The rains have come!
Our traditional winter market starts with the wet weather.

The farmers are happy as their crops get a start but our Buyers are complaining that there is “no good stock” as Sellers hold their homes over until Spring, when their garden looks better and the sun is shining.

Counter-intuitively winter may be low on sales volume, but you can guarantee the Buyers in the marketplace are serious players, and the Sellers in the marketplace will be well positioned as there’s not a lot of competition.
Yes sales volumes may be lower but with motivated Buyers and a scarcity of stock it certainly doesn’t mean lower prices!

It is paramount if you are selling into winter that you solve all the ‘winter problems’. Buyers are told it’s good to view houses in the rain, “as you can see what’s wrong with them”. This is your chance to showcase your home to serious Buyers!

Ensure the home is warm and cosy.  There is nothing more inviting and emotionally comforting than coming in out of the cold to a warm home. Equally ensure the home is light and bright. Pick the best time of day, open blinds and even install skylights if required. Make sure the home has appropriate doormats so a Buyer doesn’t feel uncomfortable walking inside with wet or dirty shoes.

Fix the leaks! That means, clean gutters, ensure down-pipes work well and generally solve any issues that manifest when the rains pour down.

It all may seem a little extreme but Buyers are looking for fault. Don’t give them any excuses not to Buy! 

And remember winter could be good to you if you get the presentation of your home right.

Derek Baston