Act Now to Move Home Before Christmas!
Santa may be enjoying some well deserved rest and relaxation on a lovely Welsh beach, but now is the time for homeowners wanting to move in time for his next visit to be taking decisive action! With the average time to sell a home in the UK being 62 days you may feel you have plenty of time but unfortunately the average time for conveyancers to complete a transaction from the point of sale agreed is now 154 days! Meaning for those just coming to market now it might mean a move in the New Year and of course for those already on the market but struggling to sell then a change of strategy now is essential. Record High Asking Prices Average asking prices in the upper quartile have risen by 1.3% compared to last year, while the ONS has reported that average house price across the UK is up 1.8% against last year. Pent up demand from home movers who put plans on hold last year has helped with the number of sales agreed in the first four months of the year 17pc higher than the same period in 2023. Inflation Falls to Lowest Since 2021 CPI inflation fell in April 2024 to 2.4%, this was largely driven by a fall in household energy bills. This positive news has led to a rise of 0.3% in the Pound against the Dollar and has had many MP’s calling for cuts in interest rates. All of this against a backdrop of wages holding up at around 6% helping to turn the tables on household sentiment and positivity like this is always great news for the housing market. Although we know many MPs would really like to see cuts to interest rates we are confident that other economic pressures will mean that the MPC will resist and we think rates will remain at the current 5.25% until the end of the year, perhaps with a 0.25% cut in November at the earliest. Although a cut would be further good news for the housing market we feel there is enough positive sentiment around for us to see a continued resilient market throughout 2024. So Why Isn’t My Home Selling? We are aware that despite this optimism and positivity there are lots of homeowners who have been trying to sell their home now for far more than the average 62 days and if you are one of these unlucky home movers then you are probably wondering why? There are a whole host of reasons why your home may not be selling and we would encourage anyone in this position to review these factors before deciding to adjust their marketing price. Here are just four of the factors you should consider before changing your price; Quality of photography. In this digital age home searching is not immune to our decreasing attention spans, with the swipe right culture applying to home searches too. You only get a few seconds to make a good impression on apps like Rightmove and OnTheMarket. It is therefore really important that your photos are the best quality and eye catching. Although the tried and tested front of house photo is a great option it is also a good idea to mix it up a little and if you have a feature that is sure to be a real crowd pleaser then you should consider using this as your lead image. We like to review the performance of our adverts weekly and if needed rotate around the images we are using. We typically have around 60-80 images on file although we don’t use them all at once this means we have a stock library we can use to keep our adverts fresh. Floor plans and land plans. Sounds basic but believe it or not some agents still do not include these as standard. If you don’t have one, speak to your agent ASAP and get one added to your adverts. Social media exposure. These days most agents will have a Facebook page, but many of them do not leverage them properly to get the best reach and exposure for their clients. Using a multi-platform strategy that includes, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Youtube agents can reach tens of thousands of potential buyers. We consider this a great way to reach a more ‘passive buyer’, someone who is interested in moving but is not quite at the stage where they are checking the property portals twice daily for new listings. It is also a great way to show potential buyers properties that are outside their current search criteria. When I started in agency there was no computer searches and as an agent we would always tell buyers about properties in the next village over or one just outside their budget, the likes of Rightmove cannot do this, but we have found by using our tried and tested techniques we can replicate this through our social media campaigns. Property Videos. Professionally produced video tours are a useful way to showcase a home and are loved by property buyers, who say they help them to get an honest feeling for how the property flows and for the ‘feel’ of the home. In addition to sharing videos on our website and on property portals we have found they are a great tool to use in combination with our social media strategies, with increased reach and engagement from video on many platforms. By reviewing your current marketing position and implementing a detailed plan it is possible to revitalise a floundering campaign. How will the General Election affect things? Traditionally a General Election causes uncertainty in the market, with some buyers putting their plans on hold until the results of the election are known. However, historically the Election has had very little impact on average house price growth, with the rate of growth preceding an election being almost identical to the growth rate after the election. With the recently lower rates of inflation and widely predicted
4 Ways to Boost your Kerb Appeal this Spring
With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to spruce up your home’s kerb appeal. 🏠 Front Door: A fresh coat of paint on your door and surrounding trim can go a long way towards making it look neat and inviting. 🏠 Lighting: Consider adding solar lights along walkways or installing new lanterns on either side of your front door for added charm and illumination after dark. 🏠 Add Accessories: You don’t have to spend big money on expensive landscaping materials, instead, opt for smaller accent pieces like planters or outdoor furniture that won’t break the bank but will add personality to outdoor spaces like patios and decks. 🏠 Tidy Garden: Keep up with regular garden maintenance by mowing regularly, weeding flower beds, pruning shrubs/trees as needed, etc., as this will help keep your garden looking neat and tidy throughout springtime (and beyond!). By doing a few simple things this season you’ll always have an attractive home exterior that buyers will love!
