It is often said that the property market slows down in the run up to Christmas. But in fact, this can be a great time for sellers, as buyers use Christmas as a cut-off date for moving in and become more motivated to push forward with their property search.
While there are a number of factors outside of your control, here we’ve highlighted some of the ways you can help maximise viewings of your property before Christmas, ensuring you find a buyer sooner, rather than later.
Be flexible with viewings
We know that sometimes it can be difficult to facilitate viewings around your busy schedule, especially when you have children. But it is important to be as flexible as possible with times and days to make sure you get as many potential buyers through the door.
While it is not always possible to be out the house when there are viewings, we recommend that you try to minimise the amount of time you are inside the property when there are buyers looking round, as this can put people off. It’s important for someone to be able to visualise themselves living in the space, which might be difficult if you’re hanging around.
If your property has tenants living in it, make sure that they are on your side and communicate with them at all times about what is happening. Provide them with any updates on the sale and of any viewings, which should mean that they are also flexible – and tidy too.
Get the best online advertising
If you sell your home through Foxtons, your property will automatically appear in the featured property box at the top of Rightmove's search page. This maximises the number of online views of your home.
95% of buyers start their journey on these property portals, so this will be where most people see your home first – and first impressions count.
Make sure your home is clean and tidy
First impressions count, both when potential buyers physically view your property and online.
It’s easy for your home to get lost when buyers are flicking through pages and pages of online property details. But presenting your property in the best way before the photos are taken is key to getting enquiries about your home and stopping people from clicking onto the next property.
Simple ways to make your home as presentable as possible include sorting out quick and easy DIY jobs that you have been putting off, such as wonky kitchen doors, light fittings and mould in bathrooms.
It’s also important to tidy and clean your property thoroughly, removing any clutter from kitchen surfaces and mowing the lawn.
Remember, a picture says a thousand words, and you don’t want those words to include 'messy', 'dark' or ‘I don’t want to live there’.
Put the tree up after photographs are taken
If the photographer has arranged to come to your property in the few weeks leading up the Christmas, we recommend putting up your tree and decorations after they have visited. It can be difficult for buyers viewing your property online to look past the massive tree in the living room, especially after Christmas when people are experiencing the January blues.
If your home doesn't go under offer before Christmas, don't worry. January is one of the busiest months of the year for buyer registrations, which is great news in terms of your property getting more attention. But there will also be more competition from sellers, as the number of valuations increases and therefore the number of properties on the market.
