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It’s tempting when the clocks go back (as they will do on Sunday morning) to think that it’s all downhill to Christmas but take our word for it: there’s still time to make things happen in 2020.

It’s mid-autumn and nine weeks until Santa visits – too early for us here at Butler Residential to dust off our Christmas jumpers and reindeer antlers.

If you feel the same way and recent events have prompted you to re-evaluate where and how you want to live, then there’s no time like the present. Autumn can be an excellent time to sell your home and with the Stamp Duty holiday continuing until 31 March next year, there is a lot of interest in the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire property market.

When it comes to selling, some fundamental principles apply all year round: declutter, carry out essential repairs and maintenance and get the price right. But there are some specific things you can do now to maximise your chances of a good sale, here are our top tips:

Viewings
Homes always look best when it is light and bright. As there are fewer hours of sunlight in autumn than summer, arrange viewings in the middle of the day to optimise as much natural light possible.

Lighting 
Make the most of the natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Replace light bulbs that are on their way out and add a few bright, warm table lamps. Don’t go overboard – you don’t want your home to look clinical. Aim for a warm, welcoming glow.

Heating
Make sure your home feels like a cosy refuge, not an Arctic igloo before any potential buyers arrive. If you’re likely to be out before a viewing, use automatic settings to crank the heating up before a visit. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, make the most of it by lighting it before a viewing. You want viewers to imagine themselves relaxing by the fire with a cuppa in hand.

Gardening 
Sweep up fallen leaves and cut the heads off withered flowers. Add colour and volume to beds by planting winter bedding plants such as pansies, cyclamens and heather; these work well in pots too. Remove leaves from the guttering and give all the windows and sills a clean.

First impressions
Make sure that the first impression viewers get when they enter your home is a good one you don’t want it to be damp and musty. Remove wet boots and damp coats from your entrance hall and put them out of sight. Light a scented candle or pop a few reed diffusers around.

2020 has been a year like no other for the housing market, with everything screeching to a halt with lockdown and then accelerating when the market re-opened. With interest rates remaining low and many people reassessing their priorities, it’s likely to remain busy for some time to come.

We are proud to say that from launching in August 2020 we’ve already helped people sell and find the next important move in their life. If you are ready to make a move, get in touch https://butlerresidential.co.uk/contact-us We hope to speak to you soon.

And don't forget the clocks go back this weekend - enjoy that extra hour!
Laura & Barry

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