Turn home into winter wonder
Belinda Moffat of the Real Estate Authority, has advice on what to do when selling a house in winter.
Hi Belinda. My partner and I are starting a family, so we have decided it’s time to sell our house and look for something bigger. However, we’ve heard it is best to wait until the weather improves, so we can showcase our property at its best to achieve the best price. But we don’t want to wait because we want to be settled into a new place before baby arrives. Is selling in winter a bad idea and, if we do, how do we make the best of it?
ACongratulations on your growing family. I understand your concern about selling your house, particularly given the cooling market.
Typically, fewer properties are put on the market in winter, but this year there has been an increase in the number of houses on the market, with buyers taking more time to buy. If you do decide to move now, there are several things you can do to help to make a good impression.
Speak to a couple of licensed real estate professionals who regularly sell in your area. They should have good knowledge of your neighbourhood, including data on seasonal sales patterns and market trends. They will explain the different sale methods and can provide you with an appraisal. They will also have advice on what you can do to help make your house more attractive to potential buyers during the colder months.
Heating is important to ensure your house is appealing to prospective buyers at this time of year. If your house has a great heating system – heat pump or underfloor heating – winter is the time to show this as a feature. For open homes, or viewings, make sure your living areas and bedrooms look and feel cosy. And if you’re visiting open homes, watch for what makes those feel more or less inviting, and use those lessons in your own open home staging.
Also, don’t forget about the exterior of your house. Winter might not always show your house at its best, but keeping a tidy garden (if you have one) can make all the difference. Pruned trees, mowed lawns and a clean space can transform a garden – also remove moss from garden paths or driveways. The exterior of your house is where first impressions are made, so it’s worth keeping tidy.
If your house experiences particular problems in winter – such as leaky drainpipes, severe drafts, or a boggy patch in the backyard, discuss these with your licensee. They can help you decide whether to fix it and/or disclose it to potential buyers. You and your agent are legally obliged to share all relevant information with prospective buyers about the property, including any defects, so being open and honest throughout the process will reduce the chances of the sale falling through or legal issues after settlement.
While you may be concerned about showing off your home in wintery conditions, remember not to underestimate people’s imagination. Think about how to describe your house’s best spring/summer features. It may be spots to relax in the afternoon sun, being close to other amenities, or windows that showcase the sunrise or sunset.
Work with your licensee to ensure they’re able to paint a picture for interested buyers of life in your house in summer, even on the greyest winter day.
Belinda Moffat is the chief executive of the Real Estate Authority. She answers your house buying and selling questions. For more information about the process of buying or selling property – and what to expect when working with a real estate professional – visit settled.govt.nz.
Have a question for Belinda? Email homed@stuff.co.nz.