Many people wait to put their properties on the market until Spring believing that the housing market becomes more buoyant at that time.
However, there is an abundance of people who due to New Year’s resolutions, marital breakdowns (January traditionally has a higher rate of divorce than any other month) and those who simply decide during their festive break that they would like to upgrade their home, who are looking to purchase properties after the New Year.
That means that there are a large number of people looking for a property at the beginning of the year. This means that there is an opportunity for those who choose to list their property in January or February to avoid the increased competition amongst sellers that occurs during the Spring Rush.Increased competition during the Spring Rush means that many sellers discover that more choice on the market leads to lower sales prices. So, how can you seek to make the most of the early months of the year to sell your property before the Spring Rush begins?
Arrange Daytime Viewings
Shorter days mean less of a window to show your house off in the best light, daylight. If possible, arrange viewings during the day and make sure that your windows are clean and your curtains are wide open to allow as much light as possible to come into your property. If it isn’t possible to schedule viewings during the day, ensure that your property is well lit and welcoming.
Don’t Forget About Your Garden/Outside Spaces
Make sure your outside areas are looking their best by tidying away clutter, cleaning outside furniture and pathways and consider planting some winter flowering plants to inject some colour. If most of your viewings are outside daylight hours consider adding lighting in order to show your garden/outside space off even when it’s dark.
Heat Your Property
It may be cold outside but you want your potential buyers to feel like they are coming into a warm and welcoming home. Ensure that all the rooms in your house are sufficiently heated during viewings including spare bedrooms and bathrooms.
Choose the Right Estate Agent
It is important not to overprice your property as it can delay your move by several months. It is worth remembering that properties that linger on the market are always less desirable in buyers’ eyes as they presume that there is something wrong with them. A good estate agent will guide you through the property selling process and will help you to put your property on the market for the right price, not too high and not too low.
If you are considering selling your property in North Hykeham and would like to know how we can help you to make the most of the opportunity the current season provides, please give us a call on 01522 694775 or send an email to northhykeham@lovelle.co.uk.