It’s tough when you’re selling a house to get back into the mindset of potentially spending money on it, but if you’re going to make the most of the opportunity and sell at the best price there are several things not to forget.

Unfortunately, this is not the fun list you’ll want to check twice, but you simply must—despite how tedious the tasks may be. Between the money saved on electricity and future repairs, your wallet will thank you later. Here’s exactly what you need to do in order to get ready for the cold weather ahead:

Lighting

It is very likely the viewings will be done in the dusk or dark. Mood lighting and setting the scene is key to selling a property. The sun isn’t there to help show your home in its glory and brutal ceiling lights won’t do the job. Walk through you home with the eye of a buyer and if the lay out allows, make sure people can see through the home as far as possible.

Weatherproof your doors and windows.

It’s important to get ahead of the winter weather and make sure your home is ready to handle the cold to come. Check your doors and windows closely for gaps and areas that may cause a draft. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them up or consider replacing the windows/doors if the problem is severe enough. In the cold it is obvious to buyers what is not working as it should and is a sign the house it not being maintained.

Garden

Its easy to forget this one! you’re not out there using it, its cold and dark! but the buyers will be especially interested in this space and Covid pushed ‘Outdoor space’ and ‘home office’ into the top 5 of most important things people are looking for

Make sure the lawn is trim, the bushes tidy, and leaf litter removed. Don’t allow moss to build anywhere and paths should be clean and brushed to make sure they look the part and aren’t dangerous on a wet morning.

Aging shed in the corner looking a little bit unloved? paint it. Ronseal Ducks back is great and making the most unloved shed look smart and add a couple more years on to the life span. ‘’Simon surely no one cares about the shed.” Someone might be eyeing the spot for a smart new garden office, help them picture it.

Finally … The front of the Property

It can’t be overstated how key this is, buyers should be weighing up a whole range of things when looking at your home but make quick snap decisions on your home within minutes. A stunning ensuite bathroom will be wasted on someone who has decided against the house from the path.

Ensure woodwork is painted and good order, all facias and trims in place, pathways in good repair, bins given a home (bin store). Lighting is great but at the very least a welcome light to welcome to the door and its amazing how many doorbells don’t work don’t leave everyone waiting in the cold and a note saying ‘doorbell is broken’ is so last year

Clean out your gutters.

Yes, this is a post-autumn activity as well, unfortunately, since it’s best to avoid having any unnecessary weight from frozen leaves. Emptying the leaves, dirt, and debris will decrease the risk of damage to your gutters and won’t have buyers looking at overflowing down pipes

Keep the heat on…

This is a big personal bug bear of mine (behind vendors joining in with viewings.)

Many peoples first reaction on not being in the house or if the house is empty is turn the heating off.

Keep the heat on always. Even when you go away. By doing so you can keep your pipes warm and prevent them from freezing, while also saving money on having your heating system work extra hard when you return to bring the house back up to room temperature. If you don’t have one I suggest updating to a thermostat That way a lower temperature can be maintained that protects the house and means that buyers who might have endured a chilly walk to the house arrive and experience a warm friendly feeling house not a ice box that they are looking forward to leaving. 16C is a base temperature.

For more information on selling your property, get in touch today!