As the sun comes out and the weather heats up an opportunity arises in real estate to show a property to its fullest potential. A favourite time for vendors to sell, you're likely to be faced with stiff competition! So here are five top tips for the spring selling season.
1. First impressions
Whether it's a lick of paint on your front door or some statement pots either side of it, first impressions really do count. Never underestimate the power of street appeal and go that extra mile to make a great first impression on prospective buyers. Drag out the high-pressure hose on the driveway to remove oil stains, and trim bushes or hedges in your front garden.
2. De-clutter
It isn't called a spring clean for nothing. Sort methodically through your home, room by room, discarding clutter as you go. Not only will your home look better during the sale period but you'll have less to pack away when you're moving out. If there are some things you just can't live without, consider hiring some temporary storage to get it out of the house during the inspection period. It can pay to store a couple of larger, non-essential furniture items to make your home feel more spacious.
3. Spring clean
While the light is very beautiful in spring, its brightness can emphasise less-than-clean surfaces. Polish your tap ware, remove cobwebs, wash your windows inside and out and dust your blinds. Take the time to polish your floors, mirrors and glass as clean reflective surfaces make a space feel larger.
4. Accessorise
Whether you do it yourself or employ a professional, property staging is a proven way to command a higher sale price. Replace old towels and throws with updated versions in on-trend hues, or rent furniture, accessories and artwork, to create a stylish feel inside that lures potential buyers.
5. Repairs and maintenance
Whether it's that tap that's been leaking for the past couple of months or some touch up work that's needed on the paint front, now is the time to get onto repairs and maintenance around your home in anticipation of selling.
Fresh paint works minor miracles on tired walls but fight the feature wall urge –neutral colours please most buyers. And let's not forget the garden – remove weeds, mow and edge your lawn and make sure it's kept adequately watered. Plant a few seasonal blooms for a pop of colour and add a sprinkling of fresh mulch to your garden beds for an instant lift.
Spring is a time for freshness and rejuvenation and is a fabulous opportunity to show your property to its full advantage!