Are you considering selling your property in spring? With the spring selling season approaching, now is the time to start preparing your property and removing any buyer objections.
While the weather in Mildura and Regional Victoria may still be a little chilly, spring is just around the corner, bringing with it the best time of the year to sell your home.
What should you be doing and where should you focus? Here’s our checklist for a successful spring sales campaign.
First impressions are critical
The reason everyone wants to sell in spring is obvious. Spring enhances the look of your property. Flowers are blooming, the lawns are greener, and the sun is shining. However, buyers’ expectations are raised too – so ensure your property is looking its best.
Never underestimate the power of street appeal and go that extra mile to make a great first impression on prospective buyers. Repaint the front door, place some statement pots out the front, high-pressure wash the driveway to remove oil stains, and trim bushes or hedges to convey that neat and tidy look. Remember, in spring, buyers will have many property options to choose from, so ensure your property stands-out.
De-clutter
We all have possessions and “stuff” in our homes that we’ve accumulated over the years. As you begin to de-clutter and go through everything, it’s very important to not get overwhelmed.
Remember, not only will your home look better during the sales period, but you’ll have less to pack away when you’re moving out. Start with the easy unemotional items – for example, old newspapers, calendars, old linen etc. Starting with the nostalgic items can really stop you in your tracks.
If you have a shed, consider putting the items you are keeping there. As part of your home’s presentation, it’s important to de-personalise – take down photos, awards, and any personal nick-nacks – either store these in your shed, or consider leasing short-term storage as you get everything ready.
Let the spring light in
Open all curtains and blinds to welcome the spring sunshine inside your home. Polish all surfaces so the sunlight naturally bounces off and your home simply sparkles. Pay close attention to your windows, glass, mirrors and your floors. Don’t forget to clean your drapes and blinds so they’re dust-free, fresh, and won’t provoke any allergies.
Repairs and maintenance
Whether it’s that tap that’s been leaking for the past few months or some plaster requiring touching-up, now is the time to get onto repairs and maintenance around your home.
Fresh paint works miracles on tired walls but fight the urge to create feature-walls –remember, neutral and contemporary colours will please most buyers.
However, don’t forget the front and back gardens! Remove weeds, mow and edge your lawn and make sure it’s kept adequately watered. Add fresh mulch to your garden beds for an instant lift too. Lastly, mow diagonally as it gives the appearance of a bigger yard.
Know the market
If you are considering selling in the months ahead, it’s important to understand what the market in your area is doing. Conduct research online, look for similar properties to yours, and perhaps even visit some open homes. How have they presented their home? Is there anything you can replicate?
Remember, the objective is to present your home in such a way, that it appeals to the greatest number of committed buyers – who then form an emotional connection with your home – and subsequently fiercely compete to win it.
Should one or two committed buyers notice objections within your home and subsequently lose interest, you may still get a sale, however your chances of achieving a run-away result are diminished.
Always seek advice from a trusted professional.
Always speak with professionals who can provide you with an unbiased opinion and provide value-added insight.
If you are finding it difficult to know where to start, we can help with information on what buyers may notice about your property. Often the ‘to-do’ list may seem overwhelming but speaking with a local professional can set your mind at ease.
Even if you are not considering to sell this year, a conversation with us will help you identify potential focus areas – to help you maximise your sales price when you are ready to sell.
Finally, do not feel offended with any advice you receive – remember, you are turning your family home into a “house to sell”.
With One Agency being one of Mildura’s most trusted real estate agencies, we are well placed to provide you with our view of the current market based on our local experience. We’ll thoroughly guide you through the sales and presentation process and help you take advantage of this opportune time in the market.
