Relocating for a job? Four things to do before you sell your home
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Starting a new job is exciting, but relocating at the same time can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that with the right preparation, selling your home before a job relocation can be both efficient and financially rewarding.
If you are moving for work and planning to sell, these four steps will help you stay in control, shorten your selling timeline, and maximise your return on investment.
Most job relocations come with a fixed start date, which means your home sale needs to work around it. Creating a clear timeline and budget from the outset is one of the most important steps you can take.
Start by working backwards from your new job start date. Allow time for repairs, decluttering, staging, marketing, and settlement. Selling a home often takes longer than expected, especially if repairs or compliance issues arise along the way.
At the same time, set a realistic budget. Factor in repair costs, agent fees, legal expenses, and moving costs. If your employer offers relocation assistance, ask what support is available. This could include temporary accommodation, moving reimbursements, or flexible start dates, all of which can ease pressure while your home is on the market.
Planning early helps prevent last-minute decisions that can impact your sale price.
When selling under time pressure, it is important to focus on improvements that deliver the strongest return rather than overcapitalising.
Buyers are often quick to notice small issues such as leaky taps, peeling paint, or sticky doors. These details can make a home feel tired and poorly maintained, even if the structure is sound.
Start with simple, cost-effective fixes that lift the overall impression of your home. Some of the most common ones that instantly upgrade your home include:
If you have the time and budget, you can tackle more major renovations. These investments can significantly increase your property’s value. For example, upgrading your garage door yields an average ROI of 93.8%, as it enhances your home's kerb appeal for potential buyers, creating a strong first impression.
Other things you can do to improve the exterior include mowing your lawn, applying a fresh coat of paint to your front door, washing the exterior of your house and tending to your garden. To focus your energy on other high-impact renovations, consider rejuvenating your front yard, living room and kitchen - these areas can wow potential buyers.
Decluttering is a practical necessity when relocating, but it is also a powerful selling tool. A tidy, uncluttered home feels larger, brighter, and easier for buyers to imagine as their own.
Work through your home one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A simple three-pile approach can help, with items to keep, items to discard or donate, and items to store or decide on later.
Depersonalising is just as important. Removing excess photos, bold décor, and highly personal items allows buyers to focus on the space itself rather than the current owner. The goal is to create a neutral, welcoming environment that appeals to a broad range of buyers.
Before listing your property, make sure your legal and compliance requirements are in order. A property appraisal and inspection can help you set a realistic price and identify any issues that need to be disclosed or addressed before marketing begins.
Choosing the right selling method is especially important when relocating for work. In New Zealand, common selling methods include negotiation, advertised price, and deadline sale. Each approach suits different timeframes, market conditions, and levels of urgency.
If you are relocating before your property sells, a remote sale may also be an option. Open and regular communication with your real estate agent is essential, particularly when managing the sale from another region. A good agent will help you meet your legal obligations while aligning the sale strategy with your relocation timeline.
Selling your home while preparing for a new job can feel daunting, but it does not need to be stressful. With a clear plan, smart prioritisation, and professional guidance, you can reduce pressure, protect your sale price, and move forward with confidence.
Putting care into the selling process allows you to close one chapter smoothly and focus your energy on settling into your new role and home.
About the Author: Evelyn Long is a trusted voice in real estate dedicated to helping millennial and Gen Z buyers make their homeownership dreams a reality. Her insights appear in top publications like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives, where she breaks down market updates and practical steps for young buyers. As editor in chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn is passionate about empowering the next generation to confidently enter the real estate market
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