January has a way of getting people thinking. After the busyness of December, many of us start quietly reassessing things; space, routines, where we live, and what we want the year ahead to look like.
At Brikk, we spend our days speaking to people at all different stages of that thought process. Some are ready to move, some are just browsing, and others are still trying to work out whether moving is even the right decision for them.
After another year helping people buy, sell, rent and let homes across Newport-on-Tay and surrounding areas, there are a few things we find ourselves saying again and again. If you’re even slightly considering a move this year, these are the five things we’d want you to know.
- You don’t need to have everything perfect before you start
One of the most common things we hear is:
“I’ll get in touch once we’ve finished a few bits.”
That might mean decorating, sorting storage, replacing carpets, or finally tackling that long list of small jobs. While presentation does matter, many people delay for far longer than they need to and sometimes spend money where it won’t make much difference to the final outcome.
The first step doesn’t need to be fixing everything. It can simply be finding out:
- what your home could realistically be worth,
- how much interest there might be,
- and what buyers or tenants in your area are responding to right now.
From there, we can help you decide what’s genuinely worth doing and what can probably be left. Often, small changes like a proper clear-out, better layout for photos, or a few simple styling tweaks have more impact than bigger, more expensive projects.
Getting advice early gives you clarity, and clarity makes everything else easier.
- Timing matters, but it’s not just about the season
It’s true that spring and early summer are traditionally busy in the property market, but that doesn’t mean winter or autumn are bad times to move.
What often matters more than the month on the calendar is:
- how much similar property is available at the same time,
- how motivated buyers or tenants are,
- and how well your home is marketed and priced.
We regularly see strong interest in homes throughout the year, especially when supply is limited or when a property offers something a little different, such as location, layout, outdoor space, or character.
Waiting for the “perfect” moment can sometimes mean waiting past good opportunities that are already there. A better approach is to focus on when the move works best for you and your circumstances, then plan the marketing around that.
- The first price you choose really does matter
Pricing is one of the hardest parts of moving, and it’s completely understandable. Your home is personal, and it’s natural to hope for the best possible figure.
But online property portals mean that most serious buyers and renters see new listings very quickly. The first few weeks are when your home gets the most attention, and that initial reaction plays a big role in how successful the rest of the marketing will be.
If a property starts too high and then has to be reduced, it can:
- lose momentum,
- attract fewer viewings,
- and sometimes create the impression that something is wrong, even when it isn’t.
A realistic price, based on what’s actually selling locally, often leads to:
- more interest early on,
- better quality enquiries,
- and a smoother overall process.
Our aim is always to find that balance between achieving a strong result and keeping your move moving forward, rather than dragging on longer than it needs to.
- Good marketing makes a bigger difference than people expect
Most people now decide whether to view a property within seconds of seeing it online. Photos, layout, wording, and how widely it’s shared all play a big part in whether someone clicks for more information or scrolls past.
Professional photography, clear floor plans, accurate descriptions and strong online exposure really do change how a home is perceived. It’s not about making a property look like something it isn’t, it’s about showing it at its best and attracting the right audience from the start.
We often work with sellers or landlords who have previously marketed elsewhere and struggled to generate interest, only to see a big difference once the presentation and marketing strategy changes.
First impressions count, and in today’s market, they happen online before anyone ever steps through the door.
- You don’t need to have it all figured out before asking for advice
Many people worry about getting in touch too early or feel they should only speak to an agent once they’ve made firm decisions. In reality, most of the useful conversations happen before anything is set in stone.
We regularly speak to people who are:
- unsure whether to sell or rent,
- thinking about becoming a landlord for the first time,
- trying to work out whether moving is financially realistic,
- or simply feeling stuck and unsure what the next step should be.
Having a conversation doesn’t commit you to anything. It just gives you information, options and a clearer picture of what’s possible. That often reduces stress and helps you make decisions with confidence rather than pressure.
Property decisions are rarely just about buildings, they’re about life changes, finances, family and future plans. It’s completely normal to need time and guidance to work through that.
So, is this the year you make a move?
For some people, this year will be about upsizing, downsizing, investing, or finally taking the step they’ve been thinking about for a while. For others, it might simply be about getting clearer on what they want and when they might be ready.
Whatever stage you’re at, we’re always happy to offer honest, local advice and talk things through without pressure.
At Brikk, we believe every home has a story, and every move is different. Our job is to help you work out what makes sense for you and support you through the process when the time feels right.
If you’d like to chat about your options, even just informally, we’re always here.
