Should you list your property for sale in January?
Clare Sinclair, Cardiff Bay Branch Manager, considers why January may be the ideal time to put your property on the market...
When considering a wise time to sell your property you may naturally assume that the spring and summer are by far the best seasons, while the winter should perhaps be avoided. It's easy to see why this assumption would be made - the spring and summer months offer more sunshine (hopefully!) and longer days, while gardens and other outside spaces can be presented in their best condition. As traditionally the busiest months of the year to bring a property onto the market, it's no wonder you'd think this is best.
However, while the spring and summer may be the busiest time of the year, this doesn't automatically make them the best. During these busy periods the property market may be at risk of becoming oversaturated. Going up against many other properties in similar locations and of similar size and condition may result in it proving more difficult for your property to stand out in a crowd, so for this reason, January and the winter months really should not be overlooked when it comes to listing a property for sale - it could easily prove to be a sensible decision!
Once the christmas period has passed and we find ourselves entering a new year, estate agents typically find that the property market picks up in a flash as buyers are keen to see what's available following their christmas break discussions - some may have missed out on a purchase towards the end of the year, while others may have targeted the new year as the time they finally buy a property.
Fewer properties on the market means less competition, and potential buyers on the lookout at the turn of the year tend to be serious and well motivated.
Follow these top tips to help sell your home in January:
1. Ensure your home offers a warm welcome
Keep the miserable winter weather outside and use it to your advantage by turning the inside into a cosy, warm and welcoming place. Make sure the heating is on before viewings, even if you don't live at the property. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even offer a warm drink!
2. Be flexible with viewings
Shorter days can make it difficult for potential buyers to view a property in the daylight, so being as flexible as possible with viewing times may give you the edge over some of the competition. Being available at weekends in particular could really help increase viewings and improve your chances of achieving that all important sale.
3. Promote the best features of the property
No matter what season it is, you always want to ensure the best features and most important rooms or spaces are presented in the best light. Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and gardens are often high priorities for a buyer, so creating the right homely vibe in these spaces is always important and can make all the difference. This may not necessarily mean re-decorating or re-landscaping, but it does mean thinking about presentation.
4. Fix any maintenance issues
Whether it's damp patches, small cracks in walls and ceilings, stains from leaks or any other easily fixed maintenance issue, fix it before viewings begin. They may be inexpensive to address, but potential buyers are unlikely to be on the lookout for a property that may be high maintenance. Issues that are clear and obvious at the viewing stage are sure to be brought up during any negotiations.
5. Price competitively
It's important to always be realistic with your asking pice. As mentioned previously, many buyers on the lookout at the start of a new year tend to be serious buyers who are hoping to purchase soon. Prices that are realistic and tempting will really help maximise the potential of a sale during January or February. Remember, this doesn't mean undervaluing your property - it simply means be realistic!
If you're looking to buy or sell a property in Cardiff then don't hesitate to contact our property experts today. You can contact the team here at CPS Homes by calling 02920 668585, e-mailing enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk or by popping into one of our three Cardiff branches.
