When's the best season to sell

Tis' the season to sell apparently, according to the latest reiwa.com data which shows houses sold in spring were snatched up much faster than any other time of year.

Although different seasons may boost the sale of your home, there are still a number of things to also consider with your real estate agent before you put your property to market:

• The general market conditions.
• The location of your property.
• Your personal situation.
• The condition of your property.

Summer

Summer was the second slowest season for house sales over the last three years, taking a median of 55 days to sell a property in 2019.

The housing market is usually quite slump during the lead up to the Christmas period with most people pre-occupied with social gatherings, Christmas shopping and travelling.

With these financial commitments, most people find it's too stressful to move during this time and will generally wait until the holiday season is over.

If you are selling a home during the summer months, make sure to keep in mind the heat when conducting home opens. If your home gets quite hot in summer, try cooling it down a couple of hours before a home open and consider scheduling home opens in the morning or evening so potential buyers are not discomforted and put off.

Autumn

Autumn is generally a busy time for real estate although not as busy as spring. It is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing time of year, with colour changes and pleasant weather conditions.

In 2019, sellers were waiting a median of 51 days to secure a buyer. It's a good time to put your property on the market if you had plans to sell over summer, with the stresses of Christmas over and the cold onset of the winter months still a few months off.

Take advantage of the beautiful aromas and changing of plants and flowers as this can add appeal to your garden if you have one and ensure the garden is maintained during this time to maximise these affects.

Winter

As dark and gloomy as this time of year can be, so can the real estate market. Selling a house in winter took over a median of 58 days in 2019.

However, selling your home in winter has its advantages, especially for those homes that present well in winter. The focus should really be on making prospective buyers feel warm and cosy. If your home has a fireplace, warm carpets, heated floors or a heating system then make sure to utilise this at your home opens.

Also, with less movement in the property market gives your property the chance to stand out with less competition, so it could pay off to make the most of this relatively quiet season.

Make sure to speak to your real estate agent who can assist you with securing the right time for your home opens. Timing it right with the winter sun could be the perfect balance for your home to be outstanding.

Spring

Traditionally, spring is known to be an up-beat time for real estate. After the cold winter months have gone, there is generally a larger pool of buyers. People are generally more active this time of year, plus the weather is ideal and gardens look their best.

As people start to get their first taste of warmth in these months, they tend to spend more time outdoors. Make sure the outdoor aspects of your home are up to scratch. Use this time to showcase your property in the best possible spring light.

Selling your house in spring in 2017 took a median of 38 days, 42 days in 2018 and 39 days in 2019.

But despite the fast selling days, you might see an influx of property on the market in spring which could increase competition, so it's always best to consult with your real estate agent about selling your home.

Thinking about selling? Contact a local REIWA agent today.