IF you are considering selling in winter take the time to begin preparing your property for sale.
The success of a sales campaign will greatly improve if a property has been prepared adequately in the lead up.
Properties with the best presentation often sell higher and faster.
The next time you drive home and into your property, think like a buyer would. If you were a buyer for your property what would you be looking for – or at?
Not all buyers are the same and their search criteria and wish list will vary, but they will all gravitate towards great presentation. You may just need to put the polish back on the diamond, so to speak.
As agents, we drive through a lot of front gates and you get a sense very early on about what lies ahead. First impressions set the scene, so special attention needs to be given to the front entrance and driveway. Replacing the front sign, painting the fence and cleaning out the grid will ensure any buyers stopping at the front gate for a photo will admire your handy work. It says a lot about the quality and management which will translate to higher dollars when the sale concludes.
Once the first impression is ticked off the list, it is imperative to move any rubbish lying around the homestead and sheds. If you’re not taking it with you on your next move or you’re minding it for the kids, now is the time to move it or lose it! Too many times it is left until a week before settlement, when time is a valuable commodity.
Thirdly, it is advisable to work with your preferred agent as early as possible. If they are a good agent they will guide you every step of the way. Agents know what buyers will look at and what’s not so important. My advice is to set a property tour plan and time it. You may consider two routes, one long and the other short. That way you can accommodate buyers on tight timelines, while still providing them with a great overview of your property.
Both of these routes should have the road or tracks graded or brushed, if possible, and the fences straightened with wires tightened. The tour will be more comfortable and the presentation will help you stand out in the crowd. Buyers and agents always remember bad inspections and rough tracks.
The more you can do now will give you peace of mind that you have done everything you can for a successful sale. Most importantly, then it is over to your agent to seal the deal!
- Richard Royle is the director of rural and agribusiness at Colliers International. Colliers experts will feature here monthly.
