Why this winter could be the best time for you to sell
It’s true that winter is comparatively quieter in terms of property sales and the number of properties on the market, here in Taupo. But, with the booming market that we have been seeing over the past year and plenty of prospective buyers still on the hunt, the best time for you to sell might just be right now!
Don’t let the chilly weather put a damper on your property prospects. The median sale price for houses in Taupo has increased by $113,000 in the last 12 months in Taupo. This is coupled with the lowest stock levels that our local real estate market has seen in decades (source: REINZ).
With supply so low this winter but demand so high, there will be little competition and far more eyes on your property. Both of which are very favourable conditions for sellers in this market.
To back up our statements, our partners at Trade Me Property have conducted some third party research which has found some interesting results, which could help you to make your decision.
(source: Trade Me Property - prepared on 8 July 2021)
If you have a home that falls into any of the above categories you’ll certainly have a lot of eyes on your property!
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Here are some tips if you are thinking of selling this winter
Expect questions about insulation and heating
These are questions you should expect to receive during any season, but even more so during winter. The warmth of the house is one of the key features buyers will notice in winter.
If you have insulation (at least floor and/or ceiling) and at least one source of heat (a heat pump and/or fire) then most buyers will be pretty happy. In order to prep your home for sale, and ensure you have a positive answer to these questions, it would be a good idea to speak to your agent to see if they would recommend adding any further insulation or a heat source.
Make sure all of your lights and bulbs work
When the days are so short and often dark, dingy and damp, you want to create a bright and warm haven for people to retreat to out of the cold. In winter, it’s not enough to have lamps simply as decoration, they need to work!
Think warm light bulbs, side lamps on adding depth to each room, even some fairy lights in places - you want to be like a glowing beacon in the darkness that people flock to; light spaces are inviting, whereas dark or shadowy corners or rooms give a damp and cold impression.
Tidy up your driveway and garden
Your plants may not look their best in winter, but it doesn’t mean your garden has to look messy. Sweep up any dead leaves, cut any long grass, and pull out any unsightly weeds.
Also, it is definitely worth scrubbing your deck and driveway with a hard bristle outdoor broom or get a power washer on it to ensure no one slips over on their way in or out, and so that it looks its best.
Make your home look warm and cosy
Home staging is a good idea no matter what time of year, whether you do it yourself or if you get your agent to book professional staging.
If you do it yourself, which is easier than you think, all you need to do is make sure your home is clean, tidy, decluttered and, in winter, cosy.
Make sure you have cosy throws on the sofas and beds, use side lights or lamps, light the fire, add a fluffy rug to your lounge or bedroom, remove your coats from your coat hooks and strategically choose one or two nice-looking winter coats to hang there instead - you get the idea.
Have a place for people to put their wet shoes, umbrellas and coats
With weather tending towards the wet site at this time of year, you won’t want people traipsing wet and potentially muddy shoes, dripping wet coats or umbrellas, through your house.
Have a spot undercover or inside a porch area where you can put people’s shoes, umbrellas, and hang up their coats; a large doormat for shoes, a receptacle (maybe a bucket) for umbrellas and a coat stand or hooks for people to hang their coats.
Make sure your home smells nice
Not only will there be the potential for a lot of damp people and shoes coming into your home, but in winter time homes aren’t aired out as regularly.
Make sure that you have a nice diffuser, wax melt or scented candle (don’t light and leave it) out to freshen the air. Make sure you don’t have anything too overpowering - a nice, soft but warming scent would be ideal, like citrus or woody scents. Or, before an open home, put some bread buns in a warm oven to give the scent of fresh baking.
Engaging the old factory sense, in a good way, will leave a great impression on anyone viewing.