If You’re Planning to Sell in Spring, Start Work Now!

It’s time for some serious planning if you’re intending to put your home on the market for what’s expected to be a busy and competitive spring sale season, according to First National Real Estate.

“During the winter months there’s generally less stock available so buyers have less to choose from and become frustrated. This pent-up demand often leads to strong, decisive action from buyers in Spring” First National Real Estate national communications manager Stewart Bunn said.He said vendors should make every effort to present their property in the best possible light.

“At the top end of the market, they’ll certainly more than recover costs. In outer suburbs and in some rural and regional areas, where price growth has stalled and where the recent interest rate rises are likely to have a quicker impact on buyer sentiment, investing time and effort to make your house stand out can make a big difference in how long it will take to sell and whether you’ll get the asking price,” Mr Bunn said.

Mr Bunn said it often takes vendors around eight weeks to get a home properly ready for sale, allowing for repairs and minor renovations, cleaning, and planning their sale strategies.

The network’s tips for preparing your home for a successful spring sale include:

• Stick to the basics and avoid hasty renovations. First National Real Estate warns against embarking on any major renovations for the sake of the sale. What is worthwhile is making sure you undertake all basic repairs – any loose roofing and guttering, a creaky floorboard, and any chipping or cracking in walls, ceilings and skirting boards. The best investment is to give the house a fresh coat of paint, inside and out.
• Get rid of clutter. Get rid of everything you don’t need for day-to-day living, First National Real Estate recommends. This includes everything from old magazines and books to the dinner set for 20 people and seasonal decorations. Space adds value.
• Get the balance right in the garden. Buyers are increasingly very aware of the importance of water and water saving devices. Paved areas and courtyards, drought-tolerant plants and potted spring flowers and shrubs are now more sought after by buyers.  
• Clean and clean again. The interior and exterior of the home must be immaculate.  Windows, curtains and carpets should be professionally cleaned, and appliances and details such as light switches and lighting fixtures should sparkle.
• Try not to get emotionally involved. According to First National Real Estate, once you have committed to selling your house, you should try to view it as a commodity rather than the family home. You cannot expect every potential buyer to appreciate your home the way you do.   
• Plan your pricing strategy realistically.  The market will always control the final sale price, says First National Real Estate. “While the market is currently very strong there will always be some factors that are out of your control. You will agree a price with your agent, but the final sale price may be higher or lower, depending on buyer demand for your particular property,” Mr Bunn said.
• Do your homework and get organized. This means getting everything lined up well before the home goes on the market, including reading and understanding the fine print on your current mortgage, planning out your finances, assessing what costs may be involved in moving and planning for this, understanding what is happening in your local market, and agreeing to the marketing and pricing strategies with your agent.