Spring is shaping up to be one of the busiest seasons for property that our market has ever seen which is why we’re advising as many of our clients as possible to sell in Winter.
This might seem counterintuitive but the data supports our view. Substantial pent-up demand has been created by the coronavirus crisis, during which listing volumes fell more than 30%. The exodus of sellers ensured price stability and very good clearance rates during the isolation period of Covid-19 lockdown.
This lack of property on the market supports strong prices as there is a lot of pent up buyer demand. Winter is always a time of lower listing numbers so we feel confident that properties that list to sell at this time will continue to perform very strongly.
If you’re one of many homeowners who’s been sitting out the pandemic and intending to sell this ppring, you may wish to re-evaluate your strategy in the post-Covid new-normal.
Our prediction is that the spring market is likely to be flooded will sellers. A glut of properties always puts downward pressure on prices. While there’ll be plenty of buyers, there will almost certainly be a smorgasbord of homes from which they can choose.
As your real estate agent, we think it’s a smarter move to go early and be able to grab buyers’ attention.
Many believe winter is not the preferred season to sell, but it’s a myth that there are good and bad times of the year to buy and sell property. The market performs in response to issues related to supply and demand, not the weather.
So, rather than sit-tight like thousands of others and enter the spring market when everyone does, give us a call to discuss your options. You can still maximise the value of your existing property with a winter marketing campaign.
To get you thinking, we’ve got five quick tips for selling a home during winter.
Go for curb appeal – This is essential at any time of year. But during winter, leaves can gather in a driveway and on lawns, and risk making your property look a little drab. So, make sure you keep the front of the property bright and clean. Maybe repaint the front door a bright red or yellow to make the property pop with colour.
Capitalise on the chill – Everyone loves a fire. So if you have a combustion heater, gas fire or similar appliance, you should literally fire it up. Make the home feel cosy. Be sure to keep the on heating in preparation for any inspection. A few blankets over couches will enhance the atmosphere, too. Stepping from the cold into the warmth of a home has an immediate positive effect and creates that all-important first impression.
Mind the gaps – Given the wet and chilly nature of the season, make sure you fix any leaks from the roof, cleaned the gutters and sealed any gaps, especially around windows and skirting boards.
Clear vision – Rain will always leave dirt marks on windows, so be sure to keep them clean for every inspection. Dirty windows substantially reduce the light that comes into the home, and that can make rooms feel smaller than they are. Even in winter, make sunlight your friend when it shines.
Light it up – It doesn’t matter if inspections are held on rainy or overcast days. Use the lighting in your house to enhance its atmosphere. Lamps strategically placed in rooms give a wonderful feeling of comfort. If they’re next to, or near, mirrors then their effect will be enhanced. Keep all your lights turned on as this will ensure there are no dark corners.
We have experience in selling homes in any season, so we encourage you to talk to us to find out what to do to get your home ready for sale.