Don’t batten down the hatches just yet!

As the falling leaves of Autumn begin to clutter the roads and gardens, we realise that Winter is well and truly on its way. The dark nights are drawing in and our winter coats are making their way to the front of the wardrobe. You could be forgiven for thinking that the ‘selling season’ is over but with December 2015 being the busiest in our 37 year history we’ll not sit back and take it easy just yet!

At Norman Morrow & Co. we have seen many peaks and troughs in the market over the years, in the past even putting the clock on for the Winter dip but the last few years have seen a noticeable shift in the ‘seasons for selling’. Not too surprising given the considerable rollercoaster we have experienced in the last 10 years but gone are the days of ‘Spring Cleaning’ in order to catch the market. Sellers should remain focused on maintaining their high standards all year round so that any viewer, even opportunists, can appreciate your biggest asset in all its glory! With these top tips we hope to help you make the most of your property and stay ready for viewers all year round!

KERB APPEAL

Buyers have been known to make a judgement on a property within 10 seconds of walking through the door! Great if you have an interior fit for Homes and Gardens but the appearance of the exterior and front garden is just as important in order to get them through the door! Every property needs some Kerb Appeal – a pretty hanging basket, a welcome mat, a door number and most importantly gardens that are well maintained.

If you’re determined to sell your property, use what opportunity you still have to tidy up the garden and prepare for Winter. Give the grass one last cut to keep it neat and tidy, pull the weeds you’ve walked past each evening and ‘meant to do’, fix the garden gate/fence and if needs be give it a fresh coat of paint. Clear out the gutters, reattach downpipes and ensure drains are free from debris to avoid minor flooding in our typical Northern Irish weather! The crisp leaves with an array of colour are attractive on a bright dry morning but an eyesore on a wet windy one!

KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING

Nothing beats an open fire blazing up the chimney on a cold wet evening. If you’re lucky enough to have an open fire, multi-fuel stove or even an Aga in the kitchen, be sure to have them lit and adding to the warmth of the house when viewers come knocking. A coffee and a chat about the many features of living in your fantastic property are ideally located around the heart of the home, the Aga or the open fire!

BRIGHT AND BREEZY

Winter brings dark days and evening viewings are inevitable for most properties. Ensure each room is well lit with the best lighting to suit the time of day. Try to allow as much natural light in as possible by cutting back overhanging trees or branches and opening all blinds or curtains. A few soft touches are always welcomed in the form of lightly scented candles, fresh flowers and easy listening music playing in the background. An open window allows fresh air to circulate and get rid of any lingering smells from cooking or pets. Smoking outside is a must! A non-smoker will be instantly put off by the smell of stale smoke.

Make the most of your home this Winter and the unexpected may just happen!