January, 2024
While historical trends may suggest a surge in new property listings and sales during the spring season, the optimal time to sell is not necessarily dictated by the season but rather by individual circumstances. Even during Australia's colder months in winter, sellers should recognise the advantages of listing their properties, as buyers remain active throughout the year. In many cases, winter attracts a more serious buyer and properties can often present themselves better under these conditions.
For those considering a sale in the upcoming months, here are eight ways to prepare your home for a winter sale, ensuring it appeals to a broad audience of active buyers:
1. Enhance your curb appeal
- Trim overgrown plants that may obstruct views or pathways.
- Clean and tidy pathways, planters and grass verges.
- Maintain landscaping by trimming shrubs, mowing the lawn and removing dead plants.
- Ensure property numbers are visible and consider painting the fence, letterbox and front door if needed.
- Clean windows, eliminate cobwebs and add winter-flowering plants for a welcoming exterior.
2. Create a cozy atmosphere
- Showcase fireplaces in listing photos and light them during open inspections.
- If no fireplace is present, keep heaters on during inspections.
- Add warm throws, winter-toned cushions and rugs to create a cozy ambiance.
3. Maximize lighting
- Clean windows to maximize available light.
- Keep blinds, curtains and shutters open during inspections and photos.
- Illuminate the property by turning on all lights, considering spotlights for added brightness.
4. Highlight winter-friendly areas
- Showcase media rooms, playrooms, gyms, or usable attic space to highlight year round usability.
- Declutter these spaces and rearrange furniture to create a smooth flow for potential buyers.
5. Address obvious issues
- Attend to home repairs before listing, especially with winter weather in mind.
- Replace chipped or broken tiles, repair leaky pipes, cover wall holes, fix doors and replace cracked mirrors or glass.
6. Optimise open house timing
- Plan open house times to boost natural light during the shorter days of winter.
- Emphasise features such as winter sun, waterfront proximity, or city views during inspections.
7. Consider professional staging:
- Recognise the impact of presentation on the selling process.
- Hiring professionals for staging, including decluttering and furniture rearrangement, can significantly enhance the property's appeal and potentially increase the sale price by 5% to 10%, something to definitely think about.
