Preparing your home for Spring auction season
Spring is traditionally the time many property owners think of putting their homes on the market, hoping to capitalise on potentially greater numbers of buyers attracted outdoors by the warmer weather.
“The house needs to be made spotless from top to bottom and de-cluttered.”
Real estate experts believe home owners can take a number of mostly inexpensive steps to maximise the chances of selling their properties.
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Real Estate Institute of Victoria chief executive officer Enzo Raimondo says it is important that a seller’s property looks its very best to attract potential buyers.
Many agents offer furniture stylists.
“For those thinking of selling, now is the time to begin preparation, to ensure your property looks its best for spring,” Mr Raimondo says. “These range from tidying the garden, fixing and painting the fence, cleaning the gutters and clearing out the garage.”
The REIV boss says those who are prepared to do whatever it takes to sell their home can go a step further and paint it. “Even having a gardener help with planting and some basic landscaping may be worthwhile,” he suggests.
Mr Raimondo points out that while the external appearance of the house is important the interior’s look is also vital in ensuring the seller attracts plenty of buyer interest.
“Inside, spring cleaning becomes pre-spring cleaning as the house needs to be made spotless from top to bottom and de-cluttered – including placing furniture in storage if necessary to give an open, spacious look,” he says.
A lick of paint goes a long way.
Jellis Craig managing director Andrew McCann recommends that those intending to sell undertake what he terms a “patch, paint and repair” approach to their home interiors.
“Re-grout the bathroom, and put in silicon seals,” Mr McCann says. “Make sure all the doors and cabinetry are hung correctly.”
The real estate agent says another way to impress potential buyers is to consult a “furniture stylist”, who can advise on the best layout and type of furniture to include in your home.
“We work with furniture style companies whether it is a vacant or fully furnished home to either dress the home appropriately with new furnishings or add pieces to minimise clutter in a family home environment,” Mr McCann says.
Homebuyers go with emotion.
“What we know about buyers is that they buy on emotion and if the home presents really well and they have an affinity with that lifestyle they are more likely to engage.”
REIV’S Enzo Raimondo says as well as maintaining the house’s best look inside and outside, home owners can take other initiatives to boost their chances of getting the best possible price for their properties.
“It’s a great idea to also study local sales results, and visit auctions, which will help you to choose a local agent to provide marketing advice, plan the sales campaign and provide additional tips to maximise your sale price.”
This story was brought to you by The New Daily using data and other information from its real estate content partner, realestateVIEW.com.au