Preparing Your Home For A New Year Sale

The property market has been spurred on by ongoing changes to working patterns and lifestyle aspirations. Three agents from Jackson-Stops share their advice on how to prepare to list your home in the new year…

Spruce up if needed

Part of an agent’s role is anticipating how the sale will go and getting ahead of the game before the property even goes live. This means that they will be in a position to advise on anything that may need to be spruced up ahead of putting it up for sale. This doesn't have to mean a full blown renovation - things like tidying up the front of the house, refreshing tired walls, clearing any clutter and repositioning furniture can all make a difference to how a space is perceived.

Nick Ferrier, director of Jackson-Stops Midhurst branch, comments: "An agent should make the vendor aware of any sticking points at the beginning of the sales process. I sold a property last year that clearly needed some improvements to secure a sale. We refreshed the home with a white wash of paint, new carpets, and a chop of the trees surrounding the property to give it more light, and it sold in a flash.”

Ensure the price is right

Eight times out of ten, overpricing can be responsible for a house becoming stagnant on the market. Examining price and taking the guidance from your agent on this is absolutely key, particularly in a market which pricing is constantly changing.

Crispin Harris, director of Jackson-Stops Alderley Edge branch comments: "As a seller, you want to be on the front foot by asking a buyer what they are willing to entice you with, rather than how much less than your guide price they are willing to bid. It is much better to position your price accurately and attractively, enabling competitive bids that encourage a home to sell for higher than expected. The footfall and the interest is what’s important, and this always comes with a more realistic price point, as when a home is inundated with viewings, it only breeds more and more excitement and interest."

Getting the perfect shot

It goes without saying that great pictures are a vital part of the appeal and first impressions are all-important.

Tim Dansie, director of Jackson-Stops Ipswich branch comments: "Anyone putting their house on the market at this time of year needs to be mindful that the images that do best are the ones that can't be dated. Unfortunately that means stunning photos of your festively decorated home aren't going to cut it after Christmas Day!

"It is also good to be mindful that at this time of year, it is fairly grim and grey outside and whilst external photos are definitely needed it is better to focus on great internals. Prioritise bright shots of the living areas, and if you've got a fire or stove to light in the living room have it on for cosy and homely connotations.

"Most recently we shot externals of a house at dusk with the lights on and the sun setting behind - arguably a bit seductive for a property photo but the more moody shot did the trick in attracting viewings, and ultimately an offer."

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