Featured Releases:
Advice:
Help and Advice:
Newsletters:
Opinion and Analysis:
Property Management:
Residential:
Archive Press Releases:
Find an article
Browse articles:
- November
Homes do sell in winter | Anne Porter
Posted: 30th November -0001
Many potential home sellers hold the view that winter is not a good time put your home on the market – but, says Lanice Steward, Managing Director of Anne Porter Knight Frank, like so many perceptions, this is based only partly on truth – and it can be challenged.
“The truthful aspect is that buyers are more sometimes more reluctant in winter to get out and go house hunting – and delay this until the weather improves.
“On the other hand, those who are contacting us at this time are serious buyers and often in a hurry to make a purchase.
“It must also be realised that as there are fewer houses on the market in winter, competition will be less stiff and there is a better chance of getting a good price.”
If you are buying in winter – or indeed at any time – says Steward, it is important to realise that some of the best buys available in the market do not always showcase well and look very unpromising initially.
“It is essential to be able to visualise how a home can look once you have got your hands on it. I have seen gloomy, shadow-filled, pet-smelly houses with dull colour schemes literally transformed (and made instantly 15% more valuable) by an energetic buyer moving in, repainting, bringing in new furniture and curtains, widening a window or two, replacing carpets and floorboards, cutting back creepers – and in general putting a new face on the home, often at very little cost.”
For further information contact Lanice Steward on 021 671 9120 or email lanice@anneporter.co.za.
“The truthful aspect is that buyers are more sometimes more reluctant in winter to get out and go house hunting – and delay this until the weather improves.
“On the other hand, those who are contacting us at this time are serious buyers and often in a hurry to make a purchase.
“It must also be realised that as there are fewer houses on the market in winter, competition will be less stiff and there is a better chance of getting a good price.”
If you are buying in winter – or indeed at any time – says Steward, it is important to realise that some of the best buys available in the market do not always showcase well and look very unpromising initially.
“It is essential to be able to visualise how a home can look once you have got your hands on it. I have seen gloomy, shadow-filled, pet-smelly houses with dull colour schemes literally transformed (and made instantly 15% more valuable) by an energetic buyer moving in, repainting, bringing in new furniture and curtains, widening a window or two, replacing carpets and floorboards, cutting back creepers – and in general putting a new face on the home, often at very little cost.”
“The flip side of this is that if you are selling it is worth your while to invest in your property to ensure a higher return. Clean the carpets, freshen up the rooms with a coat of paint and make sure that the house does not have that 'old dog damp smell',” said Steward.
For further information contact Lanice Steward on 021 671 9120 or email lanice@anneporter.co.za.
Posted by: Anne Porter Knight Frank
