“Between now and around early Spring or March vendors who hitherto have struggled to sell should concentrate less on the garden and much more about the look and feel indoors.
Houses need to be warm, bright and welcoming. This is particularly important in the winter months for rooms which are seldom used. In harsh winter light, flaws and tired décor will stand out, so consider decorating, or replacing worn flooring, tiles and replacing jaded fittings, even new bathrooms etc to give the property a fresh impact.
I am often surprised at just how little attention vendors pay to the advice of their agent. Their expert advice is particularly important at this time of year when if a house is unsold by the end of last year, it is unlikely to sell by March. Perhaps the agent will advise that property is too expensive for the market, or perhaps prospective buyers find that it is too dark. If so there is still time to act, do seek advice and really listen to your agent and act quickly on what they advise.
Given that if you vetted from the outset and have appointed a local agent who knows their patch and what similar properties are selling and have sold for, they will be able to bring realism to the pricing and that will unlock serious buyers.”
Simon Barnes, Managing Director at H. Barnes & Co
