We may be set for an unpredictable couple of years in the property market, with the EU Referendum looming and uncertainty over how this will affect buyers and sellers in the UK and EU.
If you’re looking to sell in the next year or so, there’s still a lot you can do to come out of the transaction smelling of roses, in the black and still relatively sane. If you’re looking for a good return on your investment, then use some or all of these tips to get as good a price as you can.
Be realistic about your asking price
There’s no point jumping into the market with an over-optimistically high asking price, it just means you’ll take ages to sell. The idea is to sell as quickly as possible, because with every passing month, your listing is going to look staler and staler and more prone to reductions. Get three or four valuations and opt for the middle-ish one.
Select the right agent
You’re looking for a low commission and a short lock-in period. Aim for as near to one per cent of the sale price and a week-long lock-in period. Some agents demand a longer lock-in (sometimes up to two months) so you’re not free to change to another firm if they don’t get you moving fast enough.
Let your house do the talking
You really need to create a great first impression – clean windows, freshly-painted front door, tidy front garden and a well-lit hallway. Many vendors nowadays are opting for professional house staging to bump up their chances of a quick sale – and their eventual sale price. Most buyers feel that the kitchen is the most important room, so concentrate on making it as attractive as possible. You don’t have to break the bank, maybe buy a new countertop or some new tiles, for example.
Think about an open day
Open days are something of an American import, but they mean that you get a lot of viewings for just one day’s cleaning. Having potential rivals in the same room sometimes gets buyers hopping to make an offer, too.
De-clutter already!
Get some of your possessions into storage or sell them online to open out the space in your home. Dark old bookshelves, piles of clothes or toys, crowded built-in wardrobes, occasional tables – they all take up space and close in a room. Buyers are buying space, remember.
Consider your buyers
More than 50 per cent of househunters are discouraged by an untidy house, with more than two-thirds put off by an unsociable or rude seller. Estate agents also have to be at the top of their game when dealing with viewings. Other problems include lingering household smells, as people wonder if it’s damp.
Homebuyers are also on the alert for substandard building work and wonky DIY jobs. You also need to make your garden as private as possible because most buyers won’t consider a garden that makes them feel exposed.
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