It’s a seller’s market out there at the moment; we have buyers queuing up to bag their perfect property and not enough houses to go round.

So if you’ve been umming and ahhing about getting your property on the market, now’s the ideal opportunity – just think, play your cards right and you could be putting up your Christmas tree in your dream home.

And if you’re still not convinced, how about this? We’re offering any seller or landlord who lists their property for sale or rent between now and December 20th a luxury M&S hamper in time for the big day – what are you waiting for?

Ready to move? Here are five things your property needs for a quick sale.

First impressions count

Many purchasers will do a drive-by before they commit to a viewing, so make sure the outside of your home looks appealing.

Tidy the garden, sweep the front path and make sure any bins are tucked neatly away if possible. A hanging basket or some pots can add a splash of colour and, if you really want to push the boat out, give the front door a lick of paint.

Not only does the above make the house look attractive, it’s also a clear signal that you look after the property – exactly what buyers need to see.

Clean it up

You may think this goes without saying, but you’d be surprised…

Make sure your home is clean and inviting, so that potential buyers can see themselves living there. That means tidying clothes from the floor, dishes from the sink and plates from your teenager’s room.

If you set aside a full day to give everything a full going-over once you’re on the market, it’ll be much easier to keep on top of it of ready for viewings.

Other things to consider are moving furniture to maximise space and removing any unnecessary clutter or personal effects.

Repair and replace

If you’re moving, it can be tempting to put off all those little jobs – after all, you’re not going to be around to benefit from them.

But if you’re noticing little niggles, viewers will too, and nobody wants to move into a home in need of urgent repairs.

So fix the leaky taps and the squeaky floorboards, touch up the scuff marks on the paint and get some heavy duty stain remover on that glass of red wine you spilt.

Hide your personality

You may love your bright green walls and fuchsia carpet, but remember, not everybody shares your taste.

Buyers don’t always have the vision to see beyond vibrant colours and garish decoration, and neither do they want to have to pay to fix it.

Invest in a few coats of pale paint and some neutral rugs to create a blank canvas, ready for your potential purchaser to make their own mark.

Choose the right agent

Don’t let a high valuation flatter you into choosing a particular agent; after all, a house is only worth what people are willing to pay for it.

As Teesside’s longest-running agent, first as Thirlwells and now as Clarke Munro, we know the local housing market like the back of our hand. Our firm’s partners, Wendy Clarke and Nicola Munro, have spent their careers with our company and believe us, there’s nothing they don’t know about selling houses!

We’ll give you honest advice and a valuation that’s priced to sell, thanks to our loyal team’s decades of experience.

So get in touch with our team today and make all your Christmas wishes come true.