When it comes to achieving a premium result, property preparation is not optional. It is one of the most important elements of a campaign, yet it is still underestimated by many agents and vendors.
A well-prepared home is more than tidy rooms and attractive styling. True preparation covers every detail that shapes a buyer’s impression, from the exterior landscaping and small maintenance jobs through to cleaning, repairs, lighting, and presentation. Each of these factors contributes to how a property is received both online and in person.
Why Preparation Counts
- It builds confidence. A property that looks cared for reassures buyers that they are making a sound decision.
- It reduces objections. Repairs and detailing remove distractions that can otherwise stall a sale.
- It drives emotion. Clean, bright, and well-presented homes allow buyers to imagine themselves living there.
- It supports a stronger campaign. Better presentation improves photography, marketing reach, and buyer engagement.
Working with Professionals
In a recent Interview Series podcast episode, I spoke with Taylah Bettini, founder of Bettini & Co. Her business focuses on pre-sale property preparation. The team coordinates every aspect of readiness, from sourcing trades to managing timelines, ensuring that properties are presented at their best before hitting the market.
“I started Bettini & Co. because I saw a gap in the real estate industry—preparation was often overlooked, yet it holds the power to completely shift the outcome of a campaign. Our work goes beyond presentation; we elevate the entire selling experience. From coordinating trades to managing timelines and styling, we ensure every detail is market-ready. Buyers connect with emotion, and a well-prepared home drives that emotional response. In fact, data shows that professionally prepared homes can sell up to 10–15% faster and achieve 7.5–12.5% higher sale prices than unprepared homes. It improves marketing, increases enquiry, and ultimately helps secure stronger results. Preparation is no longer a ‘nice to have, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete in today’s market.”
-Taylah Bettini, Founder of Bettini & Co.
Her approach reflects what I have seen in my own career, preparation is not an add-on or afterthought. It is an essential step that underpins every successful campaign.
The Agent’s Role
As agents, our responsibility is to educate vendors on the importance of preparation and to make it part of our process. That means offering practical recommendations, introducing trusted professionals, and ensuring nothing is left to chance. Vendors who invest in preparation often see not only faster sales but also stronger competition and higher prices.
The best campaigns are built on detail. Property preparation gives agents the foundation to deliver premium outcomes, vendors the confidence that everything possible has been done, and buyers the clarity they need to act. It is more than just presentation, it is the framework for success.