If you want to sell your home before Christmas, there’s still time, so long as you act quickly and put it on the market as soon as possible.
For those hoping their home will be snapped up by December 25, here are some tips:
- Boost your home’s kerb appeal
The HomeOwners Alliance found that 68% of buyers found kerb appeal to be important.
The features that matter most to buyers were found to be windows being in good condition and a roof that doesn’t need repair.
- Make sure the price is right
If it’s too high, you won’t get many viewings, but if it’s too low you could miss out on getting what your house is worth.
Recent analysis from Zoopla suggests that over-priced properties can languish on the market for around two months longer than homes which have been given a more realistic price tag from the outset.
Homes were considered over-priced where their original asking price had been reduced at least once – and the average time to sell was compared with homes where sellers had not needed to chop down their asking price.
- Get your house looking ‘good to go’
Buyers may be feeling a bit hesitant right now, so make sure your home is looking its best.
As the days get darker, make sure your home does not look too gloomy – it is vital to let in light with lamps, candles and mirrors.
As the festive season approaches, it may be tempting to drag down all the decorations from the loft, deck out the living room with tinsel and put reindeer on the roof.
But buyers need to be able to imagine how they would live in your property, so make sure it’s not looking too cluttered – or too personalised.
Also, bear in mind you wouldn’t want to have festive decorations in photos advertising your home, if it turns out you’re still trying to sell in January.
- Set up your solicitor
Instruct a solicitor early and start pulling paperwork together now to help your sale run smoothly.
Some firms have substantial experience around the legal work involved in buying and selling homes.
You may want to ask friends and family for any recommendations if they have had good experiences in the past.
- Optimise your viewings
Let your estate agent take the lead and tackle any tricky questions, but if you’re around during a viewing, listen in to make sure they’re putting your house in its very best light.
And make sure you do a final clean before any prospective buyers arrive.
With a chill in the air, you may also want to highlight anything that makes your home energy-efficient and would help buyers to save money on bills.
- Choose the right buyer
Many people see an ideal buyer as someone who is in a position to move quickly and has the finances in place. Good communication is often key when it comes to a successful house sale.