As always when it comes to selling a home the perfect timing can and will differ from one person to another dependent on your personal circumstances but in this article we have tried to provide some things you should consider.
With just 53 days left until Christmas (as at 3rd November) a lot of people are fully focused on the big day and plans to move home have been put on the back burner.
But is that the best thing to do?
The market is currently going through a tough period with buyers in the ascendancy and activity being very price sensitive. A lot of people are unsure what the immediate future holds in respect the budget, interest rate changes, stamp duty and any number of other potential changes that will affect housing.
As always however, there remains a good number of people who either want to move and will move or who need to move for one reason or another.
History shows that (property market crashes aside (1998 and 2008) house will sell, it just needs the right marketing and the right price (especially at the moment).
Sell Now?
Majority of people thinking about moving will put their plans on hold until after Christmas. The advantage of doing so now is that there will likely be less competition for your home from similar properties which should give you a better chance of finding a buyer)
Of course, you will likely need to still find somewhere but as long as your buyer knows that then they will in all probability be prepared to wait and, by having a buyer for yours, you are in the best position to make an offer when the right property appears for you as the availability increases in the New Year.
Sell After Christmas?
See the relatives off, pack away the Christmas decorations and get the kids back to school.
For a lot of people this is much preferred, and you can use the period running up to Christmas to de-clutter and remove anything you no longer need.
The risk is that you are likely to see more property coming on the market in direct competition to your own but you may also see the home of dreams appear and not be in a position to offer as yours is either not yet on the market or does not yet have a buyer.
Sell During Christmas?
Some people will tell you that more people look at Rightmove and Zoopla in the period between Christmas and New Year than at any other time of the year. Some estate agents will promote marketing campaigns around this or suggest price reductions on the back of it if you are already on the market and not sold.
Whilst the figures are true it is worth bearing in mind that a lot of people have more time to browse at this time of the year (holiday, time off, escaping family for quiet time). How many of those are genuinely serious?
It is certainly not ideal for most of us to have potential buyers visiting over the Christmas period when we have decorations everywhere, kids off school, more toys than we know what to do with and of course friends and family paying visits.
In that respect if you choose to go on the market during the Christmas period then consider not accepting any viewings until once the festive season is over. Serious buyers will be prepared to wait.
Whenever is Best, Act Now!
Your circumstances are unique to you so the best thing to do is to book a market valuation and appraisal where you can ask questions and we can understand your requirements and make recommendations on what is best for you.
One thing we strongly advise is to get your property market ready even if you intend waiting until after Christmas. By this, we mean have all your photos, video tour, floorplans and promotional material done and ready before you put the Christmas decorations up. That way you can hit the ground running right at the start of the New Year or, if a property appeared that you love then a quick call can have your property fully advertised in a matter of minutes.
If you have any questions or wish to book a valuation, then please get in touch.
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