9 Staging Secrets to Get Your Home Sold
Staging your house for sale can make a huge difference to the offer you receive and the length of time it sits on the market. In fact the latest statistics suggest a staged home will sell on average 25% quicker than one that hasn’t been. So, here are 9 staging secrets to get your home sold: Declutter Your Spaces: When you say declutter to someone the first thing that springs to mind is clearing out wardrobes or kitchen cupboards. But have you ever thought of decluttering your furniture? A professional stager actually removes half a homeowner’s furniture to make a house look bigger. So have a look around and see what you can throw out, pack away or pop into storage for a few months. Group Your Furniture: A common staging misconception is that pushing your furniture up against a wall instantly makes the room look bigger. However, the truth is, to make your room look bigger and more inviting then it’s best to float your furniture in each room away from the walls. Just remember to make sure that your furnishings are placed where traffic can still flow through the room. Transform Spare Rooms: Get rid of that spare room that has only ever collected boxes or other junk and turn it into something functional. Make it into an extra bedroom, a home office or reading room. Buyers want to see themselves living in the property and this helps them to do that. Great Lighting: Great lighting is a must when you’re staging your home for sale. You can flood a room with natural light if you put mirrors on the walls opposite light sources. Also, make sure you include table lamps and floor lights in your rooms as that creates ambient lighting. Never use the light in the middle of your room as your main source of light as it won’t show your room off to its best. Go Neutral: If you’ve a bright pink room or have invested in wallpaper that has a unique pattern then a fresh lick of paint can go a long way. Off-white, creams and neutral soft greys can transform your home into a modern fresh canvas for a potential buyer. If you do want to be a bit bold then please make sure it’s only on a feature wall. Use Your Garden: Fancy flowers and floral arrangements can be pricey but you can get the same effect with a simple bunch of flowers from the supermarket or by picking some flowers from your garden. Just keep the arrangement simple and throw in a little bit of colour. Flowers can instantly bright up a room. Quick Kitchen Facelift: Give your kitchen an instant facelift by painting cabinet doors or drawers or by vinyl wrapping them. It’s a cost effective solution and the results can be incredible. Also, tackle your bathroom by freshening up the grouting or sealant for quick results. Finish Those Repairs: Unfinished home repairs can really put off potential home buyers. If you need to touch up the paintwork on a chipped banister or replace a wonky door handle then please do it. Don’t give a buyer ammunition to negotiate a lower price for your home. So finish those repairs you’ve been meaning to do for years and you’ll reap the rewards. Clean Your Home: We’ve saved the best for last because this is the most important tip- clean your house from top to bottom. A dirty house is a massive turn off for potential buyers. Make sure your home is spotless, scrub the kitchen and bathrooms and eliminate any odours- especially if you’ve pets or smoke. If you can afford it then get professional cleaners to come in and blitz the place, as buyers want a nice, fresh welcoming home they can see themselves building a life in. So, there we have it, just a few simple, affordable tips that can make a huge difference to the sale of your house. If you have been trying to sell your home, or if you are considering putting your home up for sale then please feel free to contact us to arrange a consultation to discover how our strategies and processes can help you get the result you want, and if staging your home is a little out of your comfort zone don’t worry as we can take care of that for you as part of our standard service. You can book an appointment direct to our diary here
6 Tips to Staging Your Hall
Your hall is the first room in the house viewers will see when they come to take a look around your property, so it’s important to create a good first impression. It can be so easy to put a lot of effort into staging every other room in the house but forget about the main entrance into your home. Ultimately, you want to wow potential buyers from the moment they set foot inside your property, so here are six tips to help you stage your hall just right and secure a buyer quickly: Pack away coats, shoes & bags: Don’t let viewers trip over jackets, bags or shoes you’ve left lying at your front door as this will leave them with the worst possible impression. Instead, pick everything up and store your personal belongings away. If you’re lacking storage space you can still keep them in the hall but on coat hooks or tidied away neatly in a hallway unit or organizer. Get painting: Painting your hall is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of transforming the room to make it feel more welcoming. If your hall has any walls that feature bold or loud colours then freshen it up with neutral colours and shades instead. You want your hallway to look open, bright, and fresh to create the best first impression you possibly can. Add a mirror: Mirrors are fantastic additions to any hallway and can really transform the space. By adding a mirror to your hall you will instantly add light to the room, making it appear brighter and bigger as well as adding a touch of style to it. Check the front door: Make sure your front door can open and close easily as well as lock and unlock easily. You want to create a feeling of safety and your front door is something a viewer might check themselves. Don’t be left red-faced if it doesn’t close or lock properly, so get this checked out and fixed as soon as possible if there are any issues. Bring some life and a pop of colour: Consider adding a hallway console table filled with chic accessories, such as a vase of fresh flowers, clock or candles. If this isn’t your thing, look at adding some potted plants to bring a bit of character and sense of comfort to your hall. Make sure it smells nice: A fresh smelling hall will instantly give your buyers a good impression of your house. Impress them when they first walk through the door by infusing the space with nice smells such as home baking, coffee, scented candles or wax melts or use diffusers or air fresheners to provide that clean and homely feeling. A viewer can take only a few seconds to decide whether they wish to buy a house or not so it’s important to give them the best experience as soon as they set foot through your front door. Staging a hallway is crucial to making that first impression count.
