Paul Fursman
Legal
Why January is a good time to prepare to sell your house
January is the time of the year we all start making plans for all those things we hope to achieve across the year in front of us.
What better time could there be to decide if the house you are in is the home you want to see yourself or your family in before next year?
The market refreshed
Traditionally the housing market takes a small decline from October through to December, before a rush of property is added in the spring. This is thought to be due to people not wanting to move in the lead-up to the festive season (although for the last few years this has not been our experience), but it is also very understandable that the thought of trying to transfer all of your valuable possessions from one house to another on a cold winter’s day is not one to warm many hearts.
Come the New Year, people start to look once again at taking that first step or the next step on the property ladder. If you’re looking to sell within the year, now is the time to start making those plans a reality, letting you get on the market before everyone else. The sooner you get your property on the market, the sooner you can instruct a conveyancing solicitor who can begin to prepare all the basic documents you will need to sell your home, helping to speed up the process.
Spring sales
The vast majority of homeowners who choose to sell do so in the spring, leading to a saturated market full of competition. It becomes a buyers’ market which can lead to deflation in the price you can hope to achieve. If you have a valuation you aim to sell at or even need to meet to make a move worthwhile, this could take longer during this period.
Selling in the early part of the year allows your property to be seen before others join the marketplace making it far easier for your property to achieve its potential.
Getting ready to sell
A big part of moving home is being ready for that big move day. So why not take advantage of the colder weather and that natural tendency to want to stay indoors to declutter? Clearing out those things you no longer want or need helps you make things easier when it comes to moving and will have the added advantage of making the presentation of your home for sale so much easier too.
It also gives you an opportunity to dig out any certificates and guarantees (such as for replacement windows) relating to your property which may be required by a buyer.
New year, new property
So, if you’re considering selling, why don’t you start getting ready now? Adding your property to the market before there is more competition could lead to a better sale for you. The sooner you begin finding and instructing a conveyancing team, the smoother the process is likely to go. Plus, getting your home ready is a perfect New Year’s resolution!
Vernon Sellahewa, a Paralegal in the Residential Property Team said:
“Regardless of month, the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to an another can be a complex and time-consuming process. A good firm will have a through understanding of the legal process and will be able to advise you on all aspects of the sale.
Selling a home is often one of the most significant financial transactions that a person will make in their lifetime. A good firm will be able to guide you through the process, being available to answer any questions that you might have.
When you sell, choice of firm is essential. The award-winning Residential Property Department at Mullis & Peake are highly skilled, with the team taking pride in providing the highest level of customer service, from start to finish.”