News & Advice.
A Buyer’s Guide to the Spring Selling Season.
Spring is traditionally the most fertile selling period of the year, taking advantage of gardens in full bloom and the warmer weather. But as the market blossoms, so too does the competition.
Buyers at this time of year can’t afford to be complacent. In this blog, our buyer’s agents outline four things you can do to help stay ahead of the competition and secure your desired property this spring.
Organise your finances
Get your finances in order before you start your property search. Pre-approval from the bank puts you in a strong position by giving you an advantage over other buyers who still need to go through a timely process.
If you have pre-approval, you will know your budget and be able to place an offer or bid with confidence and speed.
If you make an offer without pre-approval, you run the risk of prompting others to place offers while you get your finances together, which may result in you missing out on the property.
Research, research, research
COVID-19 has changed the way people buy property. Border restrictions and reduced open house showings and capacities have led to a spike in people purchasing sight unseen – heavily relying on real estate agents to provide virtual tours, detailed floorplans and imagery.
If you are in this position, you should conduct market research using property listing sites like realestate.com.au and Domain and lifestyle sites like Sitchu, which provides comprehensive suburb guides and insights. It is also a great idea to have someone you trust, or a neutral party, inspect the property for you in person.
Make sure you get an eye on the market more broadly by registering for online property alerts and mailing lists. Introduce yourself to local agents to find out what is happening in the market and let them know what you are looking for so that they keep you in mind when a new property becomes available.
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Spring is a popular time to sell because vendors can put their best foot forward when the property looks its best. A flowering garden and warm sunny day combined with professional property styling and staging can have a hypnotic effect on buyers.
It’s important to remember what is cosmetic and what is fundamental. Always inspect a property thoroughly. Open doors and cupboards. Look up, look down. Map out flow and functionality. Carry out due diligence thorough pest and building inspections. Look beyond what is immediately apparent and flag any areas of concern.
Know your strategy
Different sale types call for different approaches. Whether you are buying at auction or a private treaty, it is essential to have a strategy. Know your strategy before you make any type of offer. Coming up with it in the moment could cost you the property or see you pay too much.
In a COVID-19 world, more and more auctions are happening virtually, providing a very different context to an in-person situation. Bids can be made by raising your hand on video, with a paddle with audio on, or by typing in the chatbox. Think about your approach beforehand, and use a method that feels most comfortable to you.
Remember, go into every bidding situation with a firm understanding of your budget and ceiling.
The Maker Difference.
Our buyer’s agents know the ins and outs of buying property and can equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
Whether you are looking for support in hotspots like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, or in any other city or regional centre in Australia, we have the network to help you realise your property goals sooner.
Contact us or view our services to find out how we can help you with buying, bidding and relocating this spring.