With no signs of slowing down, our market is on fire and the silly season is yet to deter eager buyers who continue to be out in full force.
Buyers are already in a buying frenzy, but perhaps charged up even further - desperate to be settled prior to Christmas or in time for the new school year.
Let’s not forget, sales can be completed right up to Christmas Eve!
It might seem crazy to add the stress of a home-sale on top of a flat-out Christmas period, but lets break it down, there are so many benefit to listing your home this month.
We know that for many, the summer holidays are about as far from an actual holiday as you can get; Christmas shopping, potential hosting duties, kids around 24/7, round-the-clock heat, and before you know it, the back-to-school rush is on. Throw a house-sale on top of that pile, and it may be the straw the breaks the camel’s back (no three wise men pun intended)!
It’s easy to see how it can all be too much, but if you’re hosting another amazing Christmas after swearing it was your last one the year before, or pulling off a post-Christmas financial miracle by paying for your kids.
Buyers looking to move are usually desperate to be settled in before Christmas or in time for the new school year, and sales can be completed right up to Christmas Eve!
Choose the right agent
Sellers are spoilt for choice when it comes avenues to qualify agents. Use property portals such as REIWA and realestate.com.au to check out profiles and sales histories while using review sites like ratemyagen.com.au to read up on other seller experiences.
Organise inspections and reports
Take initiative and organise a building and pest report which can be viewed by potential buyers. Not only could this speed up the selling process, it will also help you to identify any issues requiring immediate action, along with many smaller issues that could become a much bigger problem if they aren’t eventually attended to.
Listen to your agents advice on price!
Pricing your home right can be the difference between a quick sale and a stale listing!
Offer an extended settlement
If you’re in no rush to sell before Christmas, consider extending your settlement terms to early next year – say Feb or March 2019. This will give the buyer a chance to sell their own property throughout January and February, most likely appealing to a broader range of potential buyers. It can also ease the stress on what is most likely a flat-out Christmas period for the buyer as well!
Be domestic
Make sure your give your property a quick spruce – clean your carpets, wash the windows, touch up paintwork, polish tiles and tidy garden beds. You’ll be surprised how little things can make huge differences to the overall picture.
Keep cool with the decorations
We know it is a festive time of year, but that doesn’t mean you should clutter your home with holiday decorations. It might be close to Christmas now, but keep in mind that buyers are looking for their dream home, and a magnitude of fussy Christmas decorations can often distract from the good qualities of the home and the impression it makes on a normal day. Take a subtle approach this year and opt for a smaller Christmas tree or just some simple decorations. It will be less for you to pack away in the long term anyway!
Don’t wait any longer
Don’t waste any time in marketing your home. Showcase it widely online, including social media, to let buyers know it is available and ready for purchase.
Be accommodating
If potential buyers are interested in viewing your property outside of the scheduled home open times, try and be accommodating! This could be a serious buyer who has viewed your property online and wants to take a closer look. Remember, it can be a busy time for everyone, so a little cooperation could go a long way!
CLOSURES TO NOTE
The Office of State Revenue will have shutdown dates to note – Visit their
website to keep on top of latest news and closure dates!