Insights

Traditionally, the Easter break conjures up images of chocolate, spending time with family and maybe even a little DIY - decorating and finally getting round to those minor repairs that have been niggling over the winter months.  Often this is the time that people are looking to market their properties and move to their next home, indeed, spring is normally when the Residential Property sector is at its most active. 

However this year is very different and feels that life has been turned upside down, and not just ‘home life’, but every aspect of our world.  Being in the process of selling your property is an additional worry and possibly a little overwhelming at times.  It is important to remember that we are still working and are here to help during this crisis.

Guidelines are such that currently we aren’t able to visit properties to provide our normal service but we are at the end of the phone or an email.  In the last few weeks we have been able to place properties that were ‘sale-ready’ on the market, and it is encouraging to note that there are viewing requests coming in for these properties.   We are seeing activity on the portals we use, naturally as people are at home the internet searches are busier, but it is encouraging to see that serious buyers are intent on finding the right property.   

In the early days of the crisis it became apparent there would be restrictions on our day to day activities and we looked at alternative ways to market properties.  Video tours have proved popular, allowing interested parties to ‘walk through’ the home virtually. 

Whether your property is currently on the market or you plan to sell in the near future – there are some practical tasks that you can undertake during the ‘lockdown’ that may help with keeping busy and also put you in the best position when the time comes. 

Kerb Appeal - keep the front of your property tidy and clean

• wash the windows
• a coat of paint for the front door
• weed and sweep the drive
• gutter and drainpipe maintenance

Decluttering

• try different furniture placement options – give your rooms a more spacious feel
• think about what items you want to take to your next property – start the process

Outdoor space - lockdown has led to a renewed appreciate of any outdoor space

• cut the grass regularly
• keep on top of weeding, remove dead growth
• fix any broken fences or gates
• sweep and tidy patio areas

Of course we are not only here to advise on selling your property, but on your next purchase.  If you find something online which you have a question about, we are here to assist, and happy to do so.  We can advise on best price options, areas, and of course whether it’s a ‘good buy’ or not.  

There is obviously a level of uncertainty about how long this situation will go on for, and how it will affect the property market and transactions which are already agreed, but our dedicated team are here to help you during it all.  The encouraging level of enquiries is positive news, and an indication that all may not be as bad as some fear in the property market.   

To finish on a positive note, we have heard from some of our clients who were initially dreading being confined with their teenagers during the lockdown, but who are reporting that enforced family time has actually improved relationships with laughter, old fashioned board games and of course watching out for each other on the days that seem just that little bit tougher to cope with. 

We will get to the ‘other side’ and we look forward to continuing to work with you, in the meantime our thoughts are of those on all sides of this pandemic- the ill, the families, the frontline and key workers and the volunteers. 

For now - stay home, stay safe and keep in touch, we are here to help.