Waiting for Spring to Sell?

Planning & Preparation is a vital component in a successful sale.

That Starts Now…

Waiting for warm weather and blooming gardens might already be too late.

“If you’re not focused by mid to late July, heading into August, chances are your competition has already run — and won — the race.”

After 35 years in real estate, I’ve seen countless spring markets. And I know the difference between sellers who get ahead and those who fall behind. My advice? Start early, plan smart, and don’t rely on seasonal hype to deliver results.

Yes, the property calendar is influenced by school holidays and the weather - but Spring’s appeal is mostly psychological.

“People feel more comfortable listing in Spring. The homes look great, the gardens are blooming, and the sun’s out - it makes open homes more pleasant. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to sell.”

Buyers Aren’t Seasonal

Buyers don’t wait for sunshine. They act when they find the right property - regardless of the calendar. If it’s July and the home ticks their boxes, they’ll buy. Queensland’s auction clearance rate is already over 65% - and rising. Buyers are out there now.

The Spring Bottleneck

August is when unprepared agents scramble to catch up - trying to re-engage sellers and launch campaigns while their competition is already live.

That’s why I want my clients working with a clear plan by July. If repairs, styling, or upgrades are needed, they should be done now, during the quieter months.

We call this “Off-Season July” - the groundwork phase. It’s when polished campaigns are born and when great results are set in motion.

Education: The Secret Advantage

It’s easy to assume sellers know when to launch - but often, they don’t. Buyers are driven by settlement dates. If they want to be in a new home by Christmas, they need to be buying in September or October. November? That’s cutting it fine.

If I don’t educate my clients on this timing, they can miss the window entirely.

In today’s market, agents can’t just be marketers. We must also be educators and project managers. That’s where true professionals stand out - by guiding their clients through every step, not just listing the home.

Standing Out by Stepping In Early

One of the best ways to shine in a competitive Spring market is to launch before the crowd. I often use what we call a ‘soft launch’ - no signboard, no portals, but we’ve got high-quality photos, the full story of the home, and we’re showing it exclusively to our qualified buyers.

This builds excitement, urgency, and a feeling of exclusivity - often leading to strong pre-market offers.

“It’s not off-market - I can give you plenty of reasons not to go that route. It’s pre-market - and buyers love it. They feel like they’re getting early access. That emotional edge becomes leverage and can result in a better price.”

The Two-Speed Market

With rate cuts on the horizon, we’re seeing a shift in buyer behaviour.

Right now, there are two types of buyers:

1. Ready buyers - already approved and willing to pay more now, anticipating lower rates.

2. Waiting buyers - holding off until rates drop so they can reapply and boost their borrowing power.

   
   

Agents need to know exactly where their buyers are in this cycle - and adjust their seller strategy accordingly.

If my selling clients can hold, they may be able to buy into a better suburb when rates shift. But they won’t hear that on the news - they need a professional in their corner who sees the bigger picture.

Relationships That Last

Some of my clients from 35 years ago still call me today. I’m helping with their estates, selling to their children, getting referrals - because I stayed in touch and supported them through multiple chapters of life.

The agents who win for their clients year after year don’t chase the Spring rush. They plan ahead, act early, and genuinely care about the outcomes for their clients.

“You have to scan the road ahead - school holidays, rate decisions, buyer sentiment, even the weather. It’s not just about listings. It’s about timing, storytelling, and trust.”

So What Separates a Good Agent from a Great One?

Great agents don’t just put a home on the market. They educate. They plan. And they do what’s right for the client - even if that means waiting.

That’s how you build lifelong relationships - not just one-off sales.