Tips for selling over the festive season

As the festive season approaches, those who have recently put their home on the market will have to face some unique challenges to sell the home over the holiday break.

According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, one of the most important things of which to be aware is the fact that the deeds office - like many other organizations - also closes over the holidays. According to their latest notice the deeds office will be closed from 22 December 2023 until 2 January 2024. The notice also advises that any registration that needs to occur before the end of the year would need to be lodged at the deeds office before 11 December 2023.

"Many real estate professionals will also take some time off at this time of year. Sellers will need to have this conversation upfront with their real estate professional to manage expectations and to coordinate schedules with their agent," he recommends.

Apart from working around year-end closures and breaks, Goslett notes that one of the biggest challenges for sellers is to keep the home as presentable as possible in case a viewing request pops up over this time. This is what makes selling over the holidays even more stressful than selling at any other time of the year, because keeping the place tidy with children and everyone else at home is no easy task.

"As far as possible, try to keep on top of the mess daily rather than allow it to pile up. Sellers can also request that their agent give them advanced notice of any potential viewing appointments so that they have enough time to tidy the home before any buyers arrive," says Goslett.

READ: Exploring property transactions: an A-Z guide

Another challenge sellers might face is keeping the home as appealing as possible to potential buyers while still enjoying the fun of decorating for the festive season. "As a rule of thumb, sellers are usually advised to remove as many personal items as possible to allow buyers the ability to picture themselves living within the space. Christmas decorations can often be sentimental and reflect the seller's personal taste, so it is advisable not to go overboard with the Christmas decorations when trying to sell the home," Goslett advises. 

Although there are some unique challenges to selling the home over the festive period, with help from the right agent, a seamless sale can be achieved over this time. "The trick is to find an agent from a reputable brand who has great communication skills and planning abilities and who can help guide you through all the complexities of selling over the holidays," he says. 

READ: 7 Upgrades that will improve your home's kerb appeal dramatically

According to Arnold Maritz, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby's international Realty, last month shared 10 proactive steps you can take as a home seller, and explained there are essentially two primary types of delays when selling a home; the first relating to the confirmation of the sale and those that occur once the sale has been confirmed and hold up the transfer.

Here is a look at what Maritz had to share: 

"Once the potential minefield of multiple complex steps, reams of documentation along with suspensive conditions and contractual obligations has been successfully navigated and the deal is finally done, many people breathe a sigh of relief.

"But the deal isn't quite done yet and the expected downhill cruise to transfer can still become an uphill battle if one isn't careful."

He says that many of these delays can quite easily be avoided or resolved through good communication and prompt co-operation with the transferring attorney and agent but if sellers have addressed the following points, they can offset many problems before they occur:

1. Have Approved House Plans Ready:

If you've made structural changes to your home, such as adding a room or renovating the kitchen, ensure that you have all the necessary permits and approved house plans ready for potential buyers.

Buyers often want to see these documents to verify that the work was done correctly and legally and getting plans approved with the Council can take many months which is probably a lot longer than most buyers would be willing to wait.

2. Get Your Certificates of Compliance Done:

If you are even thinking about selling your home at some point in the near future, it's a good idea to get a head start on your compliance certificates.

Property owners are required by law to ensure that the property is legally fit for sale and before the transfer can take place, the transfer attorney must be in possession of the relevant COCs and, although the process is quick and simple, if there are any major issues to be addressed, it could delay or even scupper the sale.

3. Complete Repairs and Inspections in Advance:

Before listing your home, conduct a thorough inspection to identify any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks and address these issues in advance to prevent them from becoming deal-breakers during negotiations.

4. Organise Financial Documentation:

Gather all essential financial documents ahead of time and if there are outstanding liens or debts on the property, work to resolve them before listing. Having your financial affairs in order can expedite the closing process.

5. Price Your Home Realistically:

Overpricing your home can lead to extended time on the market, resulting in frustration and potential financial losses.

Work with an experienced real estate agent to determine an accurate and competitive listing price based on market conditions, recent sales in your area, and the unique features of your home. A well-priced home is more likely to attract serious buyers quickly.

6. Declutter and Stage Your Home:

A cluttered or poorly presented home can deter potential buyers and prolong the selling process. Invest time in decluttering, depersonalizing, and staging your home to make it more appealing to a wide range of buyers. A well-presented home not only sells faster but may also command a higher price.

7. Be Flexible with Showings and Negotiations:

Being inflexible with showing schedules or negotiations can discourage potential buyers and lead to delays. Be open to accommodating reasonable showing requests and be willing to negotiate in good faith. A flexible approach can help maintain the momentum of the sale.

8. Secure a Qualified Real Estate Agent:

Selecting the right real estate agent is crucial in avoiding delays and frustrations. Choose an experienced agent with a strong track record and local market knowledge as they will guide you through the process, manage expectations, and proactively address any issues that arise.

READ: The role of a real estate agent : What you need to know

9. Anticipate Buyer Contingencies:

Buyers often include contingencies in their offers, such as home inspections, appraisals, or financing approval. Be prepared for these contingencies and ensure that your home is in good condition to pass inspections and appraisals. Clear any potential roadblocks to financing approval, such as unresolved liens or disputes.

10. Be Ready to Negotiate Repairs:

After the home inspection, buyers may request repairs or concessions. Be open to negotiating these requests to keep the deal on track. Addressing concerns promptly and reasonably can prevent delays caused by disagreements.

"A well-prepared and organised approach to selling your home is essential for avoiding frustrating and costly delays and by taking these proactive steps, you can increase the likelihood of a smooth and timely sale," says Maritz.

https://www.property24.com/articles/tips-for-selling-over-the-festive-season/32002