The nights are getting darker and Starbucks annual pumpkin spiced range is out now which can only mean one thing: Autumn is here!
At Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents, we always notice the shift in the daylight hours when the dark nights draw in because our LED backlit property displays just look that bit brighter. Ideal for displaying your property!
Are you selling your property in Autumn and looking to maximise your sale?
Great, because you have certainly come to the right place!
Neilsons have received a staggering 222 Offers and have sold (concluded missives) on 90 properties in October 2024 so far. Closing dates are still a feature in this market for many choosing to market with Neilsons, with 33 closing dates set this month to date.
Autumn is a great time to sell your property, with plenty of buyers actively looking to make a move ahead of Christmas.
Read on for our top Autumn viewing tips…
Try and encourage viewings early, before it gets dark to take advantage of daylight.
Everything looks brighter and clearer in the daylight and this includes your property!
Now that the clocks are about to change, in October and November it can start to get dark as early as 4pm. With this in mind, consider hosting viewings before this time during the week and at weekends.
Daylight is particularly important for properties with gardens and outside spaces, which are very important selling points, even if we are past the ‘al fresco’ dining time of the year!
Lighting is key. Make sure you showcase your property in its best “light”!
Make sure you put all of the lights on in your property during a viewing (don’t forget areas such as under cooker hoods) – even during the daytime.
It will brighten up your property – particularly with it getting darker earlier – remember you are trying to sell the property and showcase it in its best ‘light’ (excuse the pun!).
Low level lighting such as lamps can help create a cosy feel and gives space purpose. A cosy reading corner to curl up with a good book creates a great impression at this time of year.
Replace any bulbs that may need sorted also, to ensure maximum brightness throughout the property. Update any that are too dim.
In Edinburgh and the Lothians’ often cloudy autumn weather, brightening the space is crucial. Open curtains wide, clean the windows inside and out, and use mirrors to reflect natural light.
Make your property warm, cosy and inviting.
Always put your heating on so that the property is warm before each viewing. You don’t want viewers to feel like your property is cold or draughty! Light any open fires or stoves and put on any flame effect fires. Good quality scented candles work well too, particularly at this time of year.
Remember, buying a property is an emotional and not a rational process so it is important your viewers feel welcome, relaxed, warm and ‘at home’.
Don’t forget your outside space and “kerb appeal”.
Make sure to clear fallen leaves from your front and back garden and pathway (even if you live in a communal stairway) just before your viewing starts. This will ensure the viewer gets a real sense of the space, and the leaves do not obstruct your garden or pathway. A clean and tidy exterior always sets the right tone for viewers, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the first impression. If you are hosting evening viewings, ensure your pathways are well lit. Ensure your gutters are cleared of any fallen leaves and debris, to avoid any leaks or damage occurring during autumn and winter with heavy rain and winter weather.
There are also still some great autumn flowers that bloom for a long time in this season such as chrysanthemums and marigolds if you have flower beds to decorate. You can also place these in pots at your front door.
A small amount of tasteful seasonal décor is fine for viewings, but make sure it is not there when your photographs are taken as you do not want it to date the property too obviously. For example, any pumpkin décor will certainly look out of place by November!
Remember, if you live in a shared tenement building, always sweep the communal stairway before the viewing. Dusting the banister with some polish and wiping down window ledges is also a great way of freshening up the stairwell before each viewing.
Same rules apply all year around…
As ever, the same basic principles apply all year around regarding cleaning, de-cluttering and de-personalising.
- Always ensure your property is clean before each viewing. A good quality polish or cleaning spray such as Method appeals more than anything with harsh smelling chemicals such as bleach.
- De-clutter and remove any bulky items, excess furniture, toys and gym equipment and store off site. Bulky items will impact on a potential purchaser’s concept of space available in the property and this includes large cupboards and storage spaces. If you need help with decluttering, check out our Ultimate Home Moving package which includes decluttering, storage and professional staging. There are no problems, only solutions at Neilsons!
- Any personal items which may impact on the potential purchaser viewing themselves living there should also be removed e.g. photographs. Remember, buying a property is an emotional not rational process and the buyers need to imagine themselves living in the property. Personal effects can often get in the way of this vital process taking place.
Next steps…
Take advantage of the demand for suitable properties right now with our no upfront outlays promotion and free marketing pack and save up to £599.
If you are looking to sell this Autumn then book a free no-obligation Pre-Sale Appraisal with Neilsons online today. Our appraisals are much more than just a valuation and each appraisal includes free House Doctor advice as standard. We’ve been helping thousands of local sellers sell their property for over 47 years so you will be in very capable hands.