Looking at my diary the other day, I noticed that we were already in week 29 – over halfway through this year. And what a year it’s been so far!
A year like no other in so many ways; one that has brought out the best in people – opening our pockets to bushfire victims across the country – and the worst in people –Covid’s crazy panic buying bad behaviour. The interruption to our daily lives and routines has been profound so it’s understandable that we might have let our normal winter property maintenance programme drop off a little. Or a lot. And even though we’re not yet out of the woods as Victoria and parts of NSW is showing us, it’s time to get our house in order, especially if a Spring listing is on your agenda.
So how is your interior looking? A little ‘winter worn’ perhaps especially as we’ve spent so much time in our homes over the past few months. It might be time to freshen up your interior with a coat of paint in neutral tones to appeal to the widest possible market. If your ‘indoors living’ has led to an accumulation of ‘stuff’ that never seems to be put away……it’s time to put it away! Clean out cupboards and pack away all your games, books and other lockdown amusement items. Clear surfaces give the impression of more space, something which is very appealing to buyers. Make sure your kitchen and bathroom/s are clean, tidy and sparkling and don’t forget windows and window furnishings such as venetian blinds and of course ensure carpets and rugs are smelling sweetly and stain free.
And while you’re focusing on your interior, don’t forget the outside. Street appeal is everything because that’s the first face to face between buyer and property and first impressions are lasting impressions! Clean gutters of autumn leaves and other debris, give the exterior of your home a brush down or a wash with a high-pressure water cleaner. Make sure your windows are sparkling and any rubbish left lying around over winter has gone to the tip or been stored away. As the days get a little warmer and it’s more enjoyable being outside, take the time to assess your garden. Lawns, edges, hedges should all be mowed, edged and trimmed. If you have a swimming pool, make sure it’s clear of leaves and the water isn’t cloudy – or worse – looking like the black lagoon. If you’re on a rural property, keeping everything looking wonderful can be a challenge given the larger landholding, but removing rubbish and keeping stables, shedding and storage areas clean and tidy is a terrific start.
And if you’re ready to list, why wait? Listing now will put you in the market when there’s a shortage of stock, so you have less competition which is beneficial and demand is outstripping supply, as a vendor you’ll be well placed to reap the rewards. R & R is looking for coastal, residential and rural lifestyle properties as well as vacant blocks across all our areas – Stroud, Gloucester, Forster, Bulahdelah and Port Stephens. We have buyers aplenty and your property may just be the property of their lifestyle dreams. Call or visit one of our offices and let our Teams of professional and knowledgeable sales representatives guide you through the process starting with our no-cost, obligation-free market appraisal. It’s an exciting time for vendors in our gorgeous region and when you’re with R & R, you’re in a safe pair of hands.
