So… what does “ready to sell” actually look like for your home? Fresh paint? New furniture? A full renovation? Before you hit the panic button or rip out a perfectly good kitchen, take a breath. Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming and it definitely shouldn’t involve wasted money or last-minute chaos.
We spoke with the experts at Niksen Property Edinburgh estate agents to break down what truly matters, what doesn’t and how to approach the process with clarity.
What “Ready to Sell” Really Means
Before paint colours or Pinterest boards enter the conversation, the first step is perspective... “Ready to sell isn’t about perfection,” says Claire Barrett, Valuation Specialist at Niksen Property. “It’s about understanding what buyers in your market care about and what they don’t.”
“That’s why it’s important for sellers to talk to a property expert early. A trained eye can quickly spot where effort will pay off, and where it won’t. Sometimes it’s a simple refresh. Other times, it’s knowing when not to touch something that’s already working. We do not expect sellers to live in a show home, that’s simply not realistic. Family homes are often viewed by families who expect toys and a touch of chaos, it’s just about minimising this and showing that your home can handle it.”
“We look at everything: the home itself, the target buyer, the budget. We then shape a plan that actually makes sense,” adds Claire. “The goal is always to improve saleability, not just spend money.”
Decluttering
One of the fastest ways to improve how a home feels? Decluttering. Buyers need to imagine their life in the space, not feel like they’re visiting someone else’s. Removing excess items can instantly make rooms feel larger, brighter and calmer.
“Too much furniture, crowded shelves or overly personal items can make rooms feel smaller and heavier than they really are. Removing them has an almost instant impact.
"Decluttering doesn’t mean stripping the house bare," explains Ben Di Rollo, Managing Partner at Niksen Property. "It means editing."
“We can help sellers decide what stays, what gets stored, and what can go altogether. We work with trusted declutters and storage solutions to help lighten the load so decisions don’t drag on. We’re there to keep momentum without pressure.”
Repairs, Refreshes & Knowing What’s Worth It
Not every repair adds value and this is where expert guidance saves real money. Some things you consider small can matter more than you expect.
“Instead of tackling everything, we focus on buyer perception,” says Ben. “What will someone notice the moment they walk in? Where does the money actually make a difference? This might mean whitewashing walls, staging, organising, or simply buying shoe storage! We prioritise, then coordinate the right people to get it done,” they explain. “Painters, handymen, specialists, we manage that so sellers aren’t juggling trades or timelines.”
Styling: Creating a Feeling, Not a Showroom
Buyers rarely remember exact room measurements but they remember how a home made them feel. They want warmth, space and possibility. What they don’t want is visual noise, clutter, or overly personal touches.
“They’re not buying furniture,” Claire adds. “They’re buying a feeling. That’s why styling isn’t about filling a space but refining it. Too much clutter, overly bold choices or personal items can overwhelm buyers emotionally.”
“We help sellers step back and see their home through a buyer’s eyes. Sometimes that means rearranging what you already have. Sometimes it’s light styling. Sometimes full staging makes sense. We can help with all the right contacts. ”
The Timeline
"A lack of structure is one of the biggest causes of stress when selling. Uncertainty is what makes people anxious," says Claire. “So, we remove it.”
"Niksen Property maps out the entire journey, from preparation to listing. Photos are scheduled once the home is ready. Viewings begin only when everything is in place. We make sure changes are finished before photography,” she notes. “That way the first impression is the right one.”
“Photographs can take a few hours or a full day depending on the size of your property. They should never be rushed. Our photographer likes to capture your home in the perfect light which might literally mean waiting for the sun to move. Typically, you should allow two weeks from instructing your estate agent to have your listing going live. This gives you time to implement any suggestions we have made and for us to co-ordinate surveyors, photography and any additional experts we need to visit the property. Once the photographs have been selected and the video edited, we should be ready to launch thereafter.”
“We tend to advise that should a buyer require a mortgage, a transaction should take around 8 weeks. If they are cash buyers, expect a 6-week entry date. Of course, there are always exceptions with sales involving a “chain” i.e. a series of linked property transactions are more common than they used to be. A transaction that forms part of a chain has to be regularly managed; this should be done by your estate agent in conjunction with the solicitor and you should get regular updates. A chain can be smooth if managed correctly but regular communication is vital. Equally, transactions can be completed in a much tighter time frame than 6-8 weeks assuming all parties are motivated and have solicitors with the same level of drive - anything is possible.”
Viewings
“This one can be hard to let go of but it matters. Don’t show your own home. We’re big believers that sellers shouldn’t show their own property,” says Ben. “It’s just too personal and emotional.”
“When sellers are present, buyers often hold back, worried about offending or being overheard. That hesitation can affect feedback and decision-making. When we handle viewings, buyers feel more at ease,” he explains. “And sellers are protected from the emotional ups and downs that come with it.”
One Point of Contact
Selling a home involves a lot of moving parts and that’s where things often unravel. This is where you need to choose the right estate agency. “We’re a small team and that’s intentional,” says Ben. “People don’t need more voices. They need one clear guide, a professional to tackle the sale as a transaction and yet with the maturity to understand the softer side of our clients' circumstances.”
From decluttering to repairs, styling to scheduling, Niksen Property connects the dots - so sellers don’t have to manage emails, trades, or timelines themselves.
For an exclusive 10% off Estate Agency fees with Niksen Property Edinburgh estate agency, email [email protected] and quote "egg".
