Summer can be so busy with family commitments and work challenges that it’s easy to push aside your intention to put your home on the market in the early part of the year.
There’s no doubt summer is a great time to sell – and if you have a home that needs minimal work, you still have time to catch the last of the summer buyers.
For those with homes that might need a little TLC to maximise its value, you’re better to plan an autumn sale. The heat will have gone out of the days, but not out of the market. And that’s the most important thing!
With predictions of property prices rising in the first half of this year, this will be an ideal moment to capture buyers who have missed out on properties in the spring and summer selling seasons.
How you prepare your home is critical. To gain the best possible price, you should focus on repairing annoying little problems that you’ve been meaning to fix for ages.
You should also declutter so buyers can experience the true size and space your home offers.
Depersonalising is another great approach. You want prospective buyers imagining themselves living in your home rather than feeling like they’ve walked into your life.
These are basic approaches to preparing your home for sale. The goal of an autumn sale is to prove your home is a versatile, all-season performer. It’s about capturing that relaxed, outdoor-loving spirit before the winter coats come out.
Here are 10 more tips to help you get set for an autumn sale:
Second summer – Even though it’s autumn and winter sports are back on the TV, it’s still mild enough to enjoy a barbecue and even a swim. If you have a pool, keep it sparkling and uncovered. Don’t pack away the outdoor umbrella, either.
Let the light in – Autumn light is not as harsh as the overhead summer sun, so open every blind to ensure prospective buyers experience the maximum amount of natural light that floods your home.
Cross-ventilation – During “opens”, turn off the noisy air-conditioning unit and open the windows so buyers can appreciate that your home doesn’t require climate control to feel cool.
Showcase storage – Ensure you’ve decluttered and organised your wardrobes. When a buyer opens a closet and sees a neatly arranged space for both summer and mid-season clothes, they see a home that works.
Earthy tones – After the bright blues and yellows of summer, try using some cushions and throw rugs of earthy tones to embrace the season and give your home a touch of sophistication.
Great outdoors – The more mild, cooler temperatures of autumn can be the best time to enjoy your deck or patio. Style your outdoor table with linen napkins and glassware to suggest a long lunch. If you have an outdoor heater or a fire pit, place it subtly to show the space remains functional as the sun goes down.
Viewing strategy – Consider twilight viewing times to attract more buyers. A home glowing with warm interior lights against a purple-and-gold autumnal sky is incredibly emotive.
Rain check – We often get significant rain in autumn. Ensure your downpipes are clear and there are no damp patches on the ceiling or walls from summer storm damage. A dry, solid-feeling home is a huge selling point in the lead-up to winter.
Tidy garden – If you have non-native trees like Liquidambars or Maples, you’ll have a carpet of colour. But they come with a drawback – leaf litter. Make sure you sweep up the leaves before buyers come to inspect your property. Don’t let them believe your home is a “maintenance headache”.
Mulch and borders – A fresh application of dark woodchip mulch and some new hedging plants can instantly revive the perimeter of your lawn. It makes the garden look lush and ready for the cooler seasons. Put between 4cm-6cm of mulch around the base of your plants for the best results.