8 Reasons Your Home isn’t Selling
Selling a home can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to move on as quickly as possible and for a good price, but frustration can easily creep in if your house has been sitting on the market for a few months. If your home isn’t getting many viewers and time is ticking on, it might be down to some of these factors: Too Expensive: The number one reason a home won’t sell is always because of the price. Homeowners always feel their home is worth more than the agent and market data tells them. But, if you put your home on the market for a price that’s unrealistic then you could have a house that will sit on the market for months and won’t generate much interest. Dropping the asking price, even just a little bit, will attract more viewers. However, it is really important you make sure the other reasons your home might not be selling have all been addressed before you consider changing your marketing price. Photos: The majority of buyers start their search for a home online these days and that’s why it’s very important to have good quality images and video showcasing your property. Some homeowners want to provide agents with pictures they’ve taken themselves but this is always a bad idea and I have even heard of agents snapping photos with their smart phone. Make sure you hire a local agent who has a proven track record in creating quality marketing materials and you’ll attract more viewers to your home. We work with professional photographers on all our properties to guarantee our clients get the absolute best portfolio of photographs possible. Time: When putting your house on the market it’s a good idea to be mindful of what season it is. Selling a house in the height of summer can pose some challenges as many people are away on holiday. If you sell in the middle of winter some buyers will just hold off until after Christmas. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to sell your home at certain times of the year, it just means that you and your agent need to have have a strategy to make sure you get a result. Too Personal: As a homeowner you’ve an emotional connection to your property but it’s important to remember that your buyer won’t and they might not love you collection of dolls in the spare room or unusual paintings in the living room. Put all overly personal items in storage to allow your buyers to visualise themselves living there. Too Cluttered: Before you put your home on the market make sure you declutter every room in your house as buyers want to walk into a house and see themselves living there. Sometimes people can’t see past other people’s stuff and it will put them off. Ask your agent for tips on how to stage your home for sale, but please don’t take their advice personally. Some of our clients even employ the services of one of our recommended interior designers to help style their home ready for marketing. It Smells Bad: If you smoke or have a pet then you won’t notice the smell in your home- but other people coming into your home will and it can really put buyers off. Before showing your house, deep clean your carpets, dispose of any rubbish and freshen up fabrics with odour eaters. On the day of your viewings don’t cook food that have strong smells, instead use scented candles and diffusers and open your windows to allow fresh air in. You Won’t do Repairs: Homeowners are often left horrified if their agent suggests they might have to give their home a lick of paint or fix those DIY jobs that they’ve been ignoring for years. However, you want to make a good first impression on potential buyers and if your home is a bit tired then that will leave people with the wrong impression. Consider your buyers point of view, they are most likely searching for their ‘dream home’, is that likely going to be one that comes with a ready made to-do list? Low Showing Availability: It can be incredibly annoying having to keep your home tidy all the time and to have strangers walking through your home constantly, but you have to make your home available for viewings as much as possible. If you decline too many showings then you could end up missing out on the perfect buyer. Allow your agent to show the home when you’re at work and at weekends. Also, ask them to give you 24 hours notice. One of the ways we deal with this is by pre-planning viewings and booking them in blocks, allowing us to minimalise disruption to you. Don’t let your listing gather dust, make sure you avoid these 8 mistakes and you’ll have a home that will sell in no time. Thinking of selling? Get in touch today for a FREE home valuation.
