Ask The Experts - Top Tips To Help The Sale of Your Property This Autumn
October 2024
Ask The Experts - Top Tips To Help The Sale of Your Property This Autumn
If you have been thinking of downsizing or selling a second home then now is probably the best time to put your thoughts into action. Autumn is an excellent time to sell and we have a number of active buyers ready to eager to move and in a new home by Christmas. In addition to the usual seasonal motivation, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the first Labour Budget in 14 years on 30 October 2024. There have been warnings of difficult tax decisions and it seems the primary targets are likely to be Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT), with possible adjustments to current allowances and tax reliefs to help with public finances.
Kerr and Co have over 30 years selling and renting property - and proven to get the result you want and want to make that move before Christmas - we are delighted to share our Top Tips for successfully selling your property in the Autumn.
1 Make a good first impression
It’s all about first impressions when someone comes to view your home. Make sure the porch and entrance to your house are bright, clean, tidy and welcoming and free of cobwebs. Paint your front door make sure windows are clean and sparkling and the entrance to your property is inviting and the best the best it can be .
2 Outside Maintenance and Cleaning
Front and Back Gardens are just as important in the summer as they are in the winter .
Maintenance is incredibly important to keep your garden looking good at all times of the year- sweep and rake up all of the fallen leaves, clear gutters to ensure that they are not blocked and leaking . Have your drains checked for any blockages and any unpleasant smells, check roof tiles and slates and any damp patches around the home.
3 Clear Worktops and Keep It Crisp
Getting the WOW factor right - emphasis your main living spaces ie. the living room and kitchen. Tidy, uncluttered rooms are a essential when selling your home not only for the photos but for the photos, buyers understand you are still living in your property so keep it homely. When showcasing your kitchen, clear and wipe down surfaces - put away the gadgets, to ensure there are plenty of preparation areas on show and make sure shelves are tidy.
4 Declutter Declutter Declutter
Keep tables, chairs and sofas are clutter-free, with magazines and books either artfully arranged or stowed away. Don’t leave things like children’s toys and unused gym equipment lying around as it will make the property feel smaller. Bulky furniture should be switched, if possible, for smaller items.
5 Getting the Lighting Right
The nights are drawing in and the evenings getting shorter by the end of October the clocks will have gone back therefore autumnal lighting is very important to viewings especially in the evenings. Go with this theme you can make your home cosy and bring more light into a room by introducing low level lighting and table lamps. Obviously, this only applies to certain parts of the house, ie. bedrooms and living rooms - but their impact can be instant and effective. In other areas, a brighter light can work, so switch up your bulbs. New ‘daylight’ bulbs in the bathroom or kitchen can transform a space with a minimal amount of effort and allow prospective purchasers to see your home with fresh light. Natural light is one of the most important factors buyers look for - clean your windows, pull the curtains open wide, roll up the blinds, and let that autumnal light flood into your rooms.
6 Ventilate Regularly
Keeping your property well-ventilated and aired can dramatically reduce the risk of condensation and moisture in the home. Open windows before viewers visit will help present the property properly and give buyers the right impression. This is even more important should your property be left empty when you come to sell, keeping the property fresh and crisp important in the autumnal months.
7 Clean Your Carpets
This applies all year round, but it could be argued that autumn is the best time to have your carpets cleaned. After the summer months carpets can get worn and unsightly especially if you have a dog and a garden. Use a professional who will be able to get the job done in half the time, all ready for those important viewings.
8 Go for an Autumnal Interior
Autumn is a time for snuggling up and keeping warm, so reflecting this in your home could pass some seriously strong subliminal messages to potential buyers when they cross the threshold to view your property. There’s no need to go over the top, but a change of cushions, flowers a new autumnal throw or seasonal features can make a difference to the feel of a home, deep reds, greens, and browns colours and tones can transform a room and won’t cost the earth, either.
9 Arrange Early Viewings
As we mentioned in the lighting section of this post, autumn is when we begin to notice the shortening days and the fewer hours of daylight we have to enjoy. Homes generally look better in daylight, so it stands to reason that you should be doing most of your viewings during this shortened period. Saturday mornings for those who can’t make it round in daylight hours during the week and be as accommodating as you can to those who don’t ideally fit your own schedule showing off your home in the morning autumn sunshine can be well worth the extra effort.
10 Put Heating On Timer
Shorter days means colder weather when the temperature starts dropping, its important to keep that homely feeling for your viewers so having the heating on for an hour will help to keep your property cosy without overdoing it or feel the need to go and warm up!
11 Make Your Home Smell Inviting
Good smells can make a property feel like an alluring home, room diffusers are a good option and better than trying to bake bread or cakes before viewings ! Clear drains, wash bins, open windows and rid the kitchen of old cooking smells.
12 Don't Forget About Pets
Potential buyers may be allergic so make sure any pets are confined to one room (such as a utility room or the garden) or if possible removed from the home during viewings. Animals can also detract attention away from your property, leaving them with a neighbour or family member will ensure buyers are kept focused on your home.
13 Pick a reputable agent
Choosing the right estate agent will be the quickest way to get a sale agreed on your home. Kerr and Co have 30 years of continual committed service to many generations of families and clients in Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush since 1993.
All our clients benefit from top-quality professional photography, bespoke marketing advice and individual support so that your property is marketed in the most flattering light. With most property searches starting online, presenting your home beautifully will be quickest route to getting those first viewings booked in.
For more information and advice from our experianced Sales Team please contact us on 0208 743 1166 and ask for David Robert or Chris