'Spring can be a popular time for both sellers and buyers alike as the chill of winter recedes and blooming gardens show properties at their best – with the added benefit of transactions settling before the holiday season.’ Core Logic
If you are considering entering the market, it is essential to breathe new life into your home by preparing it to stand out in a competitive market.
Here are some essential tips and strategies to enhance your home's appeal. From boosting street appeal and optimising interior spaces, to leveraging seasonal advantages to maximise its value, and attract the right buyers.
Why Sell in Spring?
Increased Buyer Activity: As the weather improves there are more active buyers searching for their dream home. This translates to an increased demand for properties and greater opportunities for you. This influx of buyers, can lead to competitive offers, improving your chances of a quicker sale at a favourable price.
Optimal Moving Time: For families, it is also an ideal time to start the buying process as they can relocate and be settled in for the holiday season and the start of the new school year.
Open Homes Bloom in the Spring: Homes tend to look their best in spring. Colourful floral displays and lush lawns instantly attract potential buyers. With spring’s natural light highlighting interior features and outdoor entertaining spaces looking their best, you are sure to have that competitive edge. Ensure everything is spick and span, to make your home more appealing to buyers as they drive by or browse online listings
Stand Out from the Crowd
With many homeowners choosing to sell in spring, there is increased competition. It is imperative that your home is dressed to perfection to stand out and attract strong offers. By having your property in great condition and priced competitively, it's more likely to attract attention.
Tips for a Competitive Edge
Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions count, and nothing says welcome more than a well looked after garden. Enhance your street presence by ensuring any overgrown trees or shrubs are trimmed; this will also maximise natural light to flow into your home. Keep lawns well-manicured, weed and mulch garden beds and plant colourful flowers, or add pots of colour that can be moved around to key areas. Consider a fresh coat of paint for your front door as well as any other areas that may need a freshen up. Ensure adequate outdoor lighting, your mailbox is neat and tidy, and your house number is visible. All are signs of a welcoming and well-maintained home.
Declutter and Depersonalise: Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, so creating a blank uncluttered canvas is important. Remove personal items, such as photos, excess ornaments and furniture to make spaces appear larger and more inviting. A good rule of thumb is to remove around one-third of your furniture and belongings. Consider renting a storage unit for bulky items.
Maximise Spring’s Natural Lighting: You want your home to appear light and airy. Make the most of natural lighting and have your home squeaky clean before hitting the market. Clean windows and sliding glass doors and draw curtains for maximum natural light. Assess the lighting in your home. Replace outdated light fixtures where necessary, use table lamps for effect and consider using LED bulbs as a bright, energy efficient option.
Style Strategically: Highlight your home’s best features. Arrange furniture to show off room dimensions using neutral colours as this will make rooms appear larger and add small touches like fresh flowers or new towels in the bathrooms. Get advice from your real estate professional on ways to enhance your property’s presentation. Budget allowing, consider hiring a professional stylist for advice or to stage your home. This can assist in presenting your home to perfection and help maximise your sales opportunities.
Points Potential Buyers Look For
Condition of the Roof: A well-maintained roof reassures buyers about the property’s overall condition.
Updated Kitchen and Bathrooms: These are high-impact areas that can make or break a sale. Modern fixtures and clean, updated spaces are highly attractive. Ensure your bench space is clutter free and clean.
Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly: Emphasise solar if you have it, likewise any automated watering systems or energy saving devices. Features like new windows, proper insulation, and energy-efficient appliances can appeal to eco-conscious buyers and those looking to save on utility bills.
Sufficient Storage: Ample storage space is a significant selling point. Ensure wardrobes, garages and storage areas are tidy and spacious.
Everything in Working Order
It is important to make sure that everything in your home is in good working condition.
· Light switches, light bulbs (replace old with energy efficient bulbs)
· Taps, no leaks or loose fittings
· Doors and windows open/close easily
· Appliances all are in working order
· Repair any minor wall damage and re-paint where necessary
· Carpets are cleaned, if wood flooring ensure it is clean /perhaps repolish
· Check tiles and grout in kitchens and bathrooms, update hardware, re-grout tiles.
This reassures buyers that the home is move-in ready, potentially speeding up the sale process.
Key Areas to Spruce Up
Exterior of the Home: Making a good first impression is crucial in creating a WOW factor. Exterior paintwork, fencing, driveways, entrances, and outdoor entertaining areas need to be looking their best. Power wash paths and drives and entertaining areas, clean windows, and tidy up the garden. If you have a pool, ensure it is cleaned. Take care of any painting and gutter cleaning. Consider minor landscaping to boost curb appeal. Use curving pathways and sidewalks instead of straight lines to make a small yard appear larger. Make your outdoor areas feel like an extension of home’s living area. Vertical elements, like trellises with climbing plants, draw the eye upward and add visual interest. Seasonal flowers in gardens, or pots, solar lighting, and colourful cushions on outdoor furniture all say welcome!
Entryway: A welcoming entry sets the tone for the rest of the home. Make sure it is kept clean and uncluttered, is well-lit, and inviting. The addition of a large planter/s at the door on either side, space permitting, with a combination of tall and trailing plants of flowers works well to create a positive first impression.
Interior Improvements: A coat of fresh paint works wonders both indoors and outside if required. Repaint interior walls in neutral tones if needed, repair any damage to walls, doors or light fittings, and ensure living spaces are bright, airy and uncluttered. Attend to any minor repairs, so potential buyers are not distracted by the thought of having to spend additional dollars. Deep clean bathrooms and kitchens to make these spaces shine. Make sure bedrooms are clutter-free and appear restful. Clean linen, minimal decor, and good lighting can make a big difference.
Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent: The selection of your Real Estate professional in selling your property is critical. They can assist and guide you every step of the way and develop marketing strategies to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved. With access to professional photographers, stylists etc, you can be assured your property will be marketed and staged to stand out at inspections.
By ensuring your home is presented at its best, you can increase the chances of a successful sale this spring. Happy selling!
Acknowledgements: Core Logic, Active Pipe, House and Garden