How we’re selling homes in the current market

The last two years brought a lot of surprises for people in the real estate industry. 

In early 2020, the first wave of COVID infections saw property inspections cancelled and sales put on hold. There’s no denying this was a tough time for us but HPA still achieved a great deal, even in difficult circumstances.

After that initial lockdown, Australia emerged as something of a ‘safe house’, which led to expats returning and fewer people selling their homes. Those who were worried about property prices dropping experienced the exact opposite as demand surged.

As we learned to live with COVID, we adapted. Our ‘lucky country’ saw unprecedented property price growth and the homes that did sell in 2021 did so for a premium. As the world collectively moved online, the real estate industry did the same, and with great success.

Now that we are in year three of the pandemic, it’s all about staying flexible and being prepared for a ‘step change’ at any time. If you have been holding off on selling but can’t wait any longer, the good news is we are ready for anything.

How we’re selling homes in the current market

If a home needs to be sold, it can be sold. This is regardless of market conditions, pandemics, lockdowns or weather.

The key is to do the groundwork and be prepared. This means working with a professional team and following their lead when it comes to styling, photography and marketing.

Styling makes a home look its best, optimising space and giving an outstanding first impression. 

Photos should be taken by an expert who uses the right lighting and angles. Great images will stop a buyer as they’re scrolling and get them to click. If they like what they see, they’ll start to form an emotional connection with the property and revisit those images again and again. Many homes are sold these days without the new owner setting foot inside.

Marketing ensures your listing is seen by as many people as possible. It reaches far and wide, grabbing attention on social media and international property platforms. 

You also need to work with an experienced property agent. The benefit here is our extensive list of ‘purchase ready’ contacts. These are people who have been searching for a home for some time and want to move very quickly. Often, we can have a buyer in a matter of days, especially in this busy market.

Rules for open homes during COVID

Like it or not, we’re still in a pandemic. Even though we love meeting people, we don’t love the thought of spreading illness. With this in mind, we’re sticking closely to current legislation. This includes mandatory face masks for everyone over the age of 12.

When it comes to vaccinations, it’s not mandatory that buyers are double-jabbed and boosted, however we act on behalf of homeowners and can accommodate concerns in this area.

The good news is that there aren’t currently any restrictions on numbers at an inspection or auction. However, those who don’t want to show up in person and wish to view a property or bid virtually can still do so. With Omicron keeping entire families indoors for days and even weeks at a time, the ability to connect and interact online is certainly very helpful.

Rest assured that our team is keeping an eye on guidelines and is always ready with a back up plan. We want you to have a positive experience, regardless of what’s going on with COVID.

Want to know more about selling your Neutral Bay home in 2022? Get in touch with our experienced team today – we are always happy to chat.