To get the most out of the season there are a number of things you’ll need to do to stay ahead in the game.

Like the weather, the competition is heating up. Domain’s guide will give you the tips on how to sell your house, stand out from the crowd, and identify the possible pros and cons of a spring sale.

Before putting your house on the market

When preparing a house for sale in spring, there are a few preliminary steps to take care of before you create your listing.

First and foremost, you’ll need to research your local housing market. Do your homework so you’re aware of the market trends and know the value of your home. Check out the local competition and browse the comparable sales in your area so you can accurately gauge your listing price.

Make sure you factor in the size of the properties you are comparing with and see that they have similar features to yours.

To get your home ready for the market, you’ll need to start prepping ahead of time if you want to list it at the beginning of the season. This means decluttering, depersonalising and making all the necessary pre-sale repairs well in the midst of Winter. Being underprepared will hinder your chances of a quick sale, so give yourself plenty of time to get the grunt work done.

Finally, find a quality real estate agent. We highly recommend you employ the services of a reputable agent to help you with your sale. They can advise you on how your home compares to other properties in the area, what you can do to stand out from the crowd, and ensure you get the best sale price for your home.

A real estate agent will know what the buyers in your area are looking for and can tell you how to amplify those aspects in your home.

Pros & cons of selling your home in spring

Across Australia, the notion that spring is the best time of year to sell a house is still commonly touted. But is it true? Let’s examine the merits and flaws of selling in spring.

Benefits of selling your home in spring

The main reason why everyone wants to sell in spring is really very obvious. Spring enhances the look of your property. The flowers are blooming, the lawns are greener, and the sun is shining… It’s a time when buyers are keen to get outside and explore as many open houses as possible. With more buyers comes more sales!

Other pros of selling in Spring include:

• Increased market activity
• Longer days
• Livelier auctions
• Properties typically sell faster and for more

Flaws of selling your home in Spring

But just like how there are benefits to selling in Spring, there are also downsides – namely, the fact that buyers actually have a smorgasbord of properties to inspect and choose from. It makes it harder for sellers to stand out in a competitive, larger pool of properties. In some areas of Australia, Spring is commonly a buyers’ market and this means you’ll need to work harder to make your sale.

Other flaws of selling in Spring include:

• Buyers have more options to choose from
• More difficult to make your property stand out from the crowd

Tips to make your home stand out in Spring

There are a number of things you can do to truly make the most of the season’s advantages and win over the springtime buyer. Here are some key tips for selling your house in spring:

Let the light in

Welcome the sunshine in by drawing all curtains and blinds open. Polish all surfaces to perfection so that the light bounces off them and your home sparkles. Pay close attention to your windows, glass, mirrors, metallic or chrome fittings and your floors. Don’t forget to clean your drapes and blinds so that they’re dust free, crisp and fresh, and won’t provoke any allergies.

Add an aromatic touch

Air out your home to rid the staleness of winter and use freshly-clipped flowers to brighten up the space and add a fragrant touch. Natural scents are less likely to trigger allergies and have a more delicate appeal than air fresheners.

Get the look from Kmart – Cermaic Lamp $20, Monsteria Stand $5.50, Yucca Plant $29, Herringbone Basket $14, Rug $89, Canvas Print $19, Sideboard unit $39, Ottoman $29

Pops of colour

Enhance the feel of spring by bringing the colours indoors. Use light and bright colours for your throws, cushions, towels, bath mats, artwork and other accessories. Replacing these items is an inexpensive way to make a big impact and lighten up rooms. This will be more alluring to potential buyers.

Up your street game

Increase your curb appeal with flowers. Yellow flowers like tulips and daffodils will stimulate the buyer’s senses. Position pots of flowers and greenery around the property and at the entrance. Attention to the details outside is very important as it really does make the first impression.

Don’t forget to also rake the leaves and trim back bushes to let the light inside your home. Lastly, mow diagonally as it gives the appearance of a bigger yard.

Consider professional home styling & real estate photography

If you really want your home to stand out amongst the fierce Spring competition, it’s a good idea to have your home staged and photographed by professional real estate stylists & photographers. Not only will be able to help you present your home in its best possible light and stand out to a broader market, but they’ll also be able to drive up the sale price of your home!

Things to keep in mind when you sell in Spring

Before you rush to get your property on the listings for spring, remember that it pays to be prepared. Don’t make a hasty decision to list your home. Wait until you have everything in order – even if that means missing the peak of the season.

If your home is not presenting at its best, it could languish on the market. A stale property can create a big problem and cost you more money and time in the long run if you need to take it off the market for further work.

Many buyers simply don’t want to put in the extra effort to repaint or make repairs. By doing these things yourself in advance, you can aim for a better sale price and a more timely sale. First impressions count, so get it right the first time!