Moving house can be exhilarating, but it’s no secret that selling a property can be stressful. If you’ve decided that it’s time for a change, or a new job or a desire to travel is taking you to pastures new, here are some tips to make selling simple and stress-free.
Be realistic about the asking price
There are tools and websites you can use to get an idea of the value of your home, but property is only ever worth what a buyer is willing to pay. Before you put your house on the market, arrange for local agents to visit and give you a valuation and do some research to find out more about the state of the market. It’s best to get a few different valuations to give you a more accurate idea of how much the house is worth and to consider the timing when choosing when to sell. If the market is strong and demand is increasing, it’s a good time to sell. If prices are falling and supply outweighs demand, it may be best to bide your time. There’s nothing wrong with being optimistic when setting an asking price, but you don’t want to put prospective buyers off. Be realistic and consider every offer carefully before you make a decision.
Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes
When selling a home, it is always beneficial to put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. Take a walk around the garden, look at the house from the pavement and take a tour of the inside. Write down anything that is likely to attract a buyer’s eye for the wrong reason, such as half-baked DIY jobs, broken or damaged fixtures and fittings, unkempt lawns and chipped paintwork. If you have inherited a property, and you wish to sell it, think about what buyers are looking for. A neutral palette, bright, open rooms, well-kept yards and a modern kitchen can all make homes more attractive. It is often beneficial to prepare a house for market according to HomeGo. Simple jobs, such as freshening up outdoor paintwork, replacing worn carpets and painting walls white or beige, can make all the difference. If you have the funds available, investing in the property can boost the value substantially. If you were to convert an attic room or revamp an old kitchen or bathroom, for example, you could increase the asking price significantly.
Enlist expert help
If you’re ready to put the for sale sign up, it’s helpful to have experts in your corner. Look for real estate agents with an excellent track record, read about the services offered by different companies and ask questions to gather information about how agents work and what they’re going to do to maximize the chances of a seamless sale. Look at sales figures, compare quotes and search for agents who specialize in the type of property you’re selling.
Give yourself time
There are some scenarios, which mean that owners have to sell quickly, but if you don’t have to sell suddenly, it’s advisable to give yourself time. It can take weeks, months or even years to find buyers, especially if the market is weak. If you put yourself under too much pressure to secure a rapid sale, this can contribute to stress and sleepless nights. Try and allow sufficient time to market the property, organize viewings and negotiate with buyers.
Make use of feedback
Feedback is incredibly valuable when selling a house. After viewings, get in touch with the agent and ask how it went. Comments from buyers can provide an insight into the pros and cons of the property and give you ideas that will help to make the house a more appealing proposition. Perhaps people feel that the decor is letting the property down, or they were put off by the price or the appearance of the yard, for example. There may be issues that are easy to address that will make the difference the next time a buyer visits.
If you’ve ever sold a house before, you may be dreading the next time you have to prepare for viewings and try to negotiate a fair price. Selling can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re thinking about relocating, give yourself time, find agents with rave reviews and research the market. Get your home ready, take a tour in a buyer’s shoes and try and rectify and address issues and problems that might make people think twice about putting in an offer. Use feedback, take advantage of expert help and be realistic when it comes to the price.
