Spring is in the air! Unfortunately, due to the current statewide COVID lockdown, we find ourselves once again confined to our homes with only 2 hours of permitted exercise per day to get out and enjoy all that spring has to offer.
While restrictions are in place, it is a great time to prepare your home for sale if you’re planning on selling in spring. History shows that buyers turn their minds towards purchasing a house in Spring and even amidst the COVID pandemic and current restrictions and lockdown, it is predicted that the property market will rebound after Stage 4 restrictions are lifted and we emerge from lockdown.
As reported by CoreLogic’s Property Pulse, the 2020 Melbourne property market surged when restrictions were eased towards the end of October. This continued into December 2020 where new listing volumes trended an average of 40.4% higher than the previous 5-year average, pushing the spring selling season back into summer.
If we predict the same increase of listings into the market upon the end of lockdown and a surge in buyer activity towards the end of 2021, then there is no better time than now to ready your property for the onset of the real estate frenzy than right now in this moment. So get busy and get your home ready for the spring selling season, even if it does come a few months late.
We have put together the following tips to help you get your home ready to sell this Spring.
TOP TIPS FOR SELLING DURING CORONAVIRUS, RESTRICTIONS AND SPRING
A well-presented home says “Welcome”. Your property will be just one of many homes on the market at any given time, therefore you need to present your home as appealingly as possible. Presentation counts. Vendors who make an extra effort usually achieve a quicker sale and, in many cases, a higher price.
REPAIRS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Without functions, family gatherings and kids sport there is plenty of time to make sure that all minor repairs around the home are completed. Squeaky doors, sticky windows, loose doorknobs, faulty plumbing, peeling and cracked paint or torn fly screens should all be seen to.
LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Let plenty of light into your home. Wash your curtains, windows and flyscreens and trim back any foliage that might be covering your windows and blocking light from the home. Nothing improves atmosphere more than brightness.
LESS IS MORE
While you’re spring cleaning, think about each room and what type of furniture really needs to be in it. Rooms look smaller when they’re crowded with excess furniture and general clutter. Clear out anything that’s not needed to create a feeling of spaciousness. And don’t forget your cupboards - keep them neat and not too full. This creates a perception that your home has plenty of storage space. If budget allows, enlist the help of an interior stylist. Most will consult over the phone or via an online meeting.
CLEAN TILES AND GROUT
Discoloured and mouldy tiles and grout should be scrubbed clean and treated with a mould remover. Bleach, vinegar and commercial treatments all work well.
TIDY UP THE GARDEN
Keep in mind that first impressions count. Dig out weeds, place mulch on the garden beds, keep paths and driveways swept, prune and shape trees and shrubs, and make sure rubbish bins are clean and tucked away.
GET RID OF CLUTTER
Crowded shelves and drawers can make rooms and storage space seem cluttered and smaller. Consider putting non-essential items in storage throughout the sale process. Contact us directly if you need help with storage solutions.
CLEAN APPLIANCES
Dirty ovens, range hoods, cooktops and dishwashers should all be cleaned thoroughly.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST
Remember, first impressions last. Create a welcoming entrance for prospective buyers. Make a path if you don’t have one, if you do give it a pressure wash, paint your front door or add pot plants to your front porch. Set the scene for your prospective buyer.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY OF SELLING DURING COVID
First National Neilson Partners can advise you of the most relevant requirements that need to be addressed to meet your goal without undertaking unnecessary improvements.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions about preparing your home for sale or would like a current market appraisal of your home so you can get ready to sell this Spring.
