If you’re about to sell your house in the upcoming months, it’s important to get familiar with a few tips and tricks of appealing to buyers when it’s cold.
Once upon a time, there was an urban myth in real estate circles that once the temperature starts to drop, so too does the market. A few short years ago, the arrival of winter meant that there were less properties listed on the market to reflect buyer behaviour.
However, considering the current supply issues that the Australian marketplace is facing, the entire concept that selling your house in winter is a bad idea seems absurd. Although conditions aren’t quite as fierce as they were even six months ago, it’s still important not to take any shortcuts and to properly present your abode if you want to sell your house during winter.
How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar During Winter
Aside from the practical considerations such as work commitments, school terms and actually being ready to go on the market, the impact of the season on the property campaign’s success is often misinterpreted. This is because there is a widely held view that more people sell in spring. As the house and garden often looks its best, sellers are therefore thought to achieve a higher sale price as a result.
However, times have certainly changed. In today’s market, it’s not unreasonable to state that any of Australia’s hungry buyers would brave a blizzard if it meant getting their shot at their dream home. Nevertheless, if you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum, taking the time to properly style and present your abode is crucial if you want to sell your house during the year’s coldest months.
Spick And Span – While undertaking a thorough clean is crucial for selling your house at any time of the year, it’s even more important to tackle the dust, dirt and muck that can be dragged inside during the winter months. Potential buyers will ideally view the home as a sanctuary from the outside conditions, so it’s important that the home looks its shiny best.
Entertain In All Seasons – Be sure to show your potential buyers how to use the many areas of your home, no matter what the conditions are. If you haven’t got one already, consider adding a fire pit, outdoor heaters, or even a pizza oven to quite literally show them how easy it is to entertain guests in your property, even once the weather starts to cool down.
Warm Touches – While investing in property styling is highly recommended if you’re looking to sell your house for the best possible price, tackling this task yourself during winter requires careful forethought. The interior design and furnishings need to be warm and cosy, so consider earthy colour palettes and thoughtful touches like rugs and blankets in living areas.
Let There Be Light – Even on the gloomiest days of winter, it’s important to showcase the natural light on offer in a property. Make sure that windows are clean and dirt free, consider installing a skylight, and if all else fails, invest in a few floor lamps to brighten up dark corners of the property in question.
Minimise Clutter – An organised home will help buyers see its potential while also giving rooms a more spacious feel – and given that winter is often regarded as the season for the great indoors, it’s crucial that buyers don’t feel claustrophobic in the abode. As such, pack up unsightly or distracting items that are not necessary, and make them season appropriate.
Thoughtful Heating – Although this will often depend on where you live in Australia, many buyers will often look for heating options to protect them against the freezing conditions of the year’s coldest months. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider investing in central heating. Above all, make sure the temperature is warm and inviting during inspections and open house days.
If you’re hesitant about trying to sell your house in winter and are leaning towards a traditionally popular spring campaign, then it’s worth considering a compromise. Listings that go up in August can beat the spring rush, which usually kicks off in Victoria after the school holidays and once the AFL grand final is over. Timing is all about mastering the balancing act between supply and demand, so listing in August generally offers the best of both worlds.
If you’re in the market to sell your house or perhaps purchase a new one, enlisting the services of a free property advisor like ESPA can often be a real game changer. As an example, your advisor would likely research the property, local agents, check the zoning, evaluate market conditions, and communicate clearly with you regarding all of your options – but where do you find one?
Take The Stress Out Of Selling Property
As a completely free service, Emergency Services Property Advisors provide property advisor services to Police, Fire, Ambulance and S.E.S personnel and their families right across Victoria.
Luke and the team at ESPA are passionate about providing support to some of Australia’s most valued public servants. Along with key industry insights, ESPA also works with a broad range of service providers linked to the real estate industry such as conveyancers, trades, legal practitioners and mortgage brokers.
If you are an emergency services worker looking to potentially buy or sell property in the future, please get in touch with Emergency Services Property Advisors today to discuss how we can turn your real estate dreams into reality, or call Luke directly on 0414 757 705.