Take advantage of winter hiatus
It’s June, it’s cold, and the garden looks dreary. What a great time to sell your home! Many property owners want to wait until spring to sell so everything looks its best. So one advantage of selling now is that there are fewer homes on the market but still plenty of buyers, so sellers face less competition.
Alistair Helm, head of website realestate.co.nz, says his listing data confirms this can be a good time to sell.
He says the number of house sales exceeded new listings between June and August last year. This year there also seems to be plenty of winter buyers, he says, even though there are fewer properties on the market.
‘‘This is the opposite of warmer months when demand exceeds supply.
‘‘Winter is a lost opportunity for vendors as there are still as many people actively looking in the winter.
‘‘Vendors who stick to traditional selling peaks in September and October, and February and March, will find they are working in a very crowded market.
‘‘Rather than going with the herd and listing in the spring and summer there are great opportunities outside of those months for vendors to cash in on an active property market.’’
Sellers taking the plunge and going to market despite chill winds and muddy gardens are best advised to make sure their homes are warm, bright, and inviting.
So how do you make your home appeal to buyers when everything is cold and grey at best, or wet and stormy at worst? Here are The Press’ top winter selling tips:
Pre-heat the house in time for open homes. Light a fire if you have one; this is not the time toworry about power bills.
Block up drafts and tighten any window fittings which are letting in winter chill.
Clean windows and pull back blinds and curtains for maximum light. Leave lights on if necessary.
Trim plants that block light and low winter sun from windows.
Air the house to get rid of damp or musty smells. Clean carpets or furniture that don’t smell fresh.
Textured cushions, throws and rugs, thick duvets and fluffy towels make a home look cosy.
Buyers will be seriously put off by leaks or dampness. Fix the problem if possible.
Get rid of any mould or mildew inside or out.
Asking buyers to leave shoes at the door keeps mud out and says your home is worth looking after.
Sweep paths and patios, clear gutters and downpipes, remove dead plant matter. Potted plants can add colour.
Keep outdoor furniture on show and the pool clean to help buyers see the possibilities for summer.