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The Wirral News ● Wednesday, November 7, 2012
You can still sell in winter
A
S nights draw in and winter sets in, many prospective sellers often decide to wait until after Christmas to put their house on the market, believing that their property stands a better chance of selling once the festive season has been and gone and potential buyers can focus on their move.
However, a leading local estate agent believes such an approach is mistaken and that buyers and sellers alike shouldn’t put off making their next move at this time of year. David Bradshaw from Bradshaw Henderson, which has branches in Heswall and West Kirby, said: “Houses sell
● David Bradshaw all year round; we have had a very good year and the perception that the winter property market is all doom and gloom is mistaken. “However, sellers have to be realistic and understand that there might be fewer
viewings [at this time of year]. Don’t just shut up shop and wait for the better weather – there’s still a market in November and beyond – sellers just have to remember to make the effort to ensure that their property still looks and feels its best.” To help your home stand out from the crowd, Bradshaw Henderson has some top tips for those wishing to sell up during the winter months, as David explained: “First impressions are vitally important when selling, so the exterior of the property is always a good place to start. “The winter garden will never look the same as it does in summer when in full bloom; however it is still
DETACHED ● Killeshandra, Noctorum Road, Noctorum, £3,000pcm
TUCKED away in one of Wirral’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, this stunning, five bedroom house is in a gated development and boasts a cinema room and gym. Set in an exclusive location
and to let unfurnished, the property has off-road parking, triple garage, a below-ground cinema, a gym room and beautiful south-facing gardens with feature patio and pond. The finish internally is
excellent and features include a massive kitchen and a stunning master suite with tall ceilings, a dressing room and a his and hers bathroom. ● Karl Tatler Lettings, Heswall: 0151 342 5777
DETACHED ● Pond View Close, Heswall, £1,250pcm
AVAILABLE to let on an unfurnished basis, this spacious, detached house is tastefully decorated and benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. The property, which is conveniently located for the M53 and local train stations,
comprises a hallway, a lovely through lounge, conservatory, ground floor wc and a refitted kitchen/living/dining area with appliances. Upstairs, there is a landing, master bedroom with en-suite shower, two further bedrooms and a main family bathroom.
Externally, the property has well-maintained gardens, as well as driveway parking and a large, brick-built, detached garage. No smokers; enquire about pets. ● Clive Watkin Lettings, Heswall: 0151 342 4422
important to keep it clean and orderly. Tidying up plant pots and furniture and making sure damp leaves are swept away can prevent a garden from looking sad and unkempt.” Access to a property is also vital, as well as that allimportant ‘kerb appeal’. David continued: “If the buyer can’t get in easily, the house won’t sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of ice and snow. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look like it has been maintained. If you’re away frequently or live in an area that’s subject to bad weather, it can pay to regularly salt or spade the driveway and side passages.”
With less natural light at this time of year, bringing as much light into your home as possible ca be beneficial, as David explained: “Washing windows can help to make the most of the natural winter light. If left untended, they can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn’t been well-preserved. Having curtains and blinds cleaned and opening them as wide as possible during daytime viewings will help to maximise sunlight. Cleaning all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replacing the bulbs with higher wattage bulbs, can also stop a home feeling dark and murky.” Setting the scene is essential too, as David concluded: “Bright and crisp
frosty mornings with blue skies and roaring fires can make a home look and feel welcoming and cosy – it’s just making sure you put in the effort. “For empty properties, getting a plumber in and putting the heating on a timer from 11pm and 5am will help to keep out the chill and stop the pipes freezing. The time period during winter is short and sharp and deals can go through quickly – often to the first bidder.” ● For more advice on the
Wirral property market and help to make your next move, contact Bradshaw Henderson on 0151 342 2444 (Heswall) or 0151 625 3455 (West Kirby).
SEMI-DETACHED ● Downham Drive, Heswall, £775pcm
AVAILABLE from mid November, this two/three bedroom semi-detached enjoys a sought-after location in the heart of Heswall. Ideally placed for a host of amenities, transport links and schools, the property is
available to let on an unfurnished basis. Smokers and pets accepted. Inside, the property has a lounge, a large kitchen diner and conservatory, two bedrooms, a small study and a large bathroom.
Additionally, the house benefits from full gas central heating and double glazing. Outside, there is parking and a low maintenance rear garden with a pond. ● Move Residential, Heswall: 0151 342 0999
SEMI-DETACHED ● Big Meadow Road, Woodchurch, £575pcm
AVAILABLE to let on an unfurnished basis, this modern semi-detached house has recently been fully redecorated inside. The kitchen is well fitted and features a split-level cooker, integrated refrigerator and a range of units. The dining area has patio doors opening onto the rear
garden and there is a separate front lounge with fireplace. There are three bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobes, and the bathroom has an electric shower over the bath. Outside, there are gardens to the front and rear with a timber shed, side flagged bin storage area and off-street
parking. Mature, working applicants preferred. Guarantor, deposit and references required in all cases. No smokers and strictly no pets. The property is centrally heated, has an alarm and is double glazed. ● Lambert & Co: 0151 678 3242