Top tips for winter viewings

Traditionally, spring and autumn are the most popular times to sell your house. But this year has been anything but ordinary and with the stamp duty deadline looming, many sellers have put their house on the market already.

If you are selling your home over the coming winter months, here are some tips to help make sure your property stands out.
 

• Make your home a cosy refuge from the cold. Put the heating on ahead of viewings and, if you have one, light the fire. Check all your light bulbs, make sure the lights are on throughout the house and consider placing lamps to brighten up any dark corners. For viewings in the late afternoons and evenings, ensure outside lights are on before anyone arrives.
   
• As ever, promote your home’s best features. With strong demand for home working spaces, showcase how your property fits the bill – whether it’s a separate office or a dedicated desk for home schooling in the playroom. By all means tidy up but don’t feel the need to tidy work away, as it will show off how the space can be used.   
   
• Don’t forget the garden. Outside space is at the top of many buyers’ wish lists so ensure yours is presented in its best light, despite the gloomy winter weather. Make sure it looks cared for by raking up leaves, clearing guttering, mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, clearing moss from paths and tidying plant pots, removing any weeds. Don’t forget to cut back plants growing around windows so they’re not blocking the light. Put away garden furniture unless it’s a dry, sunny day when you could get it out for viewings.
   
• As is the case with selling at any other time of the year, make sure your home is clean, decluttered and tidy, and finish off any odd jobs around the house that need doing. Tidy up paintwork and fix damp patches, superficial cracks or stains on ceilings or walls left by previous leaks. This sort of upkeep is typically inexpensive to sort out but can be off-putting on a viewing.
   
• First impressions count. The front door can get dusty and dirty at this time of year, especially if you live in a town. Keep it washed down and polish any brass door furniture. A collection of pots full of winter flowers by the front door is a welcoming touch and will brighten things up.

If you are considering selling or letting your property in Ashtead, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Epsom, Bookham or the surrounding areas, call V&H Homes on 01372 221 678