If you have found the Meadowview home of your dreams, then you are probably now faced with the task of selling your existing home. Whether your house is on the market or not, our top tips will help you to maximise your profit whilst ensuring a swift and straightforward sale.
Choosing an estate agent is the crucial first stage in the process of selling your house. When considering estate agents, you may wish to research which agencies have a good track record of sales in your local area. You can find this out by examining recently sold properties on websites such as Zoopla and Rightmove.
You should invite at least three separate agents to value your house to give you a balanced idea about how much your house is worth. While it may be tempting to select the agent who values your house at the highest price, they may not be the best option. Essentially, your estate agent will be the first point of contact for you and your buyers so excellent communication skills and a good working rapport are essential.
Once you have chosen your preferred agent, they may offer you a range of different sales packages at different prices. Consider how much you are willing to pay and whether you are willing to be involved in the sale. For example, would you consider paying lower sales fees if you led your own viewings?
When selling your house it might be tempting to list it at a high price to gain the maximum potential return. However, in this case, you will probably have fewer viewings if buyers think your house is out of their price range.
On the other hand, you may want to advertise your property at a lower price to generate interest and secure a quick sale. This is often the case when sellers are keen to move quickly.
In order to make a balanced decision, take time to research the market in the local area. Look online to find out how much similar sized properties have sold for in your area. Your estate agent will recommend how much to list your house at and while it is important to consider their expert opinion, remember that you will make the final decision.
Once you have enlisted an estate agent and set a sale price you will arrange for your estate agent to advertise your house to prospective buyers. They will take photographs of your house; write a summary known as the sale particulars and erect a For Sale board, if you want one.
At this stage, it is essential that you maximise your house’s curb appeal to ensure you get potential buyers through the door to view your property. To start with, consider the impression that the outside of your house gives. A little time and money can make a significant impact. Would it benefit from a fresh lick of paint? Do the gutters need clearing? Can you store the bins somewhere else? The exterior of your house will often be the first image a potential buyer will see so it is vital it makes a positive impression.
Home staging refers to styling and organising your house in such a way that makes it more appealing to buyers. When potential buyers come to view your house, they will make a snap judgement from the moment they walk through the front door. With this is mind, it is useful to consider the details that are likely to make the best impression which will significantly improve your chances of an offer.
Getting rid of clutter is a great place to begin, as it will help to create the impression of space and make your rooms appear bigger. This might mean tidying away cluttered spaces, like items on your kitchen counter top. It might also mean taking unwanted items to your local charity shop. Consider removing personal items such as dominant family photographs. Your buyers should be able to imagine living in your house and photos of someone else will shatter that illusion.
Once you have decluttered your space, make sure you have given the house a good clean. This may seem obvious but a clean and ordered space will make the place look and smell more appealing, encouraging buyers to relax and feel at home.
Finally, think about the final additions that will show your house in the best light. Place mirrors around the house to reflect natural light, touch up any scuffs on walls, make the beds, fix broken light bulbs and lay the table. There is no need to do anything drastic but you should invest time in making the space feel light, fresh and clean.
If you have decided to manage your own viewings, you will probably want to tell your prospective buyer all the wonderful things about your house. While it is an excellent idea to flag up some of the benefits, it can be overwhelming and off-putting particularly if they have just walked through the door. Provide a warm and friendly welcome to your buyers but once you have exchanged the niceties, allow them to explore the house for themselves. After all, if you have prepared adequately, your house should sell itself. Your buyers will come up with questions as they look around. Chat to them before they leave and mention any plus points naturally throughout the conversation.
Having presented your home in the best possible light, you should hopefully be in the position of receiving multiple offers. In this instance, you will need to choose the best buyer. For many people, the preferred buyer might be the person offering the highest price however; there are other factors to consider. Most buyers will be in a chain meaning they have to sell their own property in order to buy yours. This can present a higher risk of something going wrong. You may prefer to sell to a first time or cash buyer to mitigate the risk of their house sale falling through. Another factor is the moving date and how that works with your plans. Consider all of these aspects and do not be afraid to go with your gut decision.
Good luck!
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