7 October 2021
Top tips for listing in spring
Blossoms are blooming, grass is growing and there are buyers aplenty on the market. Spring has certainly sprung here in the Waikato. The season of new growth is also, traditionally, one of new home ownership with buyers wanting to enjoy months of summer entertaining in their new space.
So, how can you put a spring in the step of any potential buyers at your open home? Lugtons Residential Consultant, Natasha Fraser, shares her top tips for listing in spring.
1. Make the most of the twilight zone
Spring sends our clocks forward and with the bonus of daylight savings the longer days bring more opportunities for viewings. For something a little different, consider twilight open homes. Early evening viewings can make properties more accessible for people looking outside of work hours as well as take stock of important aspects, like the position of the afternoon sun.
“Being able to throw open all the doors for open homes and viewings with warm days and evenings gives buyers that sense of picturing themselves entertaining friends or family on that outdoor deck on a balmy evening,” explains Natasha. “We also find properties with swimming pools are more commonly listed in spring as, let’s face it, a swimming pool is much more enticing on a warm sunny day.”
2. Spring clean and clean some more
It goes without saying that if you’re putting your home on the market, it needs to be spotless. But if you’re listing in spring, it’s time to spring clean like you’ve never spring cleaned before! From curtains to carpets, skirting boards to spiderwebs, vacuum, dust, wash and wipe every nook and cranny. Spring sunshine has a habit of illuminating that dusty shelf you neglected in winter.
3. Clear out the clutter
Presentation inside and out is always key no matter what time of year you’re selling. Natasha recommends taking a ‘less is more’ approach when preparing your home for the market.
“Decluttering your home is key,” she says. “This will make your home look and feel spacious as well as providing clean and sleek photography, which is normally your first point of contact with any buyers. Go for a simple fresh fruit bowl on the kitchen bench or fresh cut spring flowers on the dining table. It will stage your home nicely.”
Personal items should also be kept to a minimum. Don’t leave family photos out on display. Instead, keep surfaces and shelves clear so potential buyers can visualise their own possessions taking centre stage.
4. Go green
Adding a pop of colour to your home’s neutral colour palette is a fail-safe staging tip, but this spring, go green. “House plants have made a large comeback in recent times,” Natasha says. “Well positioned plants that look healthy give any room a sense of life and look stunning in photography too.”
Just don’t forget the outside. Keep gardens tidy, lawns mowed, and weeds at bay! A pot of spring colour on the deck or at your home’s front entrance can also create curb appeal.
5. Say goodbye to winter
Winter’s been and gone, so don’t let it linger in your home. Remove evidence of winter sports activities by clearing the fridge of player of the day certificates and storing (now clean) rugby boots in the cupboard!
Clear out the gutter of winter leaves, empty the fireplace of winter ashes, and if there’s any part of your home that’s looking a bit tired, a lick of paint should freshen it up.e
6. Work with the weather
Spring can be a fickle time of year. Warm and sunny one day, cool and wet the next. So, how can you ensure your home is looking its best at this time of year?
“Accommodate those unpredictable days by putting umbrellas up and cushions out to showcase your outdoor living space on sunny days, while turning the heating up and lighting a candle or two on cooler wet days,” advises Natasha. “Either one will help to make your property feel like home for any potential buyers.”
7. Remember the three Ps
Spring and summer will always be the most popular time to sell; however, buyers aren’t seasonal. Buyers’ circumstances are always changing and, as we have seen post-COVID the demand continues to be high. This means selling your home can be a good time at any stage of the year. Just remember the three P’s when marketing your home… Price, Presentation and Promotion. If all are on point, you won’t stay on the market long.
Looking to sell your home? Speak with our friendly team of Residential Consultants to help your property blossom in the spring market.
