Tickets, money, passport - don’t forget about selling your home while on holiday
A week or two in the sun may be just what you need if you’ve been trying to sell your home lately – but don’t forget to add your estate agent to any pre-packing preparations!
In all the excitement of a long-awaited break it may be easy to overlook a few important tasks to add alongside the ‘ticket, money, passports’ checklist.
Some simple steps can help sellers not only overcome the house selling blues whilst they are away – but could actually result in someone putting in an offer in their absence.
“When the weather is nice, people are more inclined to view houses, and a property always looks better on a sunny day,” said head of estate agency at Harrison Murray, Nick Salmon.
“So when sellers go away, they should ensure that their house is still looking its best. While sellers enjoy a well-earned break, their estate agent will continue to work hard on their behalf.
“There are a few steps sellers can take to ensure that there are no missed opportunities when it comes to viewings in their absence.
“Unfortunately, it is a situation estate agents experience time and time again – the seller goes on holiday and forgets to leave a key with the agent for them to show potential buyers the property while they are away.
“This is easily resolved. If you are planning a break this summer, we would advise letting your agent know, and also to put together a simple checklist so that you don’t miss out on that potential sale.”
Inform your estate agent that you are going away – and above all, leave them a key. There is nothing worse than having to turn away interested viewers because the agent has no access to your home.
Ensure the house is clean and tidy before you leave. Place a couple of air fresheners around the property to compensate for having to keep windows closed and locked.
Check for anything that might go off and smell – bread, fruit in a bowl and even flowers in a vase - and throw it away.
Empty household rubbish bins, make sure all work surfaces are clean and tidy, clear out magazine racks, ensure that draining boards and sinks are clear of washing up and the dishwasher is clear of dirty crockery.
Cut the lawn prior to your departure.
If your refuse bins are due for collection while you are away, ask a neighbour to pull them back from the kerb to a suitable place once emptied.
Make sure your agent also has a contact number in case they need to call you about that all important offer – even if you are sunning yourself abroad!
To find our where you nearest Harrison Murray branch is, or for more property tips, visit harrisonmurray.co.uk.