Before you all cringe at the thought of late night shopping and the crowded shops, getting dark at 4pm, forgetting which relations to buy for and which ones disappointed you with their present for you last year, spare a thought for your house.

Many people take the festive season to consider if it is time to move. Some families actively look for a new home at this time as it is the only time some couples / families have off together.

If you are looking to place your home on the market over Christmas, remember these few pointers to help you market your property successfully.

1. Make sure your photographs are done before you put up your Christmas decorations – If your property does not sell in the time period expected and is still on the market in the New Year, the photos will tell that the property has been on the market for some length of time.
2. If your chosen agent is coming to take the photos, ensure that they are there in plenty of time to make sure that the photos are done in natural daylight – there is nothing worse than photos with all the lights on or when you look at the windows, they are all dark outside.
3. Even though it is now winter conditions, your garden is another room of the property – If your outside space looks untidy or unkempt it will give the impression that you either don’t use it or that your maintenance is lacking and could lead them to have a less than positive impression of the property overall. Kerb appeal sells properties.
4. Check that your gutters have not filled up with the autumn falling leaves – This could lead to overflows that can cause damp to come in to the property. Nobody likes the sound of water splattering down on you from up high. Some properties have lead lined valley gutters, if these fill with leaves and begin to overflow, the water usually comes over the lead and into the property directly causing considerable damage.
5. If you have any viewings booked on your property or if you are going to view property yourself, try to get there during the daylight hours – You will see more of the property and also be able to see if there are any obvious defects which might not show up in darker evening conditions such as damp patches or staining.
6. If you have a big Christmas tree, remember that it does take up a lot of space in the room – Lots of Christmas decorations tend to make rooms look and feel smaller than they really are. If you have a small property, try to keep your festive decorations to the same proportions as the room. If you have ceiling decorations they can also make the room feel lower and sometime slightly claustrophobic, also if you have low ceilings with decorations and tall people coming to view then the two don’t go together very well.
7. If you are lucky enough to be able to get away for a festive break, remember to let your agent know so that they can book appointments accordingly – Another good reason not to put your wrapped Christmas presents under the tree too early as this can say a lot about your property and your plans, remember there are some not so honest people out there that will target properties that have trees with lots of lovely looking gifts under them.
8. If you are moving property around the Christmas / New Year period, try to plan your packing ahead – Take it from me as one who has moved in the first week of January, trying to pack a house is difficult enough as it is let alone trying to clear up and pack away from the Christmas season. I for one don’t think that I will move again during the festive period.
9. What opening hours your solicitors are working – Yes even solicitors deserve some time off over Christmas. If you have to go to your solicitors to sign any documents or to fill in any forms, remember that they may have differing opening hours to normal due to the Christmas holiday period or having staff off during this time period.

As Plymouth’s gold award winning agent for customer service, Cross Keys Estates will always be happy to advise and guide you on this journey. Buying or selling can be one of the most stressful times of your life, trying to remember all the things that you need to do, informing the utilities companies of your move, meter readings, removals, finances, redecorating that may be required, cleaning or even signing documents at your solicitors can be quite demanding as it is, but add the stresses of Christmas and family commitments to that and you might find it a bit more challenging than you initially imagined, your agent should be understanding and as helpful as can be.

For any advice or even if you just want to talk about your property or plans for moving, please feel free to give our dedicated staff a call, we are here to help.

May I personally take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy, healthy and prosperous 2020.