Take great photos
It might sound obvious, but unless your home looks appealing in your photographs, you won’t attract potential buyers. It’s a good idea to hire a professional photographer or a home-staging company to make your property look as good as possible. If your agent is taking the photos, don’t be afraid to ask them to come back if the original shots aren’t up to scratch, it’s in the best interests of everyone.Some experts believe you should also spend up to two per cent of the asking price on ‘temporary beautification’ measures including deep-cleaning the carpets, putting fresh flowers on the tables, and even hiring more impressive furniture.
Be available day and night for viewings
Day-job permitting, this may be easier said than done, but those who are available for viewing at short notice or at unusual hours, are likely to find a buyer quicker.Friday is the best day of the week to list your property online, as those looking to go house-hunting at the weekend will be checking property websites and you want yours to be at the top of the listings!
Don’t always go for the highest valuation
If one agent is valuing your property for £20,000 more than the others, for example, then think twice before going with them. You’ll be unlikely to achieve the higher asking price and if the market changes it could end up costing you money if it’s still on the market six months later.“Choose an agent with a strong history of similar property sales in your area,” suggests Will Watson of Middleton Advisors.
Start packing before you’ve even sold!
Ideally, start packing before your promotional photos are taken. People find it difficult to see past your family photographs and household bric-a-brac, clearing the property of unnecessary junk will also make it look bigger.“Try to look through the eyes of an incoming purchaser, it’s your home, but they are viewing it as their future home,” urges Matthew Abernethy of Kay & Co.
Don’t neglect the outside
The ‘curb appeal’ of your home is just as important as the interior, if not more, as it is the first thing those viewing it will see. Be sure to mow the lawn, cut back any bushes or overhanging trees and clear the gutters. These simple measures can also make the property seem lighter and more spacious.Don’t waste a space
Turn a neglected dining room into a second living room, or a study. Turn unused spaces into a utility or boot room. Add space wherever possible to create family areas. Again don’t forget the outside – a garden with a coal bunker or firepit for the adults, and a separate children’s area with a sandpit or treehouse is a winner.
Don’t let things slide
Send emails every couple of days to everyone involved in the process: estate agents, solicitors and surveyors, if someone is unnecessarily holding up the process then flag this up.“Approach selling your house as you would any business deal. Be professional, punctual and to the point, then watch your house fly off the shelf,” says David Pollock of Greene & Co.
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Categories: selling your home
