Christmas is almost upon us, and you may have realised you have left it too late to sell your home before the Christmas break. Christmas may be a great time to sell and make a move, it is also a stressful time of year in itself.
Why not embrace this time and create cherished memories in your home during this final Christmas before considering listing the property for sale in the new year? Many people have time off over the Christmas break, so this can be the perfect opportunity to prepare your home for market in the New Year. New beginnings for you are often new beginnings for others as well.
So where do you begin? To help simplify things, we have prepared a list of eight key tips to help you prepare your home for sale and give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome.
1. Research the local housing market
Start by researching the local housing market online. Look at comparable sales in your area paying attention to size, features, and location, and think about how they compare to your home. Having an idea of a realistic listing price will assist when you start to look for an agent to list the property and your expectations throughout the sale process.
2. Find a real estate agent
When discussing the sale of your property with an agent, ask about their experience in your area and with homes in your price range. The agent should be able to provide you with a plan for how they will sell your home and what marketing strategies they will use. Having your own idea of what your home is worth will help with these discussions. Look at the agent’s other listings to get a feel for their work. Ask if your agent hires a professional photographer to ensure your listing includes high-quality professional photos to show the property in its best light.
3. Enlist a conveyancer
Now is the time to engage a conveyancer to prepare a marketing contract for the real estate agent. Your conveyancer should be qualified, professional, and available to answer any questions you have at this stage of the process. Your conveyancer will do the necessary legal work to transfer the property to the new owner, but they should also be supportive and provide guidance throughout the process. It is a good idea to ask your conveyancer to provide you with an overview of the sale process. That way, you will know what to expect during the various stages of the sale.
4. Deep clean and organise
Before you list your home for sale, give it a deep clean. Strong smells, strong food or pet odours, dust, or dirty floors can be off-putting for potential buyers. Consider hiring professionals to ensure your home is at its best. It is essential to keep your home clean and tidy throughout the entire marketing campaign.
5. Declutter and depersonalise
Declutter and organise your space. This helps to make the home look appealing and it allows buyers to concentrate on the home itself, instead of your personal possessions, accessories, untidy wardrobes, or other messy areas. You may want to hire a storage space to store excess belongings or furniture in the short term.
It is important to make your home appear warm and welcoming so buyers can picture themselves living in the home. Remove the children’s artwork and bills from the fridge, note boards, toys, awards, and most photo frames. Leave a few nice, framed photos around the home to still appear inviting.
6. Staging
You may also want to stage your home by bringing in specialist help to professionally furnish and design the interior of your home. Make sure you consider whether the cost of doing so is likely to result in more money for the sale.
7. Front Façade
First impressions count. The outside of the home is the first thing potential buyers will see when they arrive. Make sure the lawn is mowed and neat, unhealthy potted or garden plants are removed, and personal effects such as knick-knacks or children’s toys are put away.
8. Make simple repairs
Make sure anything that needs to be fixed and can be fixed easily is attended to before listing the home for sale. Things like leaking taps or toilets, cracks in the walls, running toilets, or loose door handles can make a buyer think your home has not been well taken care of. Don’t overcommit with costly additions or improvements you may not get finished within your timeframe.
When preparing to sell your home in the New Year, remember, it’s not just about putting up a ‘For Sale’ sign. It involves strategically preparing your home to captivate potential buyers. Your comprehensive checklist, from researching the local market to finding the right agent and enlisting support like a conveyancer, is key. Prioritise cleaning, decluttering, staging, and enhancing curb appeal to ensure your property shines. After all, you’re not just selling a house; you’re creating a canvas for someone else’s dreams, a place where others can picture their future.
So, here’s to new beginnings, for you and those eagerly anticipating the purchase of their perfect home.
Complete Conveyancing New England
Maximum Support, Minimum Fuss.
(02) 6771 3686
