There is often speculation as to when is the best time to sell your home. Sellers often wait for certain times in the year that may be construed to be better than others. If you feel like you are ready to sell, you should seek a valuation and consider whether it is the right time for you, as it may well be right now.
The imminent general election has caused mixed feelings about the housing market. Many are waiting for the outcome of the election to see whether policy changes (such as stamp duty reforms), will be put in place. However, if you are considering selling your home, now is a good time to put your property on the market. There will always be other circumstances that can affect the housing market, but none of that should prevent you from getting a full market appraisal.
House prices have continued to increase throughout these uncertain times so you may be surprised at how much your home is worth. No matter what time of the year it is, there are a few checks that you can run through to ensure that your home is in its optimum condition. High spec homes are attracting the attention of serious buyers. If your house is well presented and organised, it will help potential buyers believe in your home.
Photos
Photos, photos, and more photos! If there was only one thing that could attract potential buyers to your home, this is it. It’s the first time people will see your home, and remember what we said about first impressions! Ensure that photos are of a high specification, in natural daylight and show the full room to its full potential. Check that your home is neat and tidy so that buyers can visualise living in the home themselves.
Christmas
Leading on from photos, we have Christmas. You should ensure that you have photos of your home without decorations up, so that those viewing can see how the space in the home could look throughout the year. Christmas time is where we can really show off our homes and display how inviting it is, giving viewers a lasting feeling about your home. The festive spirit is a great tool but be mindful to use tasteful festive décor without too many different colours. Everybody has different tastes so a more neutral Christmas touch will work best if you have viewings over the Christmas season. Potential buyers will also be able to see a sense of community and good spirits in the neighbourhood.
Declutter
Your home needs to be clean and tidy when on the market. This includes the exterior as well as the interior, as you never know when a potential buyer may be driving past the home unexpectedly! First impressions last so you don’t want to tarnish them by being messy, so keep leaves swept off the garden and ensure that doorbells and outside lights are working; this shows that the home has been well maintained. Inside you want to show that there is ample storage space. Ensure that anything that is left out on tables, sides or shelves is there for a purpose, so that potential buyers can see that there is plenty of storage to maintain a tidy home.
Paperwork
Remember all that paperwork that you know is important, so you keep in that ‘safe place’? Well, now is the time to dig it out. Important documents relating to deed titles and guarantee certificates for any work you have had done are essential during the selling process. Collate any paperwork that you have for the home into a folder so that you can show prospective buyers that everything is in order.
