Spring selling prep starts now
As much as we’d all love to have a property that we could sell tomorrow for top dollar, the reality is most properties require a bit of preparation before they go to market.
They need a bit of a spruce up and some finishing touches to really see them get the price they deserve. And if you’re thinking of selling this spring, that makes now the time to start getting your property ready.
So, let’s look at why spring selling preparation starts now, and how you can begin readying your property for the most popular selling and buying season of the year.
The spring selling season
Spring is traditionally the busiest real estate period of the year. And there are good reasons that’s the case.
Sellers are often keen to take advantage of the warmer weather and bring their properties to market when gardens are in full bloom, while buyers are often champing at the bit to get into their new home prior to Christmas.
If you’re wondering about the cold hard stat’s, CoreLogic’s analysis of the past decade indicates listing volumes typically increase about 18.2 per cent during the spring period, while sales increase 8.3 per cent.
Preparation starts now
Right about now, we’re a little under two months away from the start of spring, which makes this the perfect time to start preparing your property for sale.
The reality is, it can take a couple of months to truly get a home into tip top condition to ensure it puts its best foot forward.
Meanwhile, you will also need to take some time to gauge the market, select the right agent, and give them time to prepare a solid marketing strategy and sales campaign.
So, let’s break it down and look at where you should be directing your attention as the clock ticks down to spring…
Ready for sale checklist
Preparing your property for sale is all about creating a great first impression that then lives up to expectations when potential buyers inspect and revisit your property.
Street appeal
We cannot overstate how critical it is to put your property’s best foot forward from the outset. After all, first impressions count, which is why it’s important to pay attention to your property’s exterior, including:
- The garden
- Entry way
- Footpaths and driveway
- Roof, guttering, awnings and even the letterbox
Declutter
Decluttering is an essential part of the property preparation process.
It involves removing furniture and items that are not necessary or do not add to the property’s feel and look, and instead paring things back so potential buyers can envisage themselves living there.
In many ways, it’s about depersonalising the property, without losing a welcoming feel.
Repairs
Even small issues can raise major red flags with a prospective buyer. Have a good look around the property for any unfinished projects or things that could use a general tidy up and complete them well in advance of putting your property on the market.
Refresh
In addition to completing any necessary repairs, do an audit of your property for areas that might need a refresh.
This might involve replacing tired and dated fixtures and fittings, or repainting walls in fresh, neutral colours.
Finishing touches
Finishing touches are the final 10 per cent that can add a whole lot to the price of your home.
These are the little things that make a space feel like a home, such as soft furnishings, artwork, rugs and throws.
The right agent
Part of preparing your property for sale involves working with the right real estate agent. And that’s something worth investigating now.
If you don’t have someone in mind, start seeking out the agents in your area who stand out from the crowd for their results, style, and insight.
Then invite them in to appraise your home and offer their suggestions on what needs to be done and how it should be marketed.
The right agent should be someone with expertise and insight, but also a professional who you feel comfortable working with.
