Thinking of selling in the New Year?

Our tips for those looking to sell early in 2021

When it comes to selling, the question we are most often asked is when is the right time? From our perspective, it is less about the ‘right time,’ and more about taking advantage of the market conditions on offer. With a lower than usual number of properties listed for sale over Spring, buyer competition is heightened which means there will be pent up demand come the new year.

If you are thinking of selling early next year, getting a head start now may just work to your advantage. Being strategic and choosing to sell when stock levels are low can be a smart move to help maximise your sale price.

Start planning now

Starting to plan this side of Christmas will ensure you are ready to launch your property in time for the first weekend of open homes (typically mid January). This will allow you to take full advantage of the buyers who are still looking and the surge of new buyers typically seen in January and February each year. It will also give your agent the opportunity to show your property ‘off-market’ to any qualified database buyers as well as generate interest from people who enquire on similar homes over the holiday period.

Choose your agent early

Choosing the right agent goes a long way in setting you up for a successful sale. Spending the time now to meet with agents prior to Christmas allows you to get the selling process underway in advance. This includes the agent organising professional photos and marketing material as well as allowing you time to contact a conveyancer or solicitor to prepare the legal documents before the end of year break. You can also use this time to organise building and pest reports, strata inspections and anything else that assists in providing as much information as possible about the property to potential buyers.

While it may seem like there is plenty of time between now and mid January, keep in mind real estate agencies, solicitors and other businesses typically close late December and often don’t return till the second or third week of January. So, if you are planning on selling early in the New Year and leave this until after Christmas it could mean a delay, subsequently holding up your sale. Getting started now will ensure a timely, stress-free sale and settlement.

Look for ways to add value to your property

Use the pre New Year period to prepare your property for sale. Making your home appealing is key when it comes to selling. Even the smallest of changes or improvements can make a large impact. Some of the top things you can do with a small budget and minimal effort include:

Tidy up the exterior of your property
From gardens to gutters and the lawn, it is worth your time tidying up not only the interior but the exterior as well.

Put away any clutter
Making sure you remove clutter, kids’ toys, unwanted furniture, and unnecessary items around the home definitely makes a difference. This also includes removing all items from the front of the fridge; the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home so make sure it is clutter free.

“The presentation of your home can make all the difference when selling. Now, more than ever, it is important to entice potential buyers and establish an emotional connection from print to person. From styling to highlighting the key features within a property, it’s all in the details and about creating lasting first impressions.”

Shellie Long, Styled Living Interiors

Fix any leaks, broken fittings and squeaky doors
Make sure any taps or faucets that are leaking are fixed, any fittings that are broken or missing replaced, replace broken or non-working light bulbs and repair squeaking doors. It can also be good to repaint any doors or windowsills that have seen better days to give them a spruce up.

Make sure your home is inviting and fresh
While it may not be possible to have the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through your open home, introducing a fresh scent either with flowers or a neutral scented candle can do the trick inside the home, whilst freshly laid mulch around the gardens can add a pleasing scent to the yard.

Plants can definitely create a certain sense of ambience and homely feel. It brings part of the outside in and presents a more pleasing environment.

If you would like to discuss selling your property early in 2021, it’s not too late. Our team of experienced agents are here to assist and provide specific, tailored advice.