Looking to sell in the New Year? Here are the steps to make it happen

You know what they say, new year, new me. But what about new year, now home?

For many getting through the Christmas period signifies the time to look for a new home, which of course, in many cases, means selling too!

It’s a well known fact it’s harder to sell in the winter, there’s less on the market and in turn that means fewer people are looking. You can put yourself ahead of the competition though, by knowing what a buyer wants.

A recent study by Property Rescue has found exactly that. First impressions are essential when it comes to buying a home and the recent survey found a number of areas which instantly determine whether a homebuyer is going to put an offer down.

A Newly Installed Kitchen

For many first time buyers this is key. Having already paid the dreaded stamp duty and saved for a number of years for a deposit, few are wanting to fork out even more on a new kitchen.

Over a third of the country see a modern kitchen as a must-have, with it costing an average £7,000 to fit a new one.

Modern Bathroom Suite

It’s a similar story with the bathroom. Another costly addition to a home, buyers are more likely to move into a home where they have to do little work.

For a seller, adding a new bathroom suite will also increase the value of a home, so it’s well worth considering.

A colourful suite, in the greens and pastel pinks and blues of before are very likely to put a buyer off.

Sell it from the Outside

One of the key things for home buyers, before they’ve even stepped through the door is the neighbourhood. Now, there’s not a lot you can do about that, but you can make your home the prettiest on the street.

A nicely kept garden was found particularly important to buyers aged between 35-45, and even in winter you can make it look pleasant.

Make sure nothing is overgrowing, patios and driveways are clean and swept, and some nice winter potted plants would look welcoming.

If there is space for a car on the front, make sure that is noticeable as parking is a real luxury these days too.

It’ll give a potential buyer a positive outlook on your home before you’ve even opened the door to them. And we all know first impressions are everything.