While most of us are still recovering from the unexpected snow last month, time is actually marching on and before we know it, it’ll be August. August is, as any estate agent worth their salt will tell you, the busiest time of year for property hunters, so it pays to get going on your home now if you plan to move this year.
If you can get your place looking its best in time for the huge surge in online viewings (around August 10), then not only will it be looking great, it’ll be seen in all its glory by a hugely inflated number of househunters. It’ll also be competing with the other properties that are taking advantage of this seasonal surge, though, so here’s how you can come out swinging.
Look after the garden
Summer is all about the garden. Trim all your trees and bushes, get weeding, start on a moss and mould-removal programme that’ll be finished by July and have your decking or flagstones sparkling and plant some summer blooms in readiness.Hint: after a long winter, the jet-washer is your best friend.
Let the light in
Use the increased daylight to your advantage by washing your windows inside and out and updating your blinds and curtains if necessary. If you find that some curtains are too heavy and block out the light, then swap them out for lighter or even gauzy ones and update your soft furnishings for the warmer season. Use brighter, lighter shades and linens rather than woollens or velvets.
Bring the Mediterranean home
You’re selling a dream, remember. Everyone loves the idea of living outdoors in the summer, so think about how you can enhance any features of your home that make this possible. If you have a patio and French doors, spruce them up with a deep clean, some new window dressings and a new table and chairs. Add some fairy lights, potted plants and a new gas barbecue so that people imagine long summer evenings in your garden (well, theirs, if all goes to plan…).
