How to prepare to sell a house in spring

Spring is traditionally a busy season for real estate, with the warmer weather often seeing renewed vigour from prospective property buyers who held off from purchasing during the colder months, and vendors aiming to sell and relocate in time for Christmas. 

Given that rents are rising and vacancies are low, Century21 expects that much of the market activity this spring will be from first-home buyers looking to enter the property market. 

There will likely be a flurry of activity in New South Wales in particular, with first-time buyers moving to act before the removal of stamp duty exemptions (except on new properties) as of January 1, 2012.  

One of the best steps that these prospective buyers can take to prepare for a purchase will be to obtain mortgage pre-approval well in advance so that good opportunities can be acted upon swiftly. 

For sellers, it’s all about presentation. With spring typically seeing numerous properties listed, you want yours to stand out, giving it the best possible chance to sell for a good price. 

There are numerous, cost-effective ways to revitalise your property – a fresh coat of paint, updating your outside areas with some colourful plants and a thorough clean-up will do wonders to improve its appeal for buyers.

Charles Tarbey is chairman and owner of Century 21.