CONTRIBUTORSElite AgentSELLING + MARKETING PROPERTY

Maximising the allure: How to prepare homes for a new year sale

As you approach the end of the year, it’s time to put in some prep and get 2024 vendors ready for the opportunities that a new year brings.

For homeowners considering listing their property or who have also confirmed a new year launch of their property, there’s no better time to get ahead in the market than the start of the year.

To ensure they are ready to go once the New Year festivities are over, I recommend you share my checklist for them to work on over the break to ensure a seamless and successful process.

Let the light in

One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to enhance a home’s appeal is to open those windows and doors.

Allowing natural light to flood the space not only brightens the atmosphere but also eliminates musky smells and odours.

This small adjustment can make a world of difference, creating an inviting and fresh environment for potential buyers.

Get them into the habit of opening doors and window over the break to give the property a good airing out.

Pack the decorations away

Many wait until after New Year celebrations to pack away their Christmas decorations.

However, I would advise your clients to get everything packed up within the week between Christmas and New Year.

Window and glass clean

Something many forget is to do a deep clean of the windows.

This is especially important for dusk opens, as once the light hits every bit of dust or dirt will show.

Clean windows and door runners make a huge difference to any property old or new.

Daylight savings advantage

Take advantage of daylight savings to showcase their property in the best light—literally.

Consider scheduling open houses later in the day or even twilight viewings.

If the property has stunning views or an impressive outdoor space, twilight can be the perfect backdrop to highlight the beauty of the home.

Ask the vendor to share some iPhone photos of what they believe is the best time of day for their property and go from there.

Get in early to beat the competition

We all know that jumping into the market early in the new year can be a strategic move to outpace competitors.

Beating the rush before a flood of listings hit the market is advantageous.

With the current cost of living pressures, many homeowners are likely to stay put during the holiday season, making January an opportune time for potential buyers to attend open houses.

Professional styling for maximum impact

Engaging a professional property stylist is a game-changer when it comes to presentation and is also proven to increase the sale price by as much as 10 per cent.

As someone who’s been styling homes for sale for more than 15 years, stylists can offer tailored advice and services such as removing bulky items into storage, bringing in better-fitting pieces, or incorporating a more design-forward look.

Ensuring the home is market-ready and photography-friendly is key to making a lasting first impression.

Plus we can get it done in a day!

These simple yet impactful tips can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive
the home.

Investing in the presentation of their property pays dividends in creating a lasting and positive impression and really should outweigh the cost in the end.

By incorporating these tips into your approach with your clients, you’re sure to set the stage for a successful new year sale.

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Justine Wilson

Justine Wilson is the director and owner of Vault Interiors. She has a Bachelor of Interior Design from the University of Technology Sydney – and an impressive history of experience over the years in styling and staging homes for sale.