Prepare for your next property move in 2022

Dwelling values across Adelaide real estate skyrocketed more than 20% over 2021 [1]. Buyer demand out-paced stock levels resulting in the highest annual appreciation in property prices since 1989. However, there is talk of market gains slowing into 2022 [2], so if you are considering selling your home and have been holding off for the peak of the market, Summer 2022 may be a good time to sell.

The Christmas break is fast approaching and if you’re spending it at home this year, it’s a great opportunity to prepare for your next property move. Make simple repairs, de-clutter and give a tired home a facelift, ready to present in its best possible light and maximise the sale price.

Or if you’re looking to buy a property, it’s a great time to get your finances sorted, get pre-approved and sign up to our exclusive buyer database, OC First.

What can I do over the Christmas and New Year break to prepare to sell?

Clean, de-clutter and de-personalise

The easiest and most fundamental job anyone can take on when preparing their home for sale is to de-clutter and de-personalise. Clean out wardrobes, tidy shelves and countertops, take down family photos and get rid of excess furniture. It doesn’t cost anything, and in fact, you could even make money out of the job by selling unwanted goods online. Another added benefit to making this your number 1 holiday job is the time and energy you will save come moving day, with less to pack and transport.

Refresh, repair or repaint

The next simple DIY job almost anyone can do that always pays off is to paint. A new coat of white or soft neutral paint will brighten interior spaces and can make them appear larger. It will give your home a fresh feel and a new lease on life. Just be sure to take care to ensure the best finish.

Other DIY jobs you may be willing to take on are removing old blinds and replacing them with new window treatments. You could also repair or replace flooring or tiles, clean grout, fix the fence, pressure-wash the façade or repaint cupboards or doors, just to name a few. But remember, if you aren’t usually a handy person with attention to detail, it may be best to call in the professionals as your DIY improvements could backfire or be downright dangerous.

Create a picture-perfect facade

If you’re looking to sell in early 2022, the holiday break is the perfect time to get your yard in order. Ouwens Casserly Real Estate agent Amity Dry says “First impressions count! Look at the front of your house through prospective buyers’ eyes and make sure the garden is neat and tidy, any dead plants are removed, and a fresh layer of black mulch is applied. Lots of buyers drive past the home first before deciding whether to go in, so make sure that impression is a good one”.

Seek advice

Any DIY or renovations should work in harmony with the character of the home and enhance its unique decorative or structural features. Complement a heritage home with classic details, or if you are working with a modern home, your go-to would be an on-trend and streamlined aesthetic. Invisible improvements like new insulation or underfloor heating rarely offer a good return on investment when preparing your home for sale. If you’re not sure, our team can always help with real estate advice – contact us here. Ouwens Casserly agent Will Fitridge recommends, “Engage an agent long before you are ready to place your property on the market. They can help guide you with where to spend funds to maximise profit and prepare your property for market with a network of trades and stylists.”

Do your research

The holiday break is also a great time to start shopping around for an agent if you don’t already have one in mind. Ouwens Casserly agent Lincoln Marshall suggests, “Review your prospective agent on realestate.com.au. Check out their history and read testimonials from past sellers on their experiences with the agent”. Check out Ouwens Casserly agents on ratemyagent.com.au too, and find out what your home is worth get an instant digital appraisal here.

How can I prepare to buy?

If you’re looking to buy, it’s time to sort out your finances and get pre-approved by your bank so you can move quickly when you find the right property. This will place you in the best possible position when putting in an offer or bidding at an auction. The team at Fresh Home Loans have some great resources to help, visit their website here. Be sure to check out our Expert Real Estate Tips blog, for real estate buying secrets from our experts.

Your next step is to sign up for OC First & buyer alerts. OC First listings are properties that are held back from the general market and are exclusive listings to Ouwens Casserly. You can get first access to a range of our properties, sign up here.

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