There is no doubt that today’s home buyers, looking to make that move, are very price conscious, very price and value educated. This means that even when they see the property that is ideal for them, they won’t just pay any price.

There is also no doubt that some properties languish on the market for months. One clear principle in real  estate marketing, is that time on the market erodes value. 

Therefore, when selling your property, it is vital to get it right first time. The things to get right are:

• Your property.  Prepare your property to look it’s best.
• Get the price right! The most buyers for any property are in the market in the first 10-14 days. Don’t wait and see and drop your price later. The best buyers may have been and gone. If you can’t agree on the right asking price sell by Auction or Tender.
• Your Marketing: You only have one chance to make the biggest impact. Launch with the biggest and best campaign you can. The first two weeks are critical!

Last week Pip and I sold a home that had been on the market for 2 years with another company. What did we do that was different? It’s winter and once again there is a shortage of homes. Properties that have been on the market a while are moving.

Selling your home in winter in New Zealand presents it owns challenges. As I write this it is pouring with rain, and cold. Homes just do not show well in this weather, and both buyers and sellers are often reluctant to get out and look at property.

But, at this time of the year, buyers are serious. Many buyers like to look at homes in the winter months, because they see them in a different light. The weather will filter out any tyre kickers and nosy neighbours. And when you sell in winter, you’ll be the one shopping for a home in spring, when all the other houses come on the market. There’ll be a bigger choice and you will be cashed up and in a good position to buy.

[Read more →]