Boost Your Home’s Value This Winter
As the temperatures drop, it’s a perfect time to make your home cozier and more valuable. Here are *3 essential tips* to help you improve your home’s worth this winter: 1. *Energy-Efficient Upgrades:* Installing energy-efficient features like insulation, windows, or a smart thermostat can save money on utility bills and increase your home’s value. 2. *Cosmetic Refresh:* A fresh coat of paint, updated fixtures, and minor repairs can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. 3. *Curb Appeal Matters:* Don’t forget about your home’s exterior! Maintain your landscaping and add seasonal decor to create an inviting first impression. Ready to boost your home’s value this winter? Start now! ❄️💰 #WinterHomeImprovement #HomeValueBoost #RealEstateTips When you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s important to make a list of things that need to be fixed and things that can wait. Not everything needs to be fixed before you sell, and in some cases, it’s not worth the money or hassle. Here are a few tips on how to decide what not to fix: 🛠️ Make a list of priorities. Fix the things that are most important to buyers, like broken windows or a roof that’s in need of repair. 🛠️ Consider the cost. If the repairs are going to cost more than 10 percent of the home’s value, it might not be worth it. 🛠️ Think about the time and effort it will take. If the repairs are going to take a lot of time or money, it might not be worth it. 🛠️ Weigh the benefits. If the repairs are going to make your home more appealing to buyers, it might be worth it. 🛠️ Decide if you have time. If you’re selling your home in a hurry, you may not have time for big repairs. In this case, it might be better to do some smaller repairs and call it good. Making a decision about what not to fix when selling your home can be difficult, but following these tips should help make it a little easier.
9 Staging Secrets to Get Your Home Sold
Staging your house for sale can make a huge difference to the offer you receive and the length of time it sits on the market. In fact the latest statistics suggest a staged home will sell on average 25% quicker than one that hasn’t been. So, here are 9 staging secrets to get your home sold: Declutter Your Spaces: When you say declutter to someone the first thing that springs to mind is clearing out wardrobes or kitchen cupboards. But have you ever thought of decluttering your furniture? A professional stager actually removes half a homeowner’s furniture to make a house look bigger. So have a look around and see what you can throw out, pack away or pop into storage for a few months. Group Your Furniture: A common staging misconception is that pushing your furniture up against a wall instantly makes the room look bigger. However, the truth is, to make your room look bigger and more inviting then it’s best to float your furniture in each room away from the walls. Just remember to make sure that your furnishings are placed where traffic can still flow through the room. Transform Spare Rooms: Get rid of that spare room that has only ever collected boxes or other junk and turn it into something functional. Make it into an extra bedroom, a home office or reading room. Buyers want to see themselves living in the property and this helps them to do that. Great Lighting: Great lighting is a must when you’re staging your home for sale. You can flood a room with natural light if you put mirrors on the walls opposite light sources. Also, make sure you include table lamps and floor lights in your rooms as that creates ambient lighting. Never use the light in the middle of your room as your main source of light as it won’t show your room off to its best. Go Neutral: If you’ve a bright pink room or have invested in wallpaper that has a unique pattern then a fresh lick of paint can go a long way. Off-white, creams and neutral soft greys can transform your home into a modern fresh canvas for a potential buyer. If you do want to be a bit bold then please make sure it’s only on a feature wall. Use Your Garden: Fancy flowers and floral arrangements can be pricey but you can get the same effect with a simple bunch of flowers from the supermarket or by picking some flowers from your garden. Just keep the arrangement simple and throw in a little bit of colour. Flowers can instantly bright up a room. Quick Kitchen Facelift: Give your kitchen an instant facelift by painting cabinet doors or drawers or by vinyl wrapping them. It’s a cost effective solution and the results can be incredible. Also, tackle your bathroom by freshening up the grouting or sealant for quick results. Finish Those Repairs: Unfinished home repairs can really put off potential home buyers. If you need to touch up the paintwork on a chipped banister or replace a wonky door handle then please do it. Don’t give a buyer ammunition to negotiate a lower price for your home. So finish those repairs you’ve been meaning to do for years and you’ll reap the rewards. Clean Your Home: We’ve saved the best for last because this is the most important tip- clean your house from top to bottom. A dirty house is a massive turn off for potential buyers. Make sure your home is spotless, scrub the kitchen and bathrooms and eliminate any odours- especially if you’ve pets or smoke. If you can afford it then get professional cleaners to come in and blitz the place, as buyers want a nice, fresh welcoming home they can see themselves building a life in. So, there we have it, just a few simple, affordable tips that can make a huge difference to the sale of your house. Thinking of selling? Get in touch today for a FREE home valuation.
