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Thinking of selling your home in the new year? The start of the year can be a great time to sell, with buyers returning from their holidays refreshed and motivated to find that elusive dream property, especially if they missed out in the spring season.

There’s usually a lot to do in the lead-up to selling a property, so it’s never too early to commence your preparations. For those unsure what's required or what to focus on first, here are our essential tips to prepare for a new year sale.

Make any necessary repairs  

Take a close look around your property for any issues or damage that can easily be repaired. Changing old fixtures such as lights, door handles and tapware can make a place seem newly updated. Buyers want to know the home has been well looked after, so the holidays are a great time to get onto those fiddly small jobs you’ve repeatedly been putting off. Check all the lights work, spray any creaking doors, repair cracked tiles and replace broken blinds and flyscreens.  

Give your home a refresh 

Hiring professionals to tackle things like carpet steaming and mould removal can help to save time, particularly if you have a larger home. Focus on key areas such as kitchens and bathrooms – these are the spaces we know sell homes! If you have a unique colour scheme or retro wallpaper, add a fresh coat of paint, opting for a neutral palette such as whites and greys. Not only will this help the property to feel bigger, brighter and accentuate its best features, but it will also help buyers imagine themselves living there. 

Up your kerb appeal 

There’s a good reason they say first impressions count. When prepping your home for sale, look at the façade and garden through a buyer’s lens. Is it well-manicured? Does it need a fresh coat of paint? It’s time to get your hands dirty. Tidying up the front and back garden, raking old leaves, pruning shrubs, and adding a few flowering plants can really help lift a property’s street appeal. Scrubbing pavers and pathways (or using a pressure hose) for a deep clean and fixing the front fence can all make a difference. Read more about preparing your home’s exterior when selling.

Get the family involved  

The summer school holidays are a good time to get the home in order, with more hands on deck to help. Get older kids involved in sorting through their things, encouraging them to donate anything they are no longer using. Decluttering instantly makes a house feel cleaner and more spacious. In general, buyers prefer viewing a property as a blank canvas they can put their stamp on. Closer to your sale period, make sure to pack away any personal items, organise bedroom closets and cabinets, and consider staging the property to achieve a higher price.

Research local agents 

Understanding your local market is crucial when selling a property. Those considering selling their home in the new year should start their research early and engage an agent who deeply understands the local market and buyer behaviour. Speaking to well-regarded local agents will help you understand the best approach to selling your property and provide realistic insight into how prices are moving. Learn more about selecting an agent.

The process of selling can sometimes feel daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Speak to your local Hockingstuart office today for advice and assistance with your sale, including an obligation-free appraisal of your home’s current value.