Louis de Soissons, head of Savills Norwich residential team, explains why spring is so special. When I started out in the estate agency business just over 30 years ago, Easter was a key date in the diary.
That's when the market really swung into action with launches and viewings galore to accompany the chocolate and hot cross buns.
Today, for many, cheap flights have turned the long weekend into a chance to get away from it all; meanwhile the market in general has become far less seasonal than it used to be with transactions taking place throughout the year.
Having said that, there is still something special about spring. The clocks change, everything gets lighter and brighter and there's a sense of optimism and promise in the air.
So it remains a good time to put your house on the market and, if you've decided to sell, there are a number of things you can do to help smooth the path to a sale.
• Create a good first - and last - impression by getting to grips with the garden. It won't be looking its best in early spring but at least it should be tidy with paths and driveways swept or raked. Late spring is a great time for brochure photography of course, when flowers and trees have burst into life.
• You may well have put garden tables and chairs into winter storage, but it's worth bringing them out, or scrubbing them down, to show the potential for alfresco entertaining.
• Inside, there's no need to redecorate throughout, a new buyer will do that, but you do need to show that the house has been well maintained so freshen up and repair as necessary. And clean the windows - those welcome rays of sunshine play havoc with streaks and grime.
• Identify the purpose of all the rooms and show them accordingly. If you have a spare room that's currently used for storage, sort through it and present it as a bedroom. This will add to perceived space and usability.
• Keep your property warm and inviting. The weather can have a chilly sting in its tail and if you have working fireplaces it's a great time to show them off.
•Finally, de-clutter but don't go overboard – a home is to be lived in after all.
Louis de Soissons, head of residential at Savills in Norwich, sponsors of this column, can be contacted on 01603 229 229. www.savills.com
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