For many people, the Christmas and New Year period is a time of families and festivities – and a chance to spend more time at home.
But that extra time at home can also offer an opportunity to take stock and think about the property you need – and whether your current home measures up. If not, whether you need to downsize or are desperate for some outdoor space, you may be ready to dip your toe in the property market.
There are many reasons why you might need to move. Perhaps you want more room, need an easy-access ground floor property, are desperate for a garden or want to downsize and reduce your mortgage burden.
So, if you think your New Year resolution might be to move house, what should you do? It can seem daunting, but the best advice is to take it a step at a time and always with sound professional, personal help to guide and ensure you make the best possible decisions.
Prep your property
The first step to is to get your current home ready for marketing. It’s always worth going the extra mile to achieve the best result possible. Properties that are well presented, clean and welcoming inevitably do better than those that need some work. So, be prepared to put some hard work in to get your property up to scratch.
Try to see things through the eyes of a prospective buyer – how would they view your garden, kitchen or sitting room?
For inspiration, take a look at the ESPC website and see how other properties are presented. This will give you ideas and tips on what you might like to do. You will also see things that don’t work, which is also useful and worth noting to avoid. Clean, clear lines are the best option – not too much clutter, but enough to make it look homely and welcoming.
If you have some outside space, it’s essential to get this looking tip-top. That might sound a tall order in winter but a bit of colour goes a long way and a few winter bedding plants in a pot can make all the difference.
Power-wash the decking or patio slabs, secure weathered fencing or replace if necessary, and make sure garden huts and benches look attractive and well cared-for.
When you’re exhausted but happy with the end result, it’s time to instruct your solicitor to market the property for you, safe in the knowledge that you have done your very best to ensure the property looks wonderful and should secure the best price possible. Then relax!
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