As Londoners become preoccupied with busy social calendars and holiday preparations, some may suggest that marketing a property is a fruitless task at this time of year.
Our friends at Marsh & Parsons disagree, and suggest there are a few things property owners can do to market a home most effectively—and hopefully wrap up a sale before Christmas.
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Here Comes Santa Claus… But Leave Him Out of Your Photos!
For Sale: Stevenage Road, SW6
Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but your sparkling new Christmas tree won’t look so wonderful to buyers or tenants come the New Year. Seasonal photographs will instantly draw attention to the length of time a property has been on the market, so hold off on decorating the tree, put away trinkets and children’s toys, and ensure your agent engages a professional property photographer that will, well, present your home in the best light.
When it does come time to decorate, less is more; an imposing tree may excite even the most devout Scrooge, but will make it much more difficult for people to see past the baubles and appreciate the impressive features in the property.
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I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas… and a Clean and Tidy Home
For Sale: Chelsea House, SW13
First impressions last, so ensuring your property is presented in excellent order before viewings is paramount. Be it muddy shoes by the door or scuff marks on walls, even the smallest of tasks can be perceived as hard work for a potential buyer or tenant.
Take some time to touch up worn walls, ensure bathrooms are mould- and dirt-free, and have the kitchen neat, tidy and sparkling. These quick wins can make a marked difference for prospective buyers and tenants, and even add to the price you can achieve!
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All I Want for Christmas… Is Flexible Viewing Times
To Let: Furness Road, NW10
Between end-of-term concerts, Winter Wonderland and Christmas fairs, December is a busy time, so it can be tricky coordinating schedules. Try to be flexible with viewing times and, once you get to know your agent, simply leave them to it! People will feel comfortable asking questions when you’re out and about without risking causing offence and, in turn, they’ll hopefully imagine your property as their new home.
If your property is tenanted, reiterate your appreciation when it comes to flexibility with viewings and keep them informed on any offers to retain good rapport—this will come in handy when negotiating moving dates!
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Baby It’s Cold Outside… But I’m Gonna Be Warm This Winter
For Sale: Yardley Street, WC1X
There’s something to be said about arriving home to a warm and cosy house on a chilly British evening, and it’s also just the thing that will set buyers’ and tenants’ interest alight; a chill in the air spells a cold reception and is most certainly enough to get your property crossed off their Christmas wish list.
For those with beautiful fireplaces or wood burners, get that fire roaring! Not only will this add warmth and romance to your property but they’ll feel right at home and, quite possibly, be willing to pay a premium to make it so.
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Not So Silent Nights…
To Let: Pembridge Place, W2
For more advice on marketing your property at this wonderful time of the year, get in touch with your local Marsh & Parsons estate agent to arrange a complimentary, no-obligation valuation and have visitors rockin’ around your (tasteful) Christmas tree!
This is a sponsored posting in association with Marsh & Parsons.
