5 ways to sell your property stress free this Christmas

There are many people across the UK that feel an attempt to market their home for sale during the festive period will not bring them desired results; however, over the years, our experience paired with data from property giants like Rightmove have proven that Christmas and New Year is one of the best times of year to market your property.

Each year, homemovers flock to property portals like Rightmove in their millions over the festive season. It’s a time of year when people are off work, feeling more relaxed and are sat at home – the perfect opportunity to assess their living circumstances.

The portal saw a 231% increase in their traffic between Christmas and New Year in 2018; and our own data shows that the period 24-28th December 2019, Jacobs Steel website traffic increased by 282% when compared to the previous week. Considering the buoyancy in the East & West Sussex property market this quarter, there is no reason why this December should be any different.

So, using the above information, we’ve established that getting your property marketed over the festive period is essential if you are looking to reap the benefits of the increase in house-hunters; but now let’s look at how we can make it less stressful for you to do so.

1. Be photo ready

Making sure your photography is of the highest quality and that each room is decluttered and staged as much as possible, will ensure that your home stands out among others online. Adding pops of colour to rooms, such as cushions or wall art, catches the eye and stops people from scrolling past.

If you’re going on the market after your decorations go up, just make sure the decorated areas don’t look too cluttered and are staged for photos. We can offer advise during your appointment or arrange a consultation for you with Jane Lee; our recommended home staging specialist.
 

2. Get Featured

Whilst photos assist the marketing of your property and can help it to stand out, there is strong evidence that featured listings on the portals drive more potential viewers to check it out.

Our properties are marketed as feature listings as standard, and receive up to 484% more email enquiries than standard listings*; so you can be sure that your property is getting noticed.

3. Virtual Viewings and Tours

One way to alleviate the stress of selling your home during the festive season, is to minimize the number of people coming through your door. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many agents to invest in tools that offer virtual appointments and/or property tours.

The benefit of this over the Christmas period is, that at a time when more people than at any other time of year are searching for property, they can still ‘view’ your home and create a shortlist of homes they would like to view in person, whilst not actually disturbing your celebrations.

4. Christmas Communication

One of the biggest complaints within our industry as a whole is a lack of communication; and over the Christmas period, when offices and solicitors close down, it’s arguably more important that you know what is happening with the marketing of your property.

Jacobs Steel offer an online portal called ‘My JS’. Each of our vendors is given an independent log-in and once in the system, you can track portal statistics, pending viewings, viewing feedback and offers; so even when the offices might be closed, you are still able to keep up to date with your marketing.
 

5. Sales Progression

If you have secured a sale with Jacobs Steel prior to the Christmas period, our dedicated Sales Progressor and Managers will ensure that your sale/purchase is progressed as much as possible before your solicitor closes for the season; and make sure that you know where things are at. 

If you are unfamiliar with the sales process, download our free moving guide.

If you are ready to take advantage of the season and get your property on the market, contact your local branch or head to our online valuation tool.

**statistics received from Rightmove and are specific to Jacobs Steel’s stock; correct as at 14 August 2019