Advice for buying and selling a house in December

House hunters can expect less competition for properties. And sellers can attract a small but highly motivated group of buyers. Here, we advise on how to secure a sale as delicious as your roasted lunch. 

Pointers for selling your house

Take photos without decorations

Just in case your house doesn’t sell during December, wait until after the photographer visits to bring out the tinsel and tree. Otherwise, these will date your pictures.

Arrange viewings during daylight hours

Encourage people to visit during the day when your home is more enticing. This is especially important if you have a large garden.

Go for warm and cosy with your staging

In the winter gloom, it can take more effort to prepare your home. You could lean into the cosy aesthetic with, for example, thick blankets over your sofa and scented candles by the bath. 

Turn on the heating

When it comes to making a positive first impression on potential buyers, consider cranking up the heating if the day is cold. This might involve putting the heating on a timer or just turning on the radiator in the hallway. If the weather is wet or slushy with ice, think about where people might leave wet boots and shoes – and leave enough space.

Set a realistic asking price

Let’s say someone is keen to move quickly. If they see a house price that seems too high, they might be put off the prospect of lengthy negotiations. Work closely with your estate agent to consider comparable properties in the local area and set a realistic asking price.

Prepare to move quickly

The earlier you can organise documents such as your title deeds and energy performance certificate, the smoother the sales process. Know a good solicitor or conveyancer? Have you decided how much you might accept if you get an offer below the asking price? Get your ducks in a row so you are ready to move if you do find a suitable buyer.

Pointers for buying a house

Work around schedules

Sellers will likely have holiday plans to fit house viewings around. Try to be patient and flexible to allow everyone to continue their festivities with minimum stress.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price

With fewer buyers during this season, you might be in a strong position for negotiating. Discuss your options with your estate agent to get their professional insights and advice.

Prepare to move quickly

Similar to the advice for sellers: get ready to move if you find the right place. First up, if you need to borrow from a lender, get a mortgage in principle to prove you can access the funds. Second, look for a good solicitor or conveyancer. Here are tips on encouraging a smooth conveyancing process.

Don’t rush

All this talk of fast sales might encourage you to snap up a home before you are ready. Resist this impulse! Make sure you understand every detail of the finances and what you can expect from life in the new property. For example, appoint a solicitor who will thoroughly carry out searches of the surrounding area. And, ultimately, make sure it’s the right property – and price – for you!

Final thoughts

As with any time of year, preparing to buy or sell is all about staying nimble. You want to get ready to move – with the right documents and professional contacts at hand – while keeping a cool head as you wait for the various parts to click into place. An experienced estate agent can guide you through the process and share local knowledge. Find your nearest Winkworth office today.