YOU may think it’s far too early to be talking about the ‘C’ word – with nearly 12 weeks to go until Santa’s all-nighter – and I would tend to agree, but it is coming, again, and thoughts are already turning to the inevitable lists, Brussels sprouts and terrible jumpers! says JW Wood’s sales manager Alex Broadfoot.

As usual, I won’t be starting my Christmas (there, I’ve said it) shopping for at least another two months. Similarly, there is still time for those of you currently shopping for a house, or even mulling it over, to find a home that ticks all – or maybe most of – the boxes on your wish list and tuck in to your turkey in your new dining room, perhaps in front of a real fire, surrounded by those you love.

The level of demand for family homes in Consett this year is the highest I can remember in my nine years valuing properties in the area. At JW Wood we have several genuine buyers just waiting for the right house to come to the market, many of them hoping Mr Claus might deliver them an early present this year.

In recent weeks I have visited a number of people who are contemplating selling, but are wondering if they would be better to wait until next year to market their home. Some people believe that the market will be slowing down as we head into winter, with fewer buyers around, but this wasn’t the case last year and I don’t expect it will be in the weeks to come.

With many sales getting tied up within days of houses coming onto the market in recent weeks and months, it is eminently possible to go from booking an initial valuation of your current house to collecting the keys to your new home by Christmas – given the right advice, the best possible marketing and, of course, some efficient solicitors!

So contact our experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff now to arrange a valuation or to book some viewings. We’ll do our very best to help you get things all wrapped up in time to serve the mince pies to you-know-who in your new home!