Want to sell your home this winter?

Want to sell your home this winter? Follow these seven tips to win over buyers and get it sold

• The housing market traditionally begins to slow in the run up to Christmas
• You can still achieve a successful sale during the festive season
• Follow these seven tips to ensure your home is appealing as possible 

The housing market traditionally begins to slow in the run up to Christmas as people tend to postpone big life-changing decisions until the New Year.

That's the time of year when people focus on making a fresh start, be it in relationships, with their job or their home. Until then, they tend to use the festive season to spend time with friends and family, pushing the idea of removal boxes firmly to the back of their minds.

However, there's no reason why you can't proceed with your sale in December, or at least get a head start in marketing your property before the traditional New Year rush - and with a shortage of homes going up for sale it may stand out more.

By following some simply steps you can progress towards a successful moving date.

Many people postpone putting their property up for sale until the New Year, but get a head start by marketing your home before Christmas

The following advice, produced by the National Association of Estate Agents, is aimed at making sure your property 'looks and feels attractive'.

David Mackie, president of National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), said: 'Traditionally, sellers hold off from marketing their homes in the bleak winter months, because they think it's a bad time to sell.

'But it is time to go against these out-dated claims and get your homes market-ready by making small but effective changes to make your home an inviting prospect for potential buyers looking to make a winter purchase.'

So, what is its advice to ensure a queue of buyers at your door this winter?

1. Don't forget about the exterior

Make sure the property looks well maintained and cared for from the outside, with windows and walls freshly washed to remove any dirt. Clear the path of leaves and make sure there isn't any ice on the paths that could cause potential buyers to slip. The first seconds upon arriving at the property are the most important in terms of impacting the buyer's decision.

2. Keep entryways clutter-free and clean

As rain is falling outside, keep your home clean and tidy inside. Make sure there is a door mat present for visitors to wipe their shoes and remove any wellington boots from the front door mat, so potential buyers won't trip over them.

3. Let there be light

With shorter days during the winter months, it is crucial to maintain a good level of lighting in your home to make it inviting for visitors, especially during evening viewings to create a warm and cosy ambience - and that includes outdoor lighting too. Make sure you should check all bulbs are working prior to a viewing.

Use lighting to create a warm feeling in your home and make it look its best

4. A warm welcome

Decorating your home may encourage potential buyers to stay longer - and having a roaring fire going can create a warming feel. Don't go too overboard with the tinsel though, as you don't want your property to look over-cluttered. Buyers should be able to envisage themselves living in your home, so it pays to make it as inviting as possible. Smell is also important, so putting out a diffuser, or some freshly cut flowers works really well.

5. Garden space

A messy garden can detract buyers, as it looks like lots of work needs to be done. The winter weather can also tire garden furniture, and make it look unsightly. If possible, clear patio furniture away, if not, ensure they are securely covered. It's worth spending a few hours trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, removing fallen leaves and dead plants to make a tidy outdoor space.

It is also a good idea to trim back overhanging branches, particularly those blocking the windows in order to encourage as much light into the property as possible. Increased rainfall over the winter months take its toll on guttering too, so check the gutters and drain covers are properly cleared of dead leaves and other debris, as leaky gutters and down pipes cause damage and are unappealing.

If you've got a fire or wood burner then winter is the ideal time to show it off

6. Tackle the DIY jobs you have been putting off

Make sure all small maintenance jobs have been made prior to putting your house on the market – such as fixing leaky taps or painting over cracks on the walls. Despite the fact you might not notice it, potential buyers will and fresh internal décor and paintwork goes a long way.

7. Winter break

If you are planning to get some winter sun and have a holiday booked, don't forget the heating in your home should be left on at a low temperature (minimum of 15°c), in order to prevent the pipes from freezing. If you are away for a long period and don't want to keep the heating on 24/7, make sure it is set on a timer.

Longer spells at a lower temperature can be more economical than shorter blasts at a higher temperature. This will ensure there are no problems upon your return to be dealt with before showing your home to prospective buyers.

 

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/28/want-to-sell-your-home-this-winter/