News of Covid restrictions disappearing in a couple of weeks mean you can press full steam ahead with that house move you’ve been contemplating. Spring is a fantastic time to market your home and to buy your next new home – traditionally one of the busiest times in the property calendar – so why not take advantage?

Many people have their eye on being in a new home for the summer months, which also allows families to be in their new home in time for the new academic year and in that all-important catchment area. Appeal to these buyers in the spring months and you may well have a sale on your hands.

The winter months are dormant in more ways than one and we all tend to ignore the smaller jobs we need to do in the house, instead focusing on warmth and comfort! If you’ve now decided to grab the bull by the horns and market your home, you’ll want to take a closer look at your property and garden and put together a scheme of work to ensure it sparkles for the spring market.

Growing gardens
Christmas tree in the corner? Damp garden furniture? Bare borders? The British weather can mean we don’t really step into our gardens for a few months over the colder period and so we can become blind to the work that’s needed to make sure it can be viewed in its best light by a prospective buyer. It most probably won’t take much work but if you want to sell, spend a little time and effort out in the garden and you’ll reap the rewards.

It’s tricky to do much with the lawn at this time of year but adding some spring colour to your borders with pansies, violas, cyclamens, hellebore, and primroses will bring vibrance to the edge of your lawn and a riot of colour to your pots and hangers. Spring colour comes with crocus, tulips, daffodils, primroses, hyacinths, and snowdrops. A few well-placed winter and spring collection of plants makes the world of difference and show that you care about your property.

Outdoor appearance
Hurrying into a warm home means we may not look up at our house and see the maintenance that’s required. Step outside and take a good, long look. Gutters full? Do you windowsills need a lick of paint? Windows clean? Window dressings still up to scratch? Could you front door do with a make over? First impressions are so important so give your home the curb appeal it deserves and secure a sale.

A sturdy ladder and a sturdy constitution and you’ll be up to the gutters in no time, clearing out the dead leaves, or you may choose to pay a professional! A new set of curtains or linens and a deep clean of those blinds will make your home look appealing from the outside. Clean the gravel, wash the ornaments, make sure the drive is clear of debris – all small jobs that than make a big difference.

Internal audit
Make your rooms appear larger and brighter with a neutral colour on the walls. You may love that dark Farrow & Ball colour – and prospective buyers may do too – but a clean, bright canvas is always a​​​​​​​p​​​​​​​pealing when selling a property. It will make your home feel inviting, ensure your rooms look super clean and make your furniture pop.
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Prospective buyers like to ‘see’ their own possessions in a property, so give them the space to do just that. Remove anything you don’t use daily, clear away children’s toys, books, and school bags, remove winter coats and shoes from the hallway. You’ll hopefully be boxing up everything you own in a few months anyway, so get a head start before viewings begin.

In the kitchen, clear the surfaces t​​​​​​​o make your space feel larger, fix that drawer that hasn’t quite closed for a few months and buy some baskets to tidy and store the collection of items you have above the fridge!

A breath of fresh air
Spring is a great time to consider having your carpets professionally cleaned, but even more important to have this done before viewings. Your beloved family pet may leave more than fur hanging around and you may have grown accustomed to their odour! Fling open those windows and bring the outdoors in.

Ask your agent
A good, professional agent will be open and honest with you about any remedial work that needs to take place before you place your home on the market. An even better one will work with you to find reputable companies to carry out any work you might need.

Choose an experienced agent who knows your area well, knows what buyers are looking for and has an active database of prospective buyers to make sure you have a steady stream of viewings.

Our Dorking and Reigate branches can tell you more about how they can successfully market your home: Email Dorking or call 01306 887560 I Email Reigate or call 01737 222027.

Our clients talk about our service in our 150+ five star google reviews…

"The team at Jackson-Stops Dorking were a huge support when selling our house. They achieved a swift offer and ensured the whole process ran smoothly and professionally from start to finish. They were always on hand to offer help and advice with our house move. We were confident they had our best interests at heart, which was hugely reassuring when re-locating home, family and work." Jo Miller

"We have had excellent professional help in the sale of our Reigate house. Jackson-Stops personnel were meticulous in assessing the pertinent information which buyers would need which also helped us to prepare our house ready for viewing. Jackson-Stops were very good at discerning the match of the house to the potential buyer which kept viewings to a minimum and was less disruption for us. The photographs taken were excellent and took very little time to take and to publish. We were always able to speak to our allocated salesperson whenever we needed to do so, and we have had excellent guidance up to
and after exchange of contracts. Our grateful thanks to Jackson-Stops." Wendy George

T"he team in Dorking worked seamlessly together, whenever we called somebody in the team was able to help and was updated with the latest stage in the purchase. Very helpful at all times and very supportive through the process...well done." Martin Pearcy

"Jackson-Stops were professional in all aspects as ever, good attention to detail and reliable which removed much of the stress in buying and selling properties. Both the Reigate and Dorking offices were equal in all dealings. I would recommend them to anyone who needs first class estate agents." David George

"Thanks to Nicki Perrin, Lucy, Laura and everyone at Jackson-Stops for their professionalism, kindness and helpfulness with our sale. Nothing was too much trouble, and their friendly good natures and can-do attitude made a huge difference. Always contactable, approachable and with a wealth of knowledge of the industry, they really made the difference. We would highly recommend them to anyone." Paul Baker

"We have been really impressed with Pip, Tim and the rest of the team at Jackson Stops during our recent sale/purchase with them. They helped us navigate a very tricky purchase and kept us up to date with progress at all times. We would definitely recommend them." Hannah Heath

"From start to finish I have found the team at Jackson-Stops Dorking to be outstanding. Especially Nicki Perrin whose enthusiasm and professionalism went above and below. In addition, Nicki was supportive, respectful, and patient with my mum, this all made for ensuring a s month and positive procedure for the purchase. Her extensive knowledge of the industry and strategic approach, along with her sense of humour, certainly filled me with confidence. If I find myself selling or buying my go to would be Nicki at Jackson-Stops Dorking in a heartbeat." Tracey Dyson