.”
Christina adds that timing is about more than just the weather. “People often list after the holidays when they have had time to get ready for market and routines settle back into place. Winter can offer strategic advantages too as there’s often less competition.”
For buyers, being financially prepared is key. “Get pre-approved through a broker or your bank to understand your true budget,” Sarah says. “It’s important to get clarity on repayments and structure if you’re increasing your mortgage. Also consider all costs such as deposit, legal fees, agents fees, insurance, rates, and moving expenses.” Christina agrees that knowing your financial position early helps. “Have a clear purchase budget, understand deposit requirements, and put aside money for hidden costs. Ask your lender and agent for guidance on what to expect.”
First-home buyers in particular need to watch for common oversights. Sarah says it’s easy to let emotion take over. “Fall in love with the potential, but be practical. Don’t ignore hidden costs or future maintenance. Skipping due diligence can lead to trouble – always review LIMs, titles, and get building inspections. Work alongside your family, agent, and solicitor.” Christina adds that buyers sometimes focus too much on the house and forget the wider picture.
“A property’s long-term value hinges on the layout and flow, orientation, construction quality and the age and materials used to build the house. When assessing the area you are looking to purchase in it is really important to evaluate the future plans with the council and understand what that would mean for your new home moving forward.”
Sarah says location and resale potential matter too. “An experienced agent can help you spot value you might miss. Think about what future buyers will be looking for as well.”
When it comes to making an offer, both agents recommend doing your homework. “Building inspections and LIM reports help buyers make informed decisions,” Christina says. “Agents often provide a LIM upfront, but getting a building report before you offer may put you in a stronger position.”
In today’s changing market, it’s also important not to overextend financially. “To avoid overextending, buyers should aim to stay below their maximum approval,” says Christina. “Do your due diligence and become familiar with the sale and purchase process by seeking the right advice.” Sarah agrees: “Know your financial limits, factor in potential rate increases, and focus on what you need over what you want.”
Whether you’re selling your home or searching for one, both agents say preparation is everything. From the first coat of paint to the final signature, it pays to plan ahead – and to get trusted advice at every step.
