The real estate market always has a strong start to the new year, as the first few months bring an influx of new buyers and new incentives. If you're thinking about selling your home in 2023, there's no better time than now to get started.
House hunting is like online dating. Scrolling or swiping can cause buyers to reject your property because it looks too unappealing or unappealing. Learn how to make your home as attractive as possible when the market is competitive with these top tips.
1. Look at your assets objectively
There are three key factors to finding the perfect property: price, location, and space. You can't change the location and the price is determined by demand, but what you can do is change the way buyers feel about the space.
If you've been putting off doing chores around the house, now's the time to tackle them. Be prepared for viewings from potential buyers who may find the kitchen door broken or the bathroom paint peeling. 
“There are three key factors to finding the perfect property: price, location, and size…”
It is important to look at your property objectively and put yourself in the buyer's shoes. After all, you're likely a buyer too, so think about what you're looking for when considering potential homes.
A good tip is to consider homes within 10% of the asking price and see how other sellers are offering their properties. If your property is not up to the same standards, now is the time to take action. Buyers may overlook your property in favor of other properties that look better in photos or look better on inspections.
Log into your My Foxtons account to see similar homes for sale in your area.
2. Everything has a place
Some people may be surprised at how much stuff accumulates in their homes. So let's start cleaning up right away. Things that are easy to overlook after living in a property for years may be the first thing a buyer sees during viewings.
Keep in mind that you are not selling things, you are selling space. Therefore, everything needs a home. Things like an ironing board, an overflowing laundry basket, shampoo bottles in the shower, and mailboxes piled up on the kitchen countertop can make your home look cluttered and unappealing. .
Similarly, it's fine to have a few family photos, but having too many on display can suddenly make the space look too personal. This can make it difficult for buyers to imagine living in the space.
Depersonalizing key rooms such as the drawing room or kitchen to create a blank canvas can make it easier for potential buyers to picture their property instead of yours. , that's a great idea.
3. Give your property personality
Organization is important, but so is making sure your space feels homely. Hiding all your belongings in a cupboard may look nice, but it can also make your room look cold and uninviting, especially in photos.
A few bright cushions or pieces of art can brighten up a space and make it feel more inviting, especially in the most frequently used rooms like the drawing room or kitchen. However, too much color can make your home feel outdated. We recommend painting your bathroom white as it gives it a more clean look.
It is also recommended to keep the color palette neutral in the bedroom to create a calm atmosphere. This property photo, taken by our expert photography team, is a great example of how a neutral color scheme can be practical while maintaining a homey feel.
4. Be flexible about tours
Being as flexible as possible with viewings is often the key to a successful real estate sale. Many sellers don't realize that they are putting their home sale at risk by requesting viewings only when it's convenient for them.
Restricting the amount of time agents can view your property limits the number of potential buyers who will visit, which can make it take longer to find the right buyer. 22% of inspections take place outside of business hours. It's also a good idea to make sure your real estate agent has the keys and can access the property whenever you want to view it. It may be inconvenient for viewings to be held in the evening or on weekends, but these are the times when most buyers want to come see the property.
You may also wish to attend the preview, but this is not recommended.
“We're not selling things; we're selling space.”
Buyers need to be honest about what they think, and you're unlikely to get valuable feedback if you're there. Also, if the seller is hanging around, they won't be able to see that people are living in the space. Buyers can't sit on the couch or test the length of the bath if you're there…
And remember…
During the first few months of the new year, the market is competitive and property standards are high. Our advice is to get your property as 'commercially ready' as possible. Be flexible with your viewing habits, arranging fresh flowers in vases every Friday (prior to your weekend viewing), emptying the trash can and lowering the toilet seat before you leave for work in the morning. When trying to secure an offer on a home, the little things can go a long way.
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Browse our properties for sale, schedule a free property valuation today, and find out what documents you need to sell your home. Or, if you'd like to learn more about how to make the most of the rush of the new year, check out our article. Sale of real estate.
