Summer is the selling season - here's how to make your home stand out

Residential property owners who are considering putting their homes on the market but aren't sure if now is the right time should go ahead. Despite economic uncertainty, the market has remained consistently buoyant over the past year, and peak residential sales are anticipated from September through to mid-December.

See what homes in your street have recently sold for by clicking here

That's the advice of Marcél du Toit, CEO of tech-enabled estate agency Leadhome, who notes that this year's driving factors also include semigration, emigration and a need for bigger properties that can accommodate work-from-home scenarios. And, while the still-low interest rate is ensuring that buyer numbers remain high, the number of houses they can choose from is also high and the challenge for sellers is making their properties easy to buy.

Price it right

Du Toit says that the first step towards ensuring that a property sells quickly is making sure that it's priced right.

One of the most critical elements of selling any property is getting the listing price right. Price is too low and sellers lose out on profits. Price too high and the property may not sell at all,  says David Jacobs, Gauteng Regional Manager for the Rawson Property Group.

The resounding advice from property experts is to use a professional real estate agent to value your home before settling on a listing price. But what are those agents actually analysing to arrive at the numbers they recommend? - READ | Valuing your property for sale? 4 key things to ensure it sells (fast!)

Spring clean and revamp

According to du Toit, a property's appeal isn't all in its price and an inexpensive revamp could not only add value but also go a long way towards selling a property promptly.

"If you're serious about selling, consider what you can afford to do, to improve the value of your home," he advises. "But always consider the return you will make on your investment. Contemplate what you can renew rather than replace. Major, but inexpensive, refurbishments can yield a healthy return and help create a home that house-hunters will want to live in."

Du Toit notes a trend towards homes changing hands with the big-ticket kitchen appliances included in the selling price and says that it makes sense to replace older appliances with state-of-the-art ones, to add value and appeal. If a buyer doesn't want them, he says, you can simply take them with you when you move. 

More low-cost, high-impact revamp tips include:

• Repainting cabinets or replacing the doors with a more modern profile.
• Updating door and drawer handles with on-trend hardware.
• Installing new taps and towel rails, and buying new bath and basin plugs.
• Replacing toilet seats, light switches and plug covers.
• Upgrading your light fittings.

And then there's the DIY that makes all the difference:

• Touch up cracked, chipped, stained and pitted grouting.
• Paint dated wall tiles, if you cannot afford to replace them.
• Tidy up your garden, patio, pavement and driveway. Also clean up inside your garage. Moving is a great opportunity to chuck all the junk.
• Make sure the pool is sparkling clean.
• Clean. Clean. And clean again.
   

Sell total peace of mind and comforting atmosphere 

Du Toit believes security features (or the lack thereof) can make or break a potential sale so consider whether that area needs a little attention. Also ensure your electrical (and gas, if applicable) compliance certificate is in order. 

First impressions also count, so replace your 'welcome' mat. Buy a diffuser to ensure there's a delicious scent in your home. Open all the curtains to create a light and airy atmosphere. 

"Repairs and maintenance are an essential tool when selling your home. Don't let your home look or feel unloved. Unloved homes are hard to sell. Upgrades, refurbishments and make-overs may be a valuable investment choice, or an absolute necessity, for you to compete with other properties on the market. You can win hearts and hard-earned buying power with carefully considered improvements," says du Toit.

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