Spring is in the air – meaning now’s the time to get your house or apartment ready for sale in Canberra. In spring, buyers emerge from their winter hibernation, hoping to buy and move during the warmer months. It’s also a time when real estate agents usually see more stock hit the market. In this blog post, we examine the ins and outs of getting your house or apartment ready for sale in Canberra.
Find a Good Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent will understand the local market and the price your property is likely to fetch. They’ll also advise you on the best way to sell your property: private treaty or auction. It’s fair to say that a good agent is honest, knowledgeable, and personable; in other words, a professional. Before listing your house or apartment for sale in Canberra, you should ensure that your agent can back up the projected sales price with recent data.*
* Some agents may inflate the projected sales price to win your listing – ultimately leading to disappointment.
Remember that Buyers are Time-Poor (and prefer renovated homes)
It’s no secret that renovated homes generally sell faster than unrenovated ones. Most buyers are time-poor and prefer properties that look good and don’t require urgent renovation work. The so-called “renovator’s delight” isn’t as popular as it used to be – due in part to building industry shortages (materials, labour) and tighter lending conditions. The paradoxical question for many sellers in the current market is: how do I “renovate to sell” if it’s harder to renovate? – this is where Renovation Matters can assist.
Demand an Honest Appraisal
An honest appraisal from a good real estate agent ensures you have realistic expectations about the final sale price and the time it will take to sell your property. Attractive, well-maintained properties generally sell faster than ones that require repair or renovation work. As a seller, you should assume that a potential buyer is discerning and time-poor. You should also be aware that you’re competing against other houses and apartments for sale in Canberra.
Renovate for Profit
If you’re seeking a quick sale at a high price, it’s worth considering a “strategic” renovation before listing your home in Canberra. As mentioned above, a well-presented house or apartment for sale in Canberra sells faster. A “strategic” renovation doesn’t need to cost a fortune: it’s an investment designed to increase the likelihood of a sale and potentially attract more competition.
Some examples of “strategic” renovation include painting, new floor coverings, and replacing old kitchens, toilets and bathrooms. The key to a “strategic” renovation is to get a return on investment (ROI) in some form – whether that’s a quick sale (to alleviate financial pressure) or a higher price (to help fund your next home).
Maintain Appearances
Provided you have a good agent and a well-presented property, many potential buyers will inspect your house or apartment listed for sale in Canberra. Consequently, maintaining your home’s appearance (inside and outside) is critical. As a keen seller, you must keep your home (including the garden) clean, tidy, and smelling good. The key is to imagine yourself as a potential buyer. It’s a good idea to get a pest and building inspection done before listing – to ensure you’re on the front foot with potential buyers.
