Lots of people think that buying and selling property over Christmas is a waste of time, but they couldn’t be more wrong. People actually have more time to browse property portals and even to go on viewings over the festive period, so don’t waste this opportunity.
Make sure you’re visible online
Don’t waste any time – get your property and your photos onto your estate agent’s website and the big property portals as quickly as possible. There’s actually a big spike in portal visits on Boxing Day, so be there! You’ll be taking advantage of all those people and their new iPads, talking over the after-dinner mints about their ideal home.
Don’t let the cold dissuade you
While spring and summer are definitely popular times for buying and selling, winter has its own advantages if you know how to work them.
If you have the Christmas lights on, some hot chocolate simmering on the hob, a fire lit and some carols playing softly in the background, viewers will think they stepped into a feelgood film set. In addition, if someone looks at your home at 4.30pm in mid-December and still loves it, chances are they’ll be head-over-heels by spring!
Do try to arrange viewings during daylight, though, especially if you have a garden or two to show off.
Winter movers are fast movers
Anyone looking to move in December and January wants things wrapped up quickly because they want to have Christmas in their new place or at least start off the new year there.
Get your photos done before the decorations go up
If you’re still on the market in January or beyond, you don’t want your old Christmas decorations in the photos as it will tell people you’ve been on the market for a while.
Brace yourself for the new year
January will bring a big rush onto the market, both buyers and sellers so you should get yourself onto the market that little bit earlier. You’ll have less competition over Christmas and you may find that you’ve got a lot of viewers lined up for the first week of the new year.
