HUMBERTS offers top tips on selling your home in the winter season

The clocks have turned back and as the days get shorter and darker, the team at Humberts has compiled a list of top tips to help sellers maximise the opportunities from the winter property market.

For the brochure:

• Make sure the pictures in your property brochure match the current season.

Summer pictures of a house in the middle of winter will only draw attention to the fact that the house has been on the market for months.

• Make the most of the autumnal blue skies and ensure the agent you have chosen uses a professional photographer to take some top-notch pictures.

• Spend time making your garden look as tidy as possible.

Dead leaves, weeds and overgrown shrubs should all be dealt with.

Summer flowers may no longer be in bloom but a freshly mown lawn still looks great at this time of year.

• De-clutter your property as much as possible.

This tip is relevant all year round but is particularly important for winter time when it’s darker outside and rooms can seem a little smaller.

• If applicable, ask your agent to specifically advertise ‘no onward chain’.

The emphasis on a small chain could help you sell and move before Christmas.

For the viewing:

• Time your viewings to make the most of the lightest time of the day. Morning viewings can be a sensible idea.

• Keep the house warm and inviting.

Make the most of your home’s winter-appropriate features – light the fire or the log burner if you have them.

Consider lighting some candles to create a cosy atmosphere.

Make some coffee to complete the homely feel.

• Remember to turn on all the lights in the house for every viewing.

A dark, gloomy house is not welcoming!

• Air your home before viewings.

Open the windows and turn up the heating to let the fresh air circulate • Ensure the garden is as tidy as it was for the professional photography.

For viewings, clear everything – including vehicles – if you can.

Ian Westerling, managing director of Humberts, commented: “With fewer properties on the market during the winter months, buyers tend to be more serious and committed so there is no need to be disheartened if you have reason to sell your property at this time of year.

“Traditionally, the winter months are slower than spring and summer.

“However, many areas across the UK are suffering from a property drought so we are encouraging sellers to put their house on the market sooner rather than later – we have plenty of buyers but not enough property on the market right now.”

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please contact the Humberts Cirencester office on 01285 650955.

You are also welcome to visit our office located at 40 Castle Street, Cirencester GL7 1QH.