The entire process of selling a home can be daunting from beginning to end. Many factors can impact both the selling price and the speed of the sale, so meticulous research and preparation are vital. One of the best places to start is with kerb appeal.
This is essentially the art of creating a positive and lasting first impression.
You’ll need to undertake projects like tidying up the garden, repainting the front door if necessary and making sure the exterior is well-maintained overall.
When it comes to the inside, be sure to declutter and depersonalise the space. Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, so remove personal items and excessive furniture.
Be sure to carry out any important repairs and updates too. These could include:
- fixing leaky faucets
- replacing broken tiles or flooring
- refreshing the paint.
Small touches like the above can really assist in yielding higher returns on your investment. Another important step is cleaning the space thoroughly. Focus on key areas like kitchens and bathrooms. A spotless home creates a positive impression and suggests that the property has been well cared for.
Of course, pricing the home accurately but competitively is critical. Research comparable properties in your area to determine a competitive and realistic asking price. Better yet, enlist the help of an independent property valuation service to provide an objective assessment of the property’s value.
Will moving out speed up the sale?
Moving out of your home in order to facilitate its sale is naturally not an option for everyone. That said, it can potentially have a positive impact when it comes to speeding up the sale process.
When a home is vacant, potential buyers are better able to visualise their own furniture and belongings in the space. Empty rooms appear larger, allowing buyers to see the full potential of the home. This helps with establishing a sense of connection to the property early on.
The lack of personal items can also allow visitors to focus on the home’s features and layout.
A vacant home is also far more accessible for real estate agents to showcase to potential buyers. It ensures there are no scheduling conflicts with the occupants and buyers can view the property at their convenience. This can lead to more frequent visits and potentially quicker offers.
Furthermore, a furnished home might not appeal to all buyers, particularly if the decor is very specific or even outdated. Moving out allows you to stage the house professionally, showcasing its best features and creating a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a broader range of buyers.
In general, moving out before a sale, if possible, is a fine strategy for streamlining the process and boosting the property's marketability.
It allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there and facilitates a far more flexible viewing schedule. These factors combined often contribute to a faster home sale.
When is the ideal time to sell?
There is no perfect or one-size-fits-all answer as to when to sell your home.
The right time for anyone is down to a combination of:
- market conditions
- economic factors
- personal circumstances.
For example, in many regions, the real estate market tends to be more active during spring and summer. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours make it easier for buyers to visit properties, improving the chances of a successful sale.
Additionally, families with children often prefer moving during the holidays to minimise any potential disruption to their child's school year.
Local market dynamics arguably play the most important role.
Depending on where you live, the market may remain robust throughout the year due to factors like a booming economy or high demand for housing. This makes it critical to monitor your local real estate market's trends, consult with real estate professionals and consider your situation.
With that in mind, sometimes the need to move is urgent and waiting for an ideal market might not be feasible. Major personal life events, career changes or various financial scenarios might necessitate a sale irrespective of the market’s conditions.
This means that the ideal time to sell your home is ultimately whenever you and your family are emotionally and financially prepared for it. Stay flexible and informed, while seeking out expert advice to ensure you make a well-timed and responsible decision regardless of circumstance.
Finding your next home
Though it can be incredibly stressful, finding your next home is an exciting adventure. It’s about establishing the next chapter in your and your family’s lives and planning for your future. It begins with envisioning your ideal space: whether that be a cozy apartment in a bustling city like Sydney, a charming suburban house with a garden or even a serene beachside retreat.
Finding the ideal home is a journey that combines practicality with emotion. A journey where your budget and personal preferences will guide your search.
It begins with research, research and yes, more research.
Take your time exploring different neighbourhoods, looking into their amenities and local facilities. Online listings and real estate agencies can be invaluable tools for providing insights into the trends of the local real estate market, as well as any available properties.
Visit as many properties as possible. Do your best to assess the overall ambience, layout and compatibility of the space with your lifestyle. Try to imagine your morning routines, family gatherings and personal retreats within the space.
Picture yourself and your family within those walls. Does it feel like home and can you envision the next few years of your life unfolding there?
When the time comes to make a purchase, consider reaching out to your local valuation firm to ensure you get a fair, market-related price based on professional expertise and objective data.