The SOLD Playbook: Your Home Selling To-Do List in Dundee
Dear Homeowner,
You’re taking the first step towards a huge life milestone: selling your home. Congratulations! This guide is your resource for each phase of selling, including questions to ask and checklists that will make this process as seamless as possible. Let’s get started, shall we?
Step 1: Choose Your Agent
What to look for in an estate agent -
The right estate agent should take time to understand your goals, your local market, and how best to position your property to attract the right buyers and achieve a strong result.
Interview agents to understand if they’re the right fit -
→ How will my property be marketed?
→ How will you determine a price?
→ What should I do to prepare my home?
→ Who will be my main point of contact
→ What happens once an offer is received?
Step 2: Prepare Your Home
Consider home repairs -
Most buyers gravitate towards homes that are move-in ready. Making small repairs ahead of listing your home will boost the sale price & keep the sales process moving quickly once a buyer shows interest.
Property walk through -
Your agent should walk the home with you to determine what repairs and upgrades are worthwhile to make before listing. In this step, it’s important to think about your home from a future buyer’s perspective.
Small improvements that make a big difference -
→ Deep cleaning
→ Decluttering & depersonalising
→ Making minor repairs
→ Sprucing up the exterior
"Buyers decide in the first 8 seconds of seeing a home if they're interested in buying it. Get out of your car, walk in their shoes and see what they see within the first 8 seconds." - Barbara Corcoran
Listing Preparation Checklist
Deep Clean -
Vacuum carpets, sweep & mop floors, & wipe down surfaces
Clean windows (interior and exterior)
Clean appliances (inside and out)
Wipe down cabinets, counters, tables & backsplash
Scrub sinks, showers, tubs & toilets
Eliminate odours with baking soda opening windows for ventilationIn Dundee and St Andrews, buyers are informed. Many monitor listings closely.
Curb Appeal -
Lawn care: Mow the grass, trim hedges, weed & clear debris
Landscaping: Add fresh plants & flowers
Power wash: Clean the driveway, walkways & deck/patio
Front door: Repaint or clean the door, remove cobwebs & polish hardware
Gutters: Ensure gutters and downpipes are free of debris
Declutter & Depersonalise -
Clear out personal items, papers, toys and excess decor to create a clean and neutral space
Declutter and organise wardrobes, cabinets, and garage
Donate or store extra furniture & belongings
Remove fridge magnets & other personal momentos
Repairs & Maintenance -
Minor issues: Patch holes, fix leaky taps or creaky doors
Paint: Refresh walls & trim with neutral colours to appeal to more buyers
Lighting: Replace burned-out bulbs & update or repair fixtures
Hardware: tighten loose door knobs and cabinet pulls
Step 3: Strategic Pricing
Your property attracts the most interest when it is first listed.
Properties that are priced correctly from the beginning typically sell for more in the end.
Overpriced homes sit on the market longer.
Your agent should thoroughly evaluate the market to determine the value of your home and price it appropriately.
BELOW Market Value -
The home will generate interest
A quicker sale is likely
May receive multiple offers
Risk of selling at a lower price
AT Market Value -
No valuation issues
Buyers will recognise a fair price
Listing will appear on more relevant buyer searches
OVER Market Value -
Home will take longer to sell
More hesitation from buyers
The home might not meet mortgage valuation by the buyer’s lender
Step 4: Staged vs Vacant
The key is nailing the first impression with buyers. Staging can be a great tool to help buyers imagine themselves in your space.
There are also cases when a move-in ready vacant home can be just as appealing. We work with our clients on a case-by-case basis to determine what works for their unique home & situation.
Together with your agent, you can create warm & inviting atmosphere that makes buyers excited to be there, vacant or staged!
Step 5: Modern Marketing
It’s an agent’s job to bring the seller a buyer at the terms & price they want. A mix of digital & traditional marketing is how to achieve it.
Digital Marketing -
More than likely, the first place a buyer will see your home is on the internet. Work with an agent who will maximise your home’s visibility online with digital marketing including:
→ Photo & video
→ Social media marketing
→ Email marketing
→ Targeted ads
Traditional Marketing -
Traditional marketing strategies are also important for reaching the right buyer. Work with an agent who offers robust traditional marketing strategies, including:
→ Accompanied viewings
→ Postcards to neighbours
→ For sale signs
Step 6: Showing Your Home
Together with your agent, you’ll decide on parameters for welcoming interested buyers your home. Best practices for showings include:
Viewings are accompanied
Viewings are designated for pre-qualified buyers only
No time limit on viewings
Owner has stepped out
Pets are secured or vacated
Feedback is gathered & shared with owner
Step 7: The Sakura Selling Timeline
A clear, structured journey. Designed to feel calm and fully supported. These are the major milestones to expect:
Valuation & Initial Advice - We begin with a considered valuation, taking time to understand your home, your goals, and the right strategy for the market.
Home Report - We arrange your Home Report and guide you through the process, ensuring everything is handled smoothly.
Photography & Measurements - Professional photography, video, and accurate measurements prepare your home for market with care and precision.
Listing Preparation & Launch - Once everything is ready, we prepare your listing and launch with intent. Ensuring your home is seen at its best from day one.
Viewings & Offers - Viewings are professionally accompanied. Feedback is shared clearly, and offers are handled calmly and strategically.
Conveyancing (Solicitors) - Once an offer is accepted, solicitors manage the legal process. We remain closely involved to support progress and prevent delays.
Completion - Funds are released, keys are handed over, and your move completes; with support right through to the finish line.
Next Steps: Let’s Map Out Your Path
Whether you’re ready to place your home on the market or simply exploring your options, here’s how the process can begin:
Arrange an initial conversation to discuss your timing, goals, and what you’d like to achieve.
Receive clear preparation guidance to help you present your home at its best before going live.
Move forward at a pace that suits you, whether that means selling now or preparing for the right time in the future.
Your next move starts here and we’ll guide you the whole way.
If you want the full downloadable breakdown guide, check it out on The Sakura Library - full of helpful resources to make your sale as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Brython at Sakura
+44 7309 420423
bpreece@sakuracollective.co.uk
Explore more of our property guides in the Sakura Journal, or head to the Sakura Library for our full resource collection.