Property expert Andrew Winter’s tips for buying and selling in spring
IT’S fondly known as the silly season of real estate, but it’s time to get serious about spring selling season, according to property expert Andrew Winter.
Despite a sluggish start to the spring season, competition is heating up and that means more choice for home buyers and sellers.
Mr Winter, the host of Selling Houses Australia on Foxtel, has shared his advice on how to buy and sell property successfully in spring.
TIPS FOR SELLING IN SPRING
1. Spring clean
It might sound obvious, but Andrew insists presentation is everything.
There’s no better way to make a first impression than by decluttering the house.
“Clean like you’ve never cleaned before but do not forget the clutter,” he says.
Andrew suggests sellers start to move possessions out of the home prior to listing.
Getting rid of personal possessions and moving boxes will allow buyers to feel more at home and form that all-important emotional connection with the property.
2. Know your competition
Andrew says it’s important to make sure you can face up to the competition.
“So, for example, if other houses all have beautiful new kitchens, you might have to review your own kitchen,” he says.
Also, never try to sell until you have checked out what else is on offer and what else has recently sold in your area.
3. It’s what’s outside that counts
Andrew says one of the key elements of spring time selling is a property’s outdoor space.
He advises putting your landscaping hat on and pulling out weeds, mowing the lawns and planting some new flowers to add some colour.
“Make sure it’s tidy, pristine and all the borders are weed free,” he says.
A simple lick of paint can be an extremely cost-effective way of rejuvenating your home’s kerbside appeal.
TIPS FOR BUYING IN SPRING
1. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful weather
Don’t let the sunshine cloud your judgment. Use the abundance of natural light in spring to your advantage.
“The great thing about the sun is that it means you can check out the orientation and aspect of the home,” Andrew says.
2. More choice means more buyers
Andrew urges buyers to be aware of the competition by monitoring how many other people are looking at a property.
“Make sure you monitor how much interest there is in each property, how many people turn up for open houses, and how many hits a home gets online,” he says.
“That way you can have control of the negotiations.”
3. Consider the home no one else wants
Just because there aren’t many people looking at a particular home, doesn’t mean it’s not right for you.
It could just be the spring bargain you’ve been waiting for!
“Maybe consider the property that’s a little bit compromised,” Andrew says.
“The house that everybody else doesn’t want. The one with a lack of curb appeal.
“The one that’s a little bit messy, that needs work. Something a little bit different, with features that put other buyers off.”