There is always ‘the moment’ – usually somewhere between mid-September and mid-October – where summer’s memory fades and all eyes turn to the oncoming winter months. And, if we’re totally honest, there’s a comfort in that.
No more playing ‘what coat do I need’ roulette when heading out for the evening, we’re officially in ‘big coat’ season. And whilst winter is traditionally seen as a ‘quieter time’ for moving home, in recent years, and thanks in no small part to the power of social media, the housing market is still well and truly open for business.
In fact, for the savvier among us, selling your home in winter can put you ahead of the curve. Shorter days and cosy evenings mean more time spent snuggled up on the sofa browsing the online property listings. More time indoors means more time contemplating that questionable choice of bathroom suite. More time indoors means a heightened awareness of your growing family’s need for more space!
The long and short of it is, buyers who browse for new homes through the winter are the devoted faithful, dedicated to seeking out that dream forever home. With potentially fewer homes on the market, those who do brave the cold have less competition from other sellers. Less competition means more likelihood of offers…and best of all, offers on or around asking price.
So, with that in mind, here are our four top tips to help sell your home this winter:
1. Keep on top of external maintenance
Truth be told, unless your home looks an exact replica of Kate Winslet’s home in 2006 Christmas movie ‘The Holiday’, chances are, it’s not looking at its most fabulous over the winter months.
Driving rain can leave patios and exterior walls looking weathered at best and slippery and stained at worst, which is not ideal for photography.
The next time a fine autumnal day presents itself, make the most of the daylight hours we still have before the clocks go back. Don those rubber gloves, pull out the patio cleaner and flex your cleaning muscles. A little elbow grease now will pay dividends over the darker months to come.
KEY FOCUS AREAS: Clean gutters, power wash patios and pathways, rake fallen leaves, patch up flaky paintwork.
2. Declutter and invite the light
Spring does not have a monopoly on the traditional clean and declutter. In fact, autumn is a wonderful time of year to have a thorough sort out – particularly for those with younger children.
Ahead of the impending nocturnal visit of a red suit wearing, beard bedecked gift-giver, now is a great time to create space by donating any old or unused toys to charities. Sell and seek sites are great places to find takers for any items that have been gathering dust.
Not only will you be one step ahead for your future move, but your hallways and rooms will be decluttered, creating much-needed light and a sense of spaciousness in your home for viewers, as the nights draw in.
KEY FOCUS AREAS: Do an audit of the places your clutter tends to form: tops of wardrobes; understairs cupboards; beneath the sink; under children’s beds; in the garage. Make lists such as ‘Recycle’, ‘Bin’, ‘Charity’.
3. Funnel the festive music video vibes
From Bing Crosby to Katy Perry, the one thing all music videos across the ages have in common at Christmas time is their ability to capture the cosy essence of winter in a smooth tracking shot.
Why not recreate this familiar festive comfort in your own home ahead of viewings? Create a cosy atmosphere by turning on key lights. Set the scene with warm-toned throw blankets, squishy cushions, freshly baked pies and hot beverages to evoke a feeling of contentment when viewers call.
KEY FOCUS AREAS: Ensure your log burning stove looks at its best by polishing the glass (top tip – a damp piece of kitchen roll dipped in cold ash should wipe stubborn burn marks clean) and setting a fire ready to blaze up for viewings.
4. Don’t forget the garden
Just because winter is on the way, doesn’t mean your garden should be forgotten until the spring.
Autumn is actually a really important season for the keen (and reluctant) gardener, and the effort you put in now will stand your garden in good stead for the coming spring.
You don’t need to be Alan Titchmarsh to get your garden looking neat and tidy and ready for a winter rest. The main jobs include raking up leaves, tidying spaces like greenhouses (removing old or empty pots, washing the glass with diluted washing up liquid so that it sparkles in the winter sun), planting spring bulbs ready for a show of colour in the spring, mulching the borders to reduce weed growth and keeping roots cosy and warm.
KEY FOCUS AREAS: Invest in some outdoor lighting so that you can showcase your garden even on rainy viewings or by night. Festoon lights around pergolas can add a cosy touch.
By following these winter-ready tips, you’ll ensure your home is cosy, inviting, and in tip-top shape to attract serious buyers. Whether it's brightening up your interiors or keeping the garden looking its best, a little seasonal preparation can go a long way. So, embrace the colder months and make the most of the unique opportunities winter brings to the housing market.
For more information on how to prepare your home for viewings this winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you showcase your property in its best light, no matter the season!
0118 912 2370 or office@pauk.property
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