Blog

How to achieve an autumn transaction

October and November are usually active months for property so it's a good idea to make the most of them and try to get your property sold or let before Christmas when the market usually stalls. Planning is the way forward, so if you’re serious about an autumn transaction, you need to get started now.

It is certainly not all doom and gloom, as irrespective of the world events, people need to buy, sell, rent or let for various reasons. As a result, there will always be successful deals. Yet here are a few suggestions that may help you achieve an autumn transaction:

• Make sure that you have a realistic asking price
• Keep the property clean and tidy
• Make repairs to anything that is visibly broken, also touch up scuff marks (but don't try to hide defects)
• If you have a garden, keep it well tended
• On colder days, warm the property through, even for an hour to take away any chill
• Open windows on brighter, warmer days unless there is extraneous outside noise
• Ensure that the property smells fresh
• Remove pets (if possible), such as dogs and cats when conducting viewings
• Leave the agent to conduct viewings and remove yourself into an alternative room or, go out if you can
• Make sure that there are keys available for all outside doors and, if providing keys to the agents, that they work
• If you are away, ask the agent to pick up the post and switch on or off the central heating, so that the property looks and feels lived in and cared for
• If you will not be home or the property has been vacated, let the agent know so that he or she can go to the appointment earlier to arrange to switch on lights, open or close curtains etc.
• If you do receive an offer get back to your agent as quickly as possible with an answer, even if its negative, so that while buyers or tenants are still interested negotiations may continue
• Employ a good and proactive solicitor
• React in a timely fashion to any requests for further information
• Have all the required documents such as, insurance papers, guarantees, deeds (if you can), a copy of your lease, service charge payments or invoices, planning permission, etc. available and ready for early access
• Make sure that all the curtains and blinds are up during the day to bring in the light
• For evening viewings put lights on in every room and light the front path and rear garden, so that they look attractive and viewers don't trip over an unseen hurdle
• Remember the old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”

If you are looking to sell or let your property, get in touch today to see how we can help.