When is the best time to put a property on the market is a question we frequently get asked. Some say spring is the best time to sell because the garden looks its best, the weather is good and people are looking to buy a property so they can move in before Christmas.

Others say autumn; the rush of Christmas is over, the weather is still good and the garden is still looking presentable.

However, if everyone is putting their property on the market at these times, competition will be high as buyers will have more properties to choose from.

Selling out of the traditional season does have its advantages – there are less properties on the market so competition is down, and there are ways to make your property look great even if the weather is bad!

The fact is, in many cases, you can’t plan when to sell anyway and it’s circumstances dictating the situation. For instance, you may suddenly get a job offer interstate or need to release some cash from your investment property.

The truth of the matter is, there is no right or wrong time to sell, the most important thing is to have the right strategy.

Here are a few points to consider:

Presenting the Property

Look at how you’re presenting the property and which type of buyers you’re wanting to attract – investors or homeowners? Some people choose to use a professional photographer to take the photos for adverts and others use the services of a professional interior designer for open inspections.

Realistic Expectations

Price is something people always need to be realistic about. Look at what other similar properties in the area are selling for and speak to an agent so you can get a good feel for how the market is behaving.

The reasons for selling may also affect the price. For instance, if you want a quick sale, or you haven’t done any essential maintenance, you may have to be prepared to go for a lower price.

The Marketing Mix

If no-one knows your property is for sale, it’s not going to sell. You need to market the property and there are costs to consider associated with this.

Ensuring your property is listed online or in the local newspaper, the description is inviting and the pictures are good will all help sell your property.

How to Sell

Different properties in different areas suit different ways of selling. For some properties a private treaty works best while for others, you may get the best price by going to auction. Other methods of sale include sales by expressions of interest (EOI) and sale by tender.

Get an Agent

A good agent will help you every step of the way. It’s their job and they’ve got the experience! Furthermore, many will have a database of people looking for a particular type of property they can market too. We’ve actually sold properties simply by sending a property out to our database which has saved the seller marketing costs.

Want to know some more property selling top tips? We’re here to help!

Our knowledgeable and experienced team will help take the stress out of selling, make sure you avoid costly mistakes and will guide you through every step of the process. We’ve got the experience to help you get the best out of your property and will work with you to help you to get you the best price. With over 40 years of business in the area, we are one of Newcastle’s longest established real estate offices, so give us a call on 02 4954 8833 or pop into our office for a chat.