Springtime is the time to sell your home right? Not necessarily. While spring boasts scented flowers in full bloom, more daylight hours and warm sunshine, excellent property prices can still be achieved year round.
There can be advantages to marketing your home during a traditionally quiet period such as winter. Studies have found the average seller nets more above their asking price during the months of June, July and August than they do from September through December. Homes listed in winter were also recorded as selling faster than those in spring.
Typically Melbournians tend to hibernate during the colder months and this can sometimes result in less ‘buzz’ at open for inspections. While this can be interpreted as there being fewer buyers in the market, winter buyers are more likely to be serious buyers with the half-hearted ‘tyre kickers’ and neighbours staying indoors by their heaters.
Winter buyers are more likely to have their finance approved and be ready to purchase immediately. Vendors are likely to see a more committed crowd at their auctions during this time, opposed to those who attend auctions during the warmer months.
If you’re considering selling this winter check out our handy tips below which will assist you in making your house a warm and inviting haven.
Tip 1: Let There Be Light
If your home gets great light it can really stand out from the pack during winter. Draw back the curtains, open all blinds and make sure your windows are sparkling clean so they let in as much natural light as possible.
Lighting and ambience are very important when selling in winter. Switch on all overhead lights and lamps during open for inspection times to ensure your home shines brightly even on the gloomiest of winter days.
Tip 2: Warm and Cosy Wins
Everyone wants a warm and cosy home in the colder months so if your home has a fire, light it. If you have regular heating, ensure it’s turned on to a comfortable temperature; not too hot and not too cold as people are moving from the chilly outdoors into a warm home. Light a candle or two for ambience (unscented is best so you don’t upset delicate noses) and if you’re a whiz in the kitchen, there’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked goods on a chilly winter’s afternoon.
Tip 3: Timing is Everything
Choosing the right time of day to open your home is also an important factor to consider when selling between June and August. If you have lots of north-facing windows and receive plenty of winter sunshine, you’ll probably want to show it earlier in the day. Your agent will be able to give you advice on this, as well as provide you with any further tips to help you get your home ‘winter sale ready’.
