Selling your home can be a daunting task at any time of the year, but when the property market is changing rapidly, it becomes a whole new ball game. While the normal factors in getting the best price still stand, with interest rates on the rise and fewer people in the market, you need to be really switched on to getting the best price possible.
Upping your home’s appeal
As with any time you go to sell a home, making it appealing is the key to not only getting as many buyers through the door as possible, but also, getting the best price. But what may have cut it in the buying frenzy of 2021 and the first half of 2022 isn’t going to cut it in the market we are now facing.
Decluttering and depersonalising your home is going to be really important, and what better time to spend a weekend or two decluttering than when it is cold outside!
Decluttering can do a couple of things. First ‒ it helps to depersonalise the house, which means potential buyers can see how their family might live in the property. This doesn’t mean getting rid of absolutely every photo or trinket, but if those items don’t serve a design purpose, then consider packing them away.
Second, decluttering and depersonalising helps you think about those things you never use but just haven’t gotten around to throwing them out. That pasta maker you’ve used once, those holiday trinkets, those old kids’ toys your family is too old for now ‒ if they don’t get used or don’t serve a purpose other than to take up space in your home, it might be time to consider donating or giving them away.
Third, decluttering can help you start the moving process. Packing these items away gives you a head start on packing to move.
If you can’t get rid of a lot of items, but still want to declutter, choosing stylish storage is a good option.
Remember, the house doesn’t need to look like a show home; it needs some personality. However, the less cluttered your home is, the more comfortable buyers feel.
And don’t forget the all-important kerb appeal. While most buyers will head online to search for property, once they have a short list, they’re likely to drive by to check the condition of the exterior. Your home needs to look pristine, clean and inviting from the street.
Styling and photography
Styling and photography is another important part of getting the best price for your home. Sure, you can whip out your mobile and take some photos, but they aren’t going to look as good as professional photos.
Spending the money on a professional stylist and real estate photographer can make such a difference to the end sale price. Staging is important, particularly if you have already moved out of the property as it can help buyers see how the home can be laid out and the furniture that can fit in. Good staging can also lead to a faster sale and a higher price.
On the photography side, a professional real estate photographer knows how to make rooms look bigger, brighter and more welcoming. They know which angles work best and what the most desirable attributes of your home are that potential buyers want to see.
A professional photographer who can also provide a floor plan is key, as this allows potential buyers to see if the home layout really suits their needs.
The right agent
The right sales agent can really make a big difference to the time your home is on the market, and the price you get. The property market might be plateauing, and days on the market in some instances are longer, but having the right agent can still see you achieve a strong sales price.
At Belle Property Balmain, we have a list of potential buyers who may be interested in your property. We will also pre-qualify any enquiries, which allows s to show your property to interested parties rather than people who aren’t fully committed to buying right now.
Being ahead of the curve when selling is important. If the market does turn, you want to sell now rather than later when prices have fallen further. Having the right sales agent is key here, and having one who specialises in the Inner West and understands the market and the buyer is so important.
Can we help with your Inner West home?
Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
