What things should you consider when you’re preparing to put your house on the market? Here are a few tips that will help you get ready for the market, select an agent and most importantly, get the best results.
Make It Appealing
It sounds obvious but present your home at its best. Take advice from us, it could be a carpet clean , garden blitz or fresh lick of paint will make all the difference. A clean and tidy house makes everything look better, taking time to ensure the fixtures and fixings are all in good working order is well worth it. Don’t underestimate the power of kerb appeal – a little spruce up at the front makes a brilliant first impression. There are nearly always things you can do to make your home more appealing and command a better price.
Know the Market
We will know what other houses have sold for in your area, what the market is looking like and what is currently selling and just as importantly what is not selling. It’s important for you to know why something has sold particularly well – does it have extra parking, a nice view, well orientated garden or a new kitchen? for example. These things all impact the price and demand.
Get A Professional Opinion.
The best way to get an understanding of how your property fits within the property market is to speak to an expert. We recommend getting more than one opinion and establishing how each agent would market your property and at what price. They should be able to talk to you about the current market conditions and how well similar properties have performed in your area.
Selecting an Agent
Make sure you select someone that you like and trust with a proven track record of success. Find out how their team will market your property and achieve the best price for you. The sale is just the start, so ask who will handle your sale and progress it, ensuring its successful completion. Consider the quality of their photography and enquire if they create a virtual video tour, use social media and other platforms and have a high street presence to display your property. Take time to look through their website, read their reviews and seek out recommendations from friends and family before making your choice. As with most things in life the cheapest isn’t usually best.
Money
Make sure you’ve got everything lined up ready. If you know what you can borrow and you know your equity, you can work out what you need to sell for or what you can accept for yours. The market affects both sides and things are relative, so if you take a less for yours, the chances are you’ll also get your next property for a little less. Remember, you’ll need something set aside for stamp duty and fees and make sure you’re aware of any early penalties for mortgage redemption. Take advice from your accountant if there is likely to be any tax liable on capital gain on an investment property or if it is not your principial residence.
The EPC and Floorplan
The Energy Performance Certificate is now a legal requirement when selling and lasts for ten years; at Heather & Lay we can arrange this for you as well as a floorplan to give a better understanding of the layout.
Start thinking about a Solicitor
The right solicitor can enable a successful sale. Personal recommendations, reputation and an established track record and local knowledge are all important when considering your choice. As with estate agents the cheapest is seldom the best.
Finally….
This blog post gives some suggestions to help position your house, select an agent and attract purchasers. The good news is, it doesn’t cost anything to put your house on the market. So, you can partner with us to sell it but if it doesn’t sell fast enough or for the price you would like, you have nothing to lose.
The best way to get really, good, honest advice is to arrange a valuation with one of our experienced valuers. Whether you need a survey or a mundic report, or advice on how to price, position and market your property, our expert opinion could help you add value to your home and command more attention.
We are always happy to chat houses. As the local property experts for Falmouth and the surrounding areas, we are the first to know the word (and the worth) on the street and would love to have a friendly informal chat and share our insights and expertise.
For further information and a free no-obligation valuation, get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
