Summer’s over, the kids are heading back to school, and pretty soon we’ll all be wondering how on earth we will afford the heating bill. But despite the chilly temperatures set to come our way, there are signs that some parts of the property market, especially in the Midlands and the north of England, are warming up.
With just three months until the end of the year, anyone looking to sell their home by Christmas needs to get prepared right now. On average, it normally takes at least two months to move, and that’s if everything goes smoothly. Here are my five top tips for a quicker, stress-free move. And one is simpler than you’d think.
Maximise your online presence
Speak to your agent about social media advertising – it’s cheap and very effective. If you’ve been on the market for a while, update the photos.
Scorched summer lawns aren’t a good look in October! As well as good quality photos, video tours can also be helpful for a quicker sale.
Make your home look as appealing as possible
First and foremost, ensure your property is in good condition inside and out. This means repairing any damage, fixing any issues, and generally just making sure everything looks its best.
To really make your place look attractive, make sure the place looks clean, tidy and uncluttered. Plant some winter colour in pots by the front door and on the patio or balcony, if you have one.
'If you’re realistic about what your property is worth, you’re more likely to sell it quickly'
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Consider the price
Check the price bands on Rightmove and other online portals. If need be, adjust your price accordingly. And if you do receive offers, be prepared to negotiate on price.
If you’re realistic about what your property is worth, you’re more likely to sell it quickly – even if it means accepting a slightly lower offer than you were hoping for.
Put a ‘for sale’ board up
Yes, honestly. This might seem like an old school way of selling a home, but you’ll be surprised how many enquiries they generate, even in these online times.”
Get a solicitor involved early on
Most people go on the market, find a buyer, and then need to rush to get a solicitor on board. This causes stress and delays.
Solicitors need to do checks before they can begin anything, and this takes time. Searches can also take a long time to receive, weeks sometimes.
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'If you receive offers, be prepared to negotiate on price'
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They last three months, so getting your lawyer to do them now saves time when your buyer needs them. A quick legal look at things like the title, leases and rights of way/disputes can rectify any issues before they arise. Again, saving time.
The market is holding steady, for now. Once a buyer is found, you want to complete quickly because the longer things take, the greater the chance of a fall through. And that’s not something on anyone’s Christmas list.
Jonathan Rolande is a leading property expert and the founder of House Buy Fast. For more free advice visit www.jonathanrolande.co.uk