According to the Land Registry, property sales have reached their peak during the summer months for the past two years; an increase of 8% and 4% respectively since 2009, however despite having two active summers, property professionals still consider spring to be the best time of year to sell a home.
The research undertaken by property news website Property Reporter revealed that 69% of professionals still thought the traditional spring was the perfect time for a home sale to be made.
Warren Lewis, editor of Property Reporter says:
"It’s surprising that many of our readers are still opting for the more traditional months despite the UK experiencing quite a large surge of sales over the past two summers when compared with previous years.Whether we’ll see another surge over summer 2012 remains to be seen but it’s quite optimistic considering the Olympics had the majority of the UKs attention this year. Back in 2009, the majority of sales took place in autumn so activity has switched quite considerably.’
The sales figures for summer 2012 are yet to be finalised by the Land Registry but for those looking to sell before the peak months, Manchester property professionals Homes4u share their top tips to help give vendors a nudge in the right direction.
Instruct an agent who you trust
Research your agent, have they a proven sales record in the area? Choosing an agent with good local knowledge is essential. They will not only be able to advise you of the price but they will be best placed to promote your property to potential buyers.
Instruct an Estate Agent that you trust, not necessarily the one who valued your property highest.
Communication is key when you are selling your home; ask your agent how often you will be updated during marketing and also once the sale is agreed as they will be liaising with yourself, buyers and both parties’ solicitors.
For Sale Boards
A for sale board, is a great advertisement. Buyers will often travel to the area they are looking to purchase and note addresses from the boards. If you live in an apartment where boards are not always permitted, consider asking your agent for a board to put in the window if it is visible from the street.
Take a buyers view
Look at your property through the eyes of a buyer. Start from the outside and look at its ‘kerb appeal’; how is your property presented externally? Does it invite buyers to walk inside? Tidy, repair and clean the outside of your home and keep any gardens tidy.
Internally try and create a blank canvas so buyers are able to imagine how their belongings would fit. Maximise space, removing any clutter; consider packing items away into a loft, in vacuum packed storage bags under beds, or even into storage whilst viewings are being conducted. Space sells properties!
We all have those little jobs around the house put off to the next bank holiday, now is the time to get them done. Buyers may put a higher value on works that it will actually take and try and drop their offer to accommodate.
Spring clean your home
Clean homes are a must for viewings. Consider having any carpets professionally cleaned; this can be done be relatively cheaply and give the room a fresh clean appearance.
Provide your agent with any guarantees
If you have undertaken works at your home, provide your agent with copies of any guarantees relevant to the property so these can be made available to potential buyers.
Viewings
Viewings will be included in your agency terms and take advantage of it. Agents are trained in undertaking viewings and buyers may feel uncomfortable giving constructive feedback to property owners.
Pets
If you do have pets, keep them out of the way at viewings. Take the dogs for a walk and see if your friends or family will look after smaller pets.