6 Ways to Sell Your Home Quickly at Christmas
Christmas is a magical time of year. However, if you’re trying to sell your home during the holidays, it can also be a bit stressful. After all, most people are more focused on spending time with family and friends and enjoying the festive season than they are on buying a new home. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help make your home more appealing to potential buyers during the holiday season. From decorating your home in a festive way to offering incentives, there are plenty of ways to make your home stand out from the rest. Here are 8 tips for selling your home quickly during the holidays: 1. Get your home in tip-top shape: This is the time of year when buyers are looking for move-in ready homes. Take care of any outstanding repairs, give your home a fresh coat of paint, and make sure the landscaping is neat and tidy. 2. De-clutter and de-personalise: Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home, and that’s tough to do when your personal belongings are everywhere. Put away family photos, clear off countertops, and make sure closets and cabinets are organized. 3. Stage your home for the holidays: This is the time of year when people are looking for cozy homes they can settle into for the winter months. Make sure your home looks warm and inviting by adding festive touches like holiday decorations, scented candles, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. 4. Highlight any special features of your home that would be perfect for the holidays: Do you have a fireplace? Mention it in your listing! Is your kitchen big enough to accommodate a large Christmas dinner? Be sure to mention that as well! Whatever makes your property unique, make sure you highlight it so that potential buyers can see how perfect it would be for their holiday needs. 5. Create Great Kerb Appeal: First impressions matter, especially when selling your home during the holidays. Take some time to spruce up your curb appeal with festive holiday decorations. This will help make your home more inviting and appealing to potential buyers. 6. Offer incentives for buyers who close before Christmas: If you’re really keen on selling before the holidays, offer incentives such as paying for moving costs or offering a gift card to a local restaurant or shop. This can help sweeten the deal for potential buyers and make them more likely to put an offer on your property. 7. Price it right: In today’s market, buyers are looking for a great value. If you price your home too high, you’ll likely sit on the market for months with no offers. Work with your agent to come up with a competitive asking price that will attract buyers but still allow you to get the return on investment you’re looking for. 8. Be flexible with showings . . Within reason, of course: With families busy during the holidays, you might need to be flexible with showings so buyers can see your home when it’s convenient for them. Being flexible with showings doesn’t mean you have to let just anyone in at any time—screen buyers beforehand so you only allow serious potential purchasers into your home. Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful—with a little extra effort, you can make it happen quickly and smoothly! Just remember to declutter and deep clean before putting your home on the market; create kerb appeal with festive holiday decorations; stage each room strategically and price your home competitively. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to selling your home before New Year arrives.
Five Reasons Why Shouldn’t Wait Until Spring to Market Your Home
The holiday season is officially upon us, which means that many potential home sellers are wondering whether it’s a good idea to put their house on the market during this time of year. While it can be a little more difficult to sell a home in December and January, there are still some compelling reasons why you might want to take the plunge and list your property this month. Here are 5 reasons why selling your home in December and January could be the right decision for you: 1. Low inventory: During the winter months, many sellers take their homes off the market due to the holidays and inclement weather. That means there are fewer homes on the market, making it easier for yours to stand out among potential buyers. 2. Less Competition: Because so many people wait until the spring to list their homes, there tends to be less competition in the winter months—which translates into less pressure when pricing your house. This can make it easier for you to get a competitive asking price, as you won’t have as much competition from other sellers in your area. 3. Serious Buyers: Most buyers who are looking for a new home in December tend to be serious about finding a property quickly and efficiently—which means that anyone who contacts you with an offer is likely genuinely interested in purchasing your home. As opposed to spring or summer buyers, winter buyers tend not to waste time—so if you receive an offer from them, chances are they mean business! 4. More Time for Moving: If you do end up selling your home during the holiday season, you will likely have more time than usual to move out once everything closes and all of the paperwork has been signed. Because of the Christmas holidays it gives you more room to plan and organise things such as packing supplies, movers, etc. 5. Positive Attitude: Finally, people tend to be happier and more optimistic around Christmas—and that includes prospective buyers! A positive attitude can go a long way towards making potential buyers feel more secure about signing on the dotted line; plus, because everyone is usually busy with holiday festivities, there tends to be less stress involved when negotiating during this period than at other times throughout the year! Selling your home during December certainly presents its own unique set of challenges—but it also offers some distinct advantages over waiting until the New Year. If done correctly and strategically planned out ahead of time, listing your property this month could prove very beneficial both now and down the road. So don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by all of the hectic holiday activities; instead use them as motivation and encouragement towards achieving success while selling your home this December!