6 tips for selling in autumn
With activity ramping up for the year, a real estate expert has offered his top tips for anyone looking to sell a property across the coming months.
According to Raine & Horne executive chairman Angus Raine, there’s been an uptick in buyer interest of late, and it bodes well for sellers.
“The combination of favourable market conditions and increased buyer confidence position Sydney as a robust and appealing destination for those looking to buy and invest in real estate,” Mr Raine said.
“We also expect that the March Easter is encouraging some buyers to bring their real estate plans forward, and as such, the traditional autumn market is likely to be in full swing by the end of February.”
This is primarily due to a combination of factors, including interest rate remaining on hold at 4.35 per cent.
“This decision has instilled a renewed confidence in buyers … now many of our offices are reporting bustling early-year open homes.”
Other factors, including employment stability, the stabilisation of overseas migration, and other positive economic indicators such as falling inflation, have all contributed to the notable spike in buyer activity, which Mr Raine said “indicates a resilient real estate market that continues to attract and engage potential property buyers”.
Acknowledging the potential for growing seller interest, Mr Raine has offered his advice to making the most of an autumn sale. His tips are outlined below.
Top six tips for selling in autumn:
1. Prioritise the quality of your home over quantity
Typically, in autumn, there are less properties available on the market, in comparison to spring and summer.
Mr Raine advises sellers to “highlight the individuality and quality of your property to stand out among the limited options available”.
2. Keep your gutters clean
Avoid cluttering of leaves in gutters and problems with your drainage, which often cause issues in autumn. To bypass any issues, hire professionals.
3. Maintain an uncluttered space
Decluttering is essential for successful open inspections. To do this, aim to create a neutral, clean canvas for buyers to imagine their life in their homes. Start by removing items that don’t add value to the room, especially knick-knacks.
4. Rework essential areas
These areas include the bathroom and kitchen. Tasks that can contribute to a yield in positive return could be: tile paint, contemporary door handles or a stone bench in the kitchen.
According to Mr Raine, “the general guideline is that sensible spending on these updates can yield a positive return on investment when selling.”
5. Aim for a presentable garden
This could involve trimming plants, removing spider webs, adding fresh mulch to garden beds and pot plants. Hone in on the variety of vegetation you may have and leverage on it, but do be sure to keep it neat and tidy.
6. Contact a local real estate agent
Contact your preferred real estate agent for an obligation-free appraisal. Professional guidance can help you navigate the market, come up with a selling strategy and enhance the potential of your property.