With all the recent news about a nationwide property slowdown, you might be wondering: “Should I wait to sell my home?” The good news is that most regions around the country are showing strong signs of recovery, with experts predicting the market will continue to pick up later this year.
So, if you’ve been thinking about selling your property, now is a great time to start preparing to make sure you’re ready to put it on the market when home prices are once again on the rise.
Whether you’re downsizing, moving to another suburb or selling an investment property, putting your property on the market can be overwhelming. After all, there’s a lot to think about: How much should I ask for? How do I choose the right agent? What do I need to do to secure the best sale price?
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up our top tips for preparing to sell your house this summer.
Knowledge is power when it comes to selling your home. Here’s what you need to consider before it goes on the market:
It’s Wednesday afternoon, you’re at work, and you get a call asking if a prospective buyer might be able to visit your property to take a look. However, you know you ran out of the house that morning – leaving the dirty dishes, unmade beds, and pile of laundry for later.
The trick is to be ready at any time. Stay on top of those little chores so your home is at least largely presentable for any prospective buyer who wants to make a last-minute viewing, as it only takes one to make the sale!
Even if major renovations are out of the budget (or the time constraints), you may still be able to make repairs. When the market slows down and buyers become a little pickier, simple repairs could put them off.
Whether it’s dealing with a hole in the wall or replacing a broken fence post, these relatively simple repairs could make a big difference.
In a seller’s market, lowball offers may be scoffed at or simply told a polite “no”, as there will always be another offer around the corner.
In a market slump, even lowball offers could offer potential. Buyers could be quite keen on your property, but knowing the market may try their luck with a low offer well below your listed price. Instead of ignoring these offers, respond with a reasonable counter-offer – at least then it’s up to them to walk away or to continue the conversation if they have a genuine interest. This is where the right agent will help you hold your nerve and negotiate your way to the right outcome.
Who is your closest friend or family member who visits often, and loves you enough to be honest (but kind) with you?
Often, we become accustomed to seeing the front of the house and walking into our homes every day. This familiarity makes it harder to see detractors – potential problems with curb appeal, or even odd smells as you walk inside. A trusted friend might be able to remind you to trim that overhanging tree, tidy up the garden, or give the carpets a deep clean.
Other things to consider include:
