TIPS FOR MAXIMISING THE SELLING PRICE OF YOUR HOME
The time spent preparing your property for sale can mean the difference between getting an average price and achieving a great price - and the best part is, it is not difficult, time consuming or expensive!
The process of properly presenting your home for sale is an important one to master. For most, the sale of a property comes around every 5 to 7 years. For others, it has become a much more regular event, choosing to capitalize on the opportunity to upgrade the family home and make substantial tax free gains in the process.
Whatever your motive for selling, the process can be either stress free and lucrative - or tense and disappointing. The good news is that you have the ability to choose..
TIMING
Buyers for good quality property can be found all year round. With the marketing process having become more sophisticated than in previous years, the issue of timing is less critical than in the past. However, there are some important points you may wish to consider.
Our research shows that in our core area of the suburbs of the City of South Perth, superior results are generally achieved during February to May, and September to November. The wetter mid-year months of June to August and the busy holiday period of mid-December to mid-January often produce a lower number of inspections than at other times.
Additionally, major sporting events such as the AFL Grand Final will sometimes have an impact on property inspection results.
During hotter months, afternoon openings should be avoided for homes with a lot of West facing glass. All Home Open inspections should be planned around the best time for an individual home taking into account natural light, road noise and other environmental factors.
The time required to sell a property that is accurately priced will typically vary between 1 and 8 weeks. Prior to placing your property on the market, allow an additional week or two to prepare both the property and the marketing material.
PRESENTATION
Appealing property presentation is a critical factor in achieving the highest possible price. It is similar to detailing your car before you sell it. The emotional appeal required to stir the spirit of buyers is unlikely to be generated by a poorly presented property - a neglected building sends out "warning signals" to prospective buyers.
SO, it is VITAL to have your property looking its very best on inspection day! Some major "turnoffs" for buyers include:
- Animal odours in the house.
- Evidence of damp or moisture in the walls.
- Cigarette or strong food odours
- Doors, windows and gates that stick.
- Too much "clutter" - furniture or possessions that dominate a room.
- Stained carpets.
- Leaking taps, plumbing and gutters.
- Street appeal - is critical to create a great first impression for potential buyers visiting the home. Lawns should be neatly mowed and edged and trees & bushes trimmed. Garden beds should be weeded and a trailer-load of rich, dark mulch can add immeasurably to the lush appearance of gardens. Planting annuals prior to marketing the home can be an inexpensive way to add a splash of colour to your gardens.