Waterfront properties may be in demand, but there is always competition! You want your cottage to stand out among the rest and fetch the highest price possible—how can you make that happen?
Choose the Right Agent
Not all agents have experience selling waterfront properties. When choosing a Realtor®, ensure you’re going with someone who knows how to maximize their resources to sell your cottage.
Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
The attention a property receives while for sale is heavily determined by how it’s marketed. Waterfront properties in particular are very appealing, so your agent should have no problem leaning into the property’s best features when they market your home.
Here are some key points to focus on:
- The water: Of course, the water is going to be the biggest draw of the property. If the water is clear and perfect for swimming, then that should absolutely be a focal point of the marketing. If the water isn’t the best for swimming, then focus on some of the other points below.
- Recreational activities: So many recreational activities can be had on a waterfront property. Boating, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing—all of these possibilities are appealing to buyers. Determine which of these activities are best suited to the property’s location and use those as marketing points.
- Nature: Many waterfront properties are more rural, making them the perfect retreat from city life. Highlight the peaceful atmosphere of the property and the opportunities to take in the beautiful landscape.
- Architecture: Lean in to your cottage’s charms! Is your cottage the more rustic log cabin type, or is it more like a modern retreat? There are buyers for just about every type of style, so be sure to highlight yours.
- Amenities: Listing nearby amenities is a great way to make your cottage stand out from the rest. Are you near any historical sites or attractions? Fantastic restaurants or shops? Hiking trails and camping areas? Ski resorts? All of these places can be very attractive to potential buyers.
Staging to Sell
How your property is staged can make all the difference when selling your cottage. When it comes to waterfront properties, staging should begin outside the home!
Outdoor spaces are the main appeal of a waterfront property, so you want to ensure these areas are designed to get buyers envisioning themselves living there. If your cottage has features like a fire pit or outdoor kitchen/BBQ area, set it up to be cozy and inviting.
We often talk about curb appeal when it comes to selling a home, but with waterfront properties it’s all about “shoreline appeal”. Clean up your shoreline so it’s free of trash, mow the grass, plant flowers, and trim hedges to make your property look fresh and thriving.
If you choose to hire a professional stager, they’ll be able to determine what approach to take when staging your home. Forgoing a stager and organizing the home yourself is also a viable option.
How you stage your cottage will depend on what kind of impression you’re trying to make. If you have a cozy and rustic log cabin, then your staging will want to reflect that and lean into the cabin aesthetic. If your cottage is more modern, then you may want to opt for more neutral colours and modern designs and furniture.
By focusing on your waterfront property’s best selling points, you can attract more buyers and hopefully fetch a price over asking!
