Ringing in the changes
BELIEVE it or not, the Christmas and new year period is one of the most important for people buying or selling homes. Despite the frenzy of Christmas parties and preparations, those hoping to move are increasingly spending the 12 days of Christmas looking online for a new home – which means those wanting to sell have to be ready for anything.
“People think that trying to sell your home over the festive period is a mistake,” says Sam Mitchell, CEO of online estate agent Housesimple, “but arguably people might have more free time and motivation to make a change before the new year.”
Since Housesimple.com launched in 2007 it has helped more than 10,000 people move home and in June it became the first UK estate agent to sell homes for free, earning referral fees from no-obligation services such as mortgages and conveyancing.
The key to selling at any time of the year is having a beautifully presented property with a realistic price, but the added charm of a beautifully dressed Christmas tree and twinkling fairy lights can help clinch a deal.
Sam’s tip for selling over this period is to dress your house for the occasion: “Throw some blankets and cushions on the couches and beds and light a few scented candles. Fairy lights are great at making your home look cosy and Christmassy.”
Allowing viewers to visualise what they could do with your home is crucial, which is why you need to keep rooms clear of clutter while presenting a lived-in look. Clear the surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom, relocate any shoes or coats clogging up the entrance and consider rearranging any furniture to create more space.
Making viewers feel welcome will also help. Sam advises: “Go above and beyond for any viewings by putting the heating on or lighting the fire to make sure your home is as warm and cosy as possible for when your visitors come in from the winter cold.”
SAM says buyers always want to talk to owners, rather than just estate agents, not only about the property but also about local amenities such as shops, restaurants, bars, schools, nurseries and public transport.
Hopefully, you have your paperwork in order, but even if you’re only thinking about putting your home on the market, use spare time over Christmas to find documents such as energy performance certificates, gas safety inspection certifications and proof of boiler servicing certificate.
And if you already have a mortgage offer, what about these two Christmas gifts: Christmas Cottage and Holly House?
Detached four-bedroom Christmas Cottage is in the pretty Northamptonshire village of Bulwick, near Corby, built from local stone and with a thatched roof to complete the Christmas card look.
Updated in 2004 it has an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams plus country views, and is on sale for £535,000 (01780 782999; nortonrickett.co.uk).
Holly House is a Grade II-listed Georgian property with a modern side extension in Dyke, near Bourne, in Lincolnshire.The four-bedroom house has distinctive Lincolnshire moustache lintels above the windows and inside are exposed beams and a bespoke Harvey Jones kitchen.
For sale at £600,000 (01780 782999; nortonrickett.co.uk).
If you’re looking for a new home this Christmas the best place to start is online.