Although the property portals get record numbers of views with every Boxing Day bounce, it’s the second half of January when the market really heats up.
To capture the wave of New Year buyers as they come out of hibernation, it makes sense to use the quieter weeks on either side of Christmas to plan and prepare.
Without the sunlight of summer or the blossom of spring, homes need an extra helping hand to shine in the colder months, and our guide is packed with tips on how you can:
- Declutter as your decorations come down.
- Add style with warm and tactile touches.
- Winterproof your welcome.
- Tackle those little jobs.
- Partner with the perfect estate agent.
Does that sound good? Then let's see how you can get your home ready for estate agents in January, and still have plenty of time after that to set the stage for a successful launch.
DECLUTTER WHEN YOUR DECORATIONS COME DOWN
When the festive season comes to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity to start decluttering your home while you pack away the Christmas decorations.
Buyers want to picture their lives in your home, and a tidy, thoughtful space helps them do just that (as well as providing the perfect tonic for the post-tree comedown).
- Get in the zone. Decluttering allows your home to radiate its entire character, space, and possibility - three key elements in every buyer’s decision.
- Get inspired. Catch an episode of Grand Designs, visit a showhome, or look at listings on the property portals for examples of effective staging.
- Get organised. Instead of simply hiding stuff in your cupboards to deal with later, keep only the things that bring you joy, then sell, donate or dispose of the rest.
Still trying to figure out where to begin? Try our blog on Four Ways to Declutter for simple strategies to get you started.
ADD STYLE WITH WARM AND TACTILE TOUCHES
Winter presents unique staging opportunities to make your home feel extra inviting and cosy. December is the ideal time to perfect these details for January’s market.
- Add layers of comfort. Use textured throws and plush cushions in living rooms and bedrooms with touchy-feely fabrics like wool or velvet for a snuggly ambience.
- Radiate inner warmth. A roaring fire is the quintessential winter warmer, but creating cosy corners with soft lighting can be just as effective.
- Win by a nose. As all shops know, the secret to selling is scent, so infuse the air with aromas like myrrh, clove, orange or pine with an atomiser, candle, or reed diffuser.
For more hot tips on turning up the cosy, head to our blog on Selling in Winter so you can warm the hearts of buyers no matter how cold it gets.
WINTERPROOF YOUR WELCOME
Even in the depths of winter, first impressions count, and you can boost your home’s curb appeal with colour and light during the greyest days of the year when you:
- Go with the glow. From porch and pathway lighting to a lamp inside a front window, the warm glow of an amber bulb can attract viewers like moths to a flame.
- Organise outdoors. Rake up fallen leaves, trim and prune the foliage, jetwash mossy drives and patios, and keep your pathway clear of ice for a tidy, slip-free approach.
- Plant frost-hardy flowers. Pop some winter pansies, cyclamen, or simple evergreens by the front door or in a street-facing window for a verdant and cheerful greeting.
Paying attention to how your home looks on arrival sets the perfect tone for every viewing, creating excitement and a positive mindset in buyers before they step over the threshold.
TACKLE THOSE LITTLE JOBS
Have you been putting off any small repairs? Even minor issues can be seen as a sign of larger problems and put a dent in your selling price, so check around to see if you can:
- Find and fix flaws. Check the roof for slipped or broken tiles or slates, touch up scuffed or stained paintwork, tighten loose door handles and mend leaking taps.
- Heat up your greeting. Buyers will love feeling toasty after braving the cold to view, so bleed your radiators, check your boiler’s pressure, and book a service if necessary.
- Delete any drafts. Use the cold months to find and seal any gaps around windows or doors to improve insulation, boost energy efficiency and supercharge the cosy vibe.
These jobs can often feel bigger than they actually are, and once you’ve dealt with them you’ll wonder why you waited so long. So start now, and you'll be done before you know it.
PARTNER WITH THE PERFECT ESTATE AGENT
Moving home takes months, so it's absolutely vital to work with an agent you trust and have faith in. So when they arrive at your home, you can get the most from their visit when you:
- Question their valuation. Whether you’re disappointed or delighted, ask how they arrived at the price. A strong valuation should be supported by comparable evidence.
- Evaluate their marketing. Discuss their plan to showcase your home for the winter market, from photos and text to video and social media. What, exactly, will they do?
- Scrutinise their service. Explore their viewing, feedback, and update procedures. And just in case you don't find a buyer, check if they have a Plan B.
For a deeper dive into choosing well, our blog on valuing your home will help you test every agent for accurate advice, a robust strategy, and concrete standards.
Are you getting ready to sell in January?
Using December to prepare for the New Year property market in Birmingham ensures your home is ready and waiting to capture the attention of your perfect buyer.
We’d love to help you hit the ground running, so call us on 03338 802 602 or message us at enquire@three2six.co.uk, and let’s start planning your home’s big debut.
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