The first question you should be asking yourself is: should I be selling my home?
Consider why you are selling. It may be for negative reasons – the loss of a job, or the loss of a partner through death or divorce, or the need to downsize. Equally, it can be for more positive reasons including a new job in a different area, moving in with a partner, needing a bigger home for a growing family or wanting to be in a catchment area for a good school.
Before you call an estate agent, take a few minutes to deeply think about whether staying put and improving or extending your home could meet your needs. You’ll need to compare these costs to those of moving.
If you can, sell your home first before buying. This way you’ll be able to move more swiftly when you decide to buy and will therefore be more attractive to estate agents and other sellers.
In a perfect world, you would want to sell in a prosperous market. However, when the national house news is gloomy, don’t assume that your local area reflects the UK picture. If you’re located in the South, talk to credible estate agents in Clacton to get information on how property is selling near you.
Note: spring is traditionally the best time to market your property. Christmas is the worst because people are saving and spending money in different areas.
First Impressions
First impressions are vitally important, so check your home’s appeal by tidying up the garden from front and back, paint window sills and the front door and make sure the house number or name is visible.
Ensure the view through the front windows is appealing too. Rooms inside should be kept tidy even when you’re not expecting a viewing – and don’t be surprised if people stop and have a peer into your home to see if it might suit them.
Super Effective Tips
- A good old fashioned decluttering works wonders. Consider putting some of your stuff in storage, tidy and clean, neutralise animal smells, find someone to take the kids and pets out during viewings.
- Restore and Update – consider replacing kitchen cupboard doors and drawer fronts. Out-of-date bathroom suites can also let a property down, but don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune; simply fitting in some new taps or new shower screen, and displaying nice fluffy towels can really make a difference.
- Paint – a lick of paint can transform a room and bring it up to date.
- Use the space – a double bedroom has more value than a single, and a single bedroom has more value than a study, so show the rooms off to their best advantage to maximise their appeal.
Getting The Most From Your Estate Agent
- Recruit an estate agent who you feel personally comfortable with.
- Check that the agency your home is on with deals with other, similar homes. Buyers who know an area well will concentrate on targeting estate agents whose properties suit their pocket and style.
- Read through the estate agent’s details to check for accuracy. Feel free to change where necessary, and if you think there could be more or better pictures on there, say so.
- Prepare your home for sale at the best, and most realistic, price.
- Ask your agent about different methods of selling your home such as auctions or closed bids, or an “open-house” day.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stress-free transition when it comes to upping sticks.
