If one thing is certain right now, it’s a seller’s market. Lance offers his five top tips on how to approach putting your best foot forward when going to market in the New Year.
1. Do your homework
It’s always good to see what else is out there. Go to open homes and compare your property with others in your area.
2. Think about what buyers want
Before doing any work on your property, I’d recommend getting a real estate agent around. They know the market, what people are truly looking for when purchasing, and how to get the best out of your specific home.
Different people have different needs, so it’s always a good idea to think about what buyers might be looking for before you start the selling process. The agent will talk you through who the potential buyers are likely to be—whether they are families, singles, first-home buyers etc. This intel will tell you what to focus on as you dust off the old tool belt.
3. Repairs and renovations
For many people, selling their home gives them the perfect opportunity to make minor repairs and touch ups they may have been putting off for a long time.
Doors that don’t shut property, holes in walls, peeling wallpaper and leaking taps are just some of the things that can turn off buyers and are relatively easy to fix.
Major and costly renovations like bathroom upgrades can be a great way to make your home more appealing to buyers. But make sure you aren’t overcapitalising and that you'll be able to make your money back.
4. Decluttering and cleaning
You may have the greatest space in the world, but clutter and uncleanliness is only going to obscure it and make the rooms look smaller. Think of it as a head start on packing up your home!
Consider hiring a storage unit to house all those objects that don’t have a place in your home. Clean everything—from skirting boards to walls, taps and behind fridges. Consider getting your carpet professionally cleaned. Buyers will open your cupboards and closets too, so make sure you take time to look at these.
5. Think about first impressions
Freshly cut lawns, a cared for garden and hedges, clean paintwork on the house exterior, and water blasted concrete and fences make a huge difference.
Lance Shearman is a Registered Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial. No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. A Disclosure Statement is available free of charge upon request.