We typically see a “Boxing Day bounce” straight after Christmas, as people turn their moving plans into action once the festive rush is over. This year, that uplift could be even stronger than usual, with many would-be movers who paused their plans ahead of the Autumn Budget now starting to picture what next Christmas could look like in a new home.
Selling a home involves more than simply putting it on the market, and we often see a handful of common (and easily fixed) mistakes that can stand in the way of securing the right buyer. With the right preparation, these can be avoided altogether.
Here are seven things that are often overlooked when selling — and just as easily put right before your next viewing.
1. Don’t forget that first impressions matter
Buyers often form an opinion within the first 20–30 seconds of arriving at a property. Before they even step inside, they’ll be taking in the driveway, garden, front door and exterior condition.
Simple improvements like tidying the garden, cleaning the drive, repainting tired woodwork or refreshing the front door can make a significant difference. You don’t want to lose a buyer’s interest before the viewing has properly begun.
2. Don’t leave clutter on show
You don’t need to strip your home bare, but a clean, tidy, pared-back look helps buyers visualise how they would live in the space.
Clutter can make rooms feel smaller and distract from the home itself. Aim to show the “bones” of the property — clear worktops, organised storage and minimal personal items work best, especially for photography and online listings.
If space is tight, temporary storage can be a worthwhile investment to help buyers focus on the home rather than the contents.
3. Don’t treat it as just a transaction
Buyers aren’t just purchasing bricks and mortar — they’re buying a future lifestyle. From the moment they walk in, they’re imagining daily life in the home.
Create a warm, welcoming feel for viewings. If it’s cold outside, make sure the heating is on. If the home is bright and airy, let that shine through. A comfortable atmosphere helps buyers emotionally connect with the property, rather than viewing it as just another house.
4. Don’t ignore the season
How you present your home should reflect the time of year.
- In winter, highlight cosy living spaces with good lighting and warmth.
- In spring or summer, show off outdoor areas — set up garden furniture and open doors to let light flow through.
Seasonal staging helps buyers picture themselves enjoying the home year-round.
5. Don’t renovate right before selling — but do fix obvious issues
Large, expensive renovations rarely offer a good return just before selling. New kitchens or bathrooms often won’t add their full cost to the sale price and may be replaced by the buyer anyway.
That said, small repairs matter. Loose handles, cracked tiles, peeling paint or dripping taps should be sorted before photography and viewings. Minor issues can loom large in a buyer’s mind and risk chipping away at your asking price.
A few hundred pounds spent on repairs can protect thousands in value.
6. Don’t give pets the limelight
As much as we love them, pets can be distracting during viewings — and not every buyer is an animal lover.
Where possible, keep pets out of the way during viewings and ensure the home is clean, fresh and neutral. The focus should be on the property itself, not who currently lives there.
7. Don’t overlook your home’s best features
Every home has standout features — whether it’s a light-filled kitchen, a great view, a home office, or a beautifully proportioned living space.
Make sure your strongest rooms are presented at their best. These are the spaces buyers are most likely to remember long after the viewing and can be the deciding factor when offers are made.
At O’Malley Property, we focus on preparing homes properly, pricing them accurately and presenting them in a way that attracts serious buyers — not just viewings. If you’re thinking of selling, getting these fundamentals right from the start can make all the difference.
If you’d like advice tailored specifically to your home, we’re always happy to help.
