As fast as Christmas seems to arrive, it soon whizzes by, and we head into a new year.
We do seem to see a slowdown in market activity as Christmas approaches and we all kick back and enjoy the festivities, however, it soon picks back up again in the new year. The new year is a great time to sell, as we see lots of people wanting a fresh start for the coming year, so it’s actually an ideal time to market your home to potential buyers looking for new beginnings.
However, after Christmas, we tend to have accumulated more stuff than we know what to do with, so it’s probably a good idea to give your home a refresh after all the decorations and celebrations. So, if you are planning a new year sale, check out our tips below.
Get rid of the clutter
Make sure you tackle decluttering before you try to sell your home, keep in mind that less is more especially in the new year.
Lots of us end up with new things for Christmas that need a place in our homes. So, if you have new belongings try to think of what they could replace. If you’ve received a new plant, for instance, consider replacing rather than adding – you want a space that looks tidy and fresh.
It’s very important to have a good January clear-out before you start showing your home. So, start by throwing away anything that is of no use to you or anyone else.
If you have items that you no longer use but could be useful to someone else, consider selling them, or donating them to friends or family members, or you could even give them to a local charity.
Anything that you do really want to keep, make sure you find a place to put it away, you don’t want lots of stuff on display.
It might take you a few days to do, but having a declutter of every room in your home will make a big difference to potential buyers – you want to show off your space in the best possible way, so anyone viewing your home sees its full potential.
Let there be light
January days are dull, and we see the dark nights setting in early. You want your house to be appealing by making it an open and bright space for viewers.
If you do happen to get a little natural light during the day, use it. If your viewing is on one of the rare bright days, make sure you open the curtains/blinds to let in as much natural light as you can.
If your viewing happens to be on a dull day, don’t worry. You can make your home look cosy by using lighting. Set the mood with lamps, or make the space look bright with overhead lighting. To assist with making things look brighter, place mirrors in a way that helps any light bounce off them, so it reflects around the room.
It’s all about the little things
Lastly, remember the little things. Small things will often stick out to potential buyers the most.
Check your grouting is filled in and not mouldy, and give the windows a good clean so they’re smear and dirt free, your house will look cleaner and stand out more for the right reasons than it will if you leave them. Also, make sure you look at the exterior – remember, kerb appeal goes a long way.
You want your home to reflect a new year and give off a fresh start vibe!
If you are looking to market your home this January, our team will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Feel free to get in touch with us here.