4
Jan
2012 New Year Resolutions
The Christmas decorations are coming down at the end of the
week, and we have all made a New Year Resolution. For the housing
market perhaps that should be – stop prevaricating, let us
put the house on the market and make that longed for move. There
really has never been a better time than now – mortgage
interest rates are holding steady at very reasonable rates, and
whilst naturally there is some uncertainty with the economy as a
whole, house sales across Keats Country are relatively buoyant.
So, before you go to market, have a good look around your old
home through “outsiders” eyes. Take note and remedy any
eyesores like overflowing gutters, peeling paint on the front door,
overgrown paths and unkempt flower beds. It is not particularly
enticing out there with the winds and rains, but make sure your
“shop window”, your first impression of your home is a
good one. Simple things like cleaning the windows inside and out
make a huge difference, gives them a sparkle and freshness. Clean
up any windswept litter which the bin men may have left behind, and
pick up the final fall of leaves.
Once through the front door, does the house smell fresh and
clean? Banish that beloved wet dog whose gently steaming odour is
not ideal and replace it with a pot of freshly made coffee or the
smell of polished furniture. Clear the work surfaces in the kitchen
and do the washing up; hide the recycling. Do the bedrooms smell
fuggy? Make the beds, tidy away dropped clothing and open the
windows wide for a good blow through. Give the bathroom and the
tiling a special clean and again, leave a window open to maintain a
fresh feel – and close the loo lid!
Then walk through the house as if seeing it for the first time
– maybe move a piece of furniture to give a more spacious
feel – look up and find those cobwebs round the ceiling
lights and cornices. And put away personal correspondence, bills
and the like. And then, when all is ready, you can be assured that
whoever comes to view your old home as their potential new home,
they will leave with a good impression.
So make your second New Year Resolution: call the Keats Estate
Agent in your area for marketing advice and assistance in selling
your old home to a new buyer.