Only 12 weeks until Christmas. With Rightmove research showing the average time to secure a buyer is 65 days, depending on where you live, there is still time to sell.

Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker gives his top tips for getting your house sold before the seasons end.

Communicate with your agent – Choose your estate agent carefully and keep in close and regular contact to make sure they give you honest feedback on viewings. Work together on issues of concern, and once an offer comes through, use their skills and experience to fight to get you the right price.

Use Open House Days – If you’re struggling to get people through the door, an open house day may be the perfect solution. Buyers like them as it requires less commitment and formality so will feel more inclined to stop by your house. Reducing the price of your property before the day will also attract more buyers and, of course, potential offers. Sellers have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Reduce the price – Be brave and work with your agent to reduce the price of your property. This will instantly widen your target market, inviting people back who might have previously dismissed your property due to budget restrictions.

Update the photography – If your photography is over 6 months old, consider retaking the pictures to ensure your house looks in tune with the season and stays fresh. Just before reshooting, take on board feedback from previous viewings and if an area looks dark or need a lick or paint, this is the time to do it. Minimise as many visual ‘turn-offs’ as possible. We all know a picture is worth a thousand words.

Get solicitors in place now - Make sure you are as prepared as possible with good proactive solicitors on board that will quickly flag up what you need to sort out in terms of all your relevant documentations. Time is precious and sometimes this can lead to a slower process which could jeopardise being in your new home before Christmas.

Be flexible – Viewers who work long hours or have children might request to view your home at an irregular time. If you are really serious in selling, you should try to accommodate these viewings with the hope that your patience pays off. Similarly, when considering requests from conditional offers, stay open minded and focused on your goal to sell.

Tackle it head on – Take a step back and consider why your house isn’t selling. Be objective and look at other properties in your area at the same price range – why is yours different? Does the roof need redoing? Is it in a poor location? Does it come with less garden space? You may have to be realistic and factor these elements into the price.

For more advice on securing a sale on your property, contact your local Strutt & Parker office.