Summer is a prime time to sell your home, with increased activity in the property market due to favourable weather and other factors. If you're planning a holiday while selling your home, ensure you communicate with your estate agent, manage viewings, arrange for surveys, and maintain your garden to keep your property appealing to buyers.
Increased Activity in Summer
During the summer, property sellers typically experience more viewings and quicker offers. This increase in activity can be attributed to several factors:
- School Holidays: With children off school, families have more flexibility and less daily routine disruptions.
- Work Schedules: Many people take time off or work reduced hours for childcare during school holidays.
- Pleasant Weather: Viewing properties in nice weather is more enjoyable, creating a better experience for potential buyers.
A summer afternoon of house hunting is far more pleasant than braving wind and rain, which often distracts from appreciating the property's features until one is inside and settled.
Preparing for a Summer Sale
Given that the summer market heats up and the number of sales increases, many people aim to move before Christmas or by the end of the year. Since the legal process for an average sale takes around three months, starting the process by September is ideal for a Christmas move.
Managing Marketing While on Holiday
Summer is also a popular holiday season, which raises the question of how to manage your property marketing while you're away.
Communicate with Your Estate Agent:
- Inform your estate agent of your holiday plans and ensure a marketing plan is in place.
Handling Viewings:
- Arrange for your estate agent to accompany viewings.
- Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to show the property or pause viewings until your return.
- Your estate agent can schedule viewing dates before you leave and after you return, consolidating appointments into a few days rather than spreading them out.
Survey Arrangements:
- If you accept an offer before your holiday, leave a key with the agent for the surveyor to access the property.
- This ensures the buyer's mortgage application is not delayed, safeguarding the pre-Christmas completion date.
Garden Maintenance:
- Summer growth can turn your garden into a jungle if left unattended for a few weeks.
- Arrange for a gardener or a friend to maintain the garden while you're away, keeping it presentable for potential buyers.
Holidays should not hinder your property sale if you plan accordingly. Being organized ensures your home remains marketable, and you might even receive an offer while relaxing at the beach.
For those aiming to sell their home before Christmas.