For many whose property is on the market, Christmas Day has become a target to aim for, whether upsizing, downsizing, going to a different street, town or even relocating across.

However, only those who are prepared to price realistically to reflect the current market are likely to be successful.

Be clear on timescales, which can often shift if you’re in a long chain.

Sometimes you have no option but to sit tight.

However, you can still communicate your wishes to your estate agent and advocate who can reach out to the buyer/seller on your behalf, increasing the chance of a successful resolution.

When viewing a property, make it clear you want to move before Christmas and see how the seller responds.

The last day you can complete and move house before Christmas is Friday, December 2o 2019.

That then leaves you four days to put the decorations up, defrost the turkey and make sure the oven’s working.

Buyers who are currently active in the market are also getting increasingly keen to move before the end of the year and we have recently noticed a significant ramping-up of activity.

Despite this increase in activity, your choice of agent is paramount as too many agents are currently making rash promises.

If you are selling, beware of the agent who tries to flatter you with promises of an inflated price, or entices you with a commission rate so low (sometimes with hidden charges) that they cannot provide a decent level of service or train their staff effectively.

Whilst the market is in fact quite stable, buyers do have a choice.

Buyers buy by comparison, and they will always buy the property that offers them the best value in relation to alternatives available nearby. So don’t fall into the trap of assuming that because your property is slightly wider than the one on the market next door, or because it has better views or a bigger garden, that you should quote a higher asking price.

By doing so, your price offsets these benefits.

Likewise, if your house is similar to next door, then you should undercut their price if you are to achieve an early sale.

If you’d like to move this year, the rule of thumb for this market is to choose a strong, independent, locally-based agent, listen to their advice, and quote a competitive asking price.

A smooth move can also depend on many financial, legal and logistical variables, particularly if you end up as one link in a long chain.

But there are things that can help to make the whole process go as quickly and easily as possible and help you beat that Christmas countdown.

With the wind behind you, you might just be in your new home by Christmas.

And we’d love to help you achieve this - it’s what we do!

Please feel free to call us for a confidential no-obligation chat on (01624) 645555.