Going away during the school summer holidays? Don’t forget your homework

June 20, 2011 - PRLog -- WITH many people already counting down to the end of term and that long-awaited annual holiday – the message from estate agents Harrison Murray is not to forget about the homework!

The ‘tickets, money, passport’ checklist may soon be in use in many households - but if the house in question is for sale, other issues will need a seller’s attention in the run up to going away.

Harrison Murray development director Jackie Scotten said: “While sellers enjoy a well-earned break, their estate agent will continue to work hard on their behalf.

“There are a few steps sellers can take to ensure that there are no missed opportunities when it comes to viewings in their absence.

“Unfortunately, it is a situation estate agents experience time and time again – the seller goes on holiday and forgets to leave a key with the agent for them to show potential buyers the property while they are away.

“This is easily resolved. If you are planning a break this summer, we would advise letting your agent know, and also to put together a simple checklist so that you don’t miss out on that potential sale.”


-   Inform your estate agent that you are going away – and above all, leave them a key. There is nothing worse than having to turn away interested viewers because the agent has no access to your home.
-   Ensure that your home is spotless if you are going away for a few days.
-   Cut the lawn prior to your departure.
-   Arrange for a friend or neighbour to water the garden or plant pots during your absence.
-   If your refuse bins are due for collection while you are away, ask a neighbour to pull them back from the kerb to a suitable place once emptied.  


-   Empty household rubbish bins, make sure all work surfaces are clean and tidy, clear out magazine racks, ensure that draining boards and sinks are clear of washing up and the dishwasher is clear of dirty crockery.
-   Don’t leave any washing hanging over the radiator or dying flowers in a vase, empty the fruit bowl and generally tidy up throughout the house.
-   A couple of strategically placed air fresheners will ensure your home smells sweet, despite windows being closed in your absence – particularly in warm weather.
-   Make sure your agent also has a contact number in case they need to call you about that all important offer – even if you are sunning yourself abroad!

Harrison Murray has branches in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Hertfordshire. For more information log on to www.harrisonmurray.co.uk







Note to editors

Harrison Murray are leading independent residential estate agents with 18 offices throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.  Visit the website at www.harrisonmurray.co.uk

For more press information contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on (01733) 371363 or email: cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk or Harrison Murray managing director Nick Salmon on 07831 805455.