A sellers’ guide to Spring Success

There’s a notable change in the air: Warmer sunshine, frostless mornings and later sunsets have been routinely enjoyed by Aucklanders this year as we head into the final weeks of winter. Spring has sprung early, according to a latest report from Weatherwatch, with warmer days set to continue throughout August and into September. For many of us, that’s our signal to break out the allergy meds and head for the hills, but for the house seller it’s also a sign of good things to come – Peak house market activity is about to begin.

Spring is a great time of the year to sell your home, and we have the data to prove it. In last year’s September-November period, there was an uplift of median house prices, with Ray White’s economist Atom Go Tian noting the 12-month rolling count of listings increased 15.9% from August to September.According to Atom, house prices “typically peak twice annually: in March when the year resumes, and then again in the ‘-ber’ months in anticipation of the holiday shutdown period. During this time of year, “more sellers turn to auction with homeowners, agents, and mortgage brokers preparing campaigns and purchasers to capture the momentum of the season.”

This year’s season is set to be unique, with Auckland already performing particularly well, recording a 9.4% increase on listings for this time last year, according to an August report from REINZ.

The picture is clearer than your sinuses after a hayfever tablet: Now is the time to consider selling. Industry insiders note three key ways to prepare for successful listing and selling this spring:

Lock in early
In this busy season, resources can be spread thin. As we head into the first month of spring, it’s time to list with an agent and think through your ideal timelines for selling your home.  Schedule sessions with interior stagers, photographers and storage facilitators ahead of time to beat the masses. Preparing your space for open homes can take longer than expected, so start ‘spring cleaning’ now to be ready. When planning your home’s photoshoot, don’t forget to consider Daylight Saving, which begins in the last week of September. The change will mean darker mornings and lighter evenings as the season’s adjust.

Let listings, land and light do the leg work
Better weather means an increase of potential buyers at in-person open homes. You can leverage this by highlighting other spring elements. For example, gardens are beautiful during this time of year and can become a key selling point to your property. Work to maintain your lawn and flower beds now so they can work for you in the months ahead.  Take note of areas of your home that receive more light in the spring season, and aim to keep these clean, dust-free and decluttered as they may help your space feel open and welcoming to potential buyers. When looking to accentuate and decorate, pick seasonal colours such as greens, yellows and purples in cushions, throws and candles to match the spring surroundings.

Talk to an industry insider
It can be tempting to rush into upgrades and renovations with the aim to upsell your home in the market place. However, it’s always best to talk to an industry insider before committing to any project. A real estate agent is equipped with a knowledgeable, outside perspective that can help you prioritise improvements and plan your sale strategy. They know the latest home trends, market feedback and buyer expectations to determine what will actually add value to your listing.

At Ray White Kingsland, we’re determined to help you tackle spring selling with confidence. We use real-time market data to position your listing in front of the right people, at the right time (and in any season!). 

Ready to chat?
Meet our industry insiders and local property experts, and book your free house appraisal today.

Curious about what’s been selling in the lead up to spring?
Check out recent sales in your area.