Selling your home can be a daunting task, but with some preparation, you can make the process much smoother.
By taking the steps we suggest in this blog, you can increase your chances of getting the best price possible and help the process run efficiently.
Step 1 - Assess Your Home's Condition
Assessing your home's condition is an important step to take before selling it. You will want to look for any repairs or upgrades that need to be made, as well as evaluating the overall appearance of the house. This can help make the property more attractive to potential buyers. Here are some suggestions of things you should look out for:
- Repairs – Look around your house and take note of any elements that need fixing. This could be leaking taps, broken tiles, and damage to walls or floors. It might help you sell your property if you repair any issues. If you want to make some improvements to your property, but you do not have a big budget our blog 'how to save money on home improvements' could help you.
- Upgrades - If you have outdated appliances, such as your shower or boiler, you may want to think about updating them to help attract buyers. Take a look at our 'home renovations' guide to find out more about how these improvements can help improve the value of your house.
- Cleanliness – Potential buyers usually prefer a clean and well-maintained home; it will help them imagine themselves living in it. You could consider hiring a professional cleaner, or could do it yourself. You may want to consider investing in a carpet cleaner, or jet wash to help you make the interior and exterior of your property clean and more attractive to buyers.
Step 2 – Get a Valuation
It is important to get your home valued by a surveyor, to give you an idea of the price you should aim to sell it for. The surveyor will assess your home's condition, size, location and any recent sales of comparable value in your area. They can then provide you with a report that will include an estimated value of your property.
There are a few ways you can get your home valued. You can hire a professional surveyor, use an estate agent or an online tool (although these may not prove to be as detailed or reliable as an estate agent or professional surveyor). Each will vary in price depending on your surveyor, your area and property size.
Step 3 – Choose an Estate Agent
An estate agent can be invaluable when it comes to selling your home. They have extensive knowledge of the local property market, can help you set the right price, and handle negotiations with potential buyers.
It's important to do your research into estate agents. Look for agents who have a track record of selling properties similar to yours in your local area. You can usually get recommendations from people you know, or by doing an online search.
When choosing an agent, it's important to find someone you feel comfortable working with and who you believe will work hard to sell your home. Make sure you are clear about your expectations and communicate openly with your agent throughout the selling process.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Home for Viewings
On top of the basic cleaning and repairs you'll need to complete in order to sell your house, you may want to consider taking extra steps to best prepare your home for viewings. Below are some ways you can prepare your home to attract more potential buyers.
- Declutter – When cleaning your house, you might want to consider taking some extra time to declutter. Not only can this be therapeutic, and help you prepare for moving, it can also help pique the interest of potential buyers. By decluttering, you will make the home feel like a blank canvas. So, putting personal items, such as family photos, into storage while you try to sell your house can help the potential buyers see it as their new home.
- Stage your home – You may want to consider rearranging your furniture to maximise space, and adding tasteful decorations. You could hire professional home stagers to help you with this process, but this can be a costly option.
- Maximise natural light – Natural light is important when it comes to creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. It can make a space feel brighter and more spacious. Make sure you open all blinds and curtains during viewings, to let in as much natural light as possible. You could also try painting any dark interior walls a lighter colour; this will reflect more light, making the room feel larger. It also helps with the 'blank canvas' idea, so that the buyer isn't distracted and can imagine living there.
- Enhance curb appeal – The first impression buyers will have on your property will be from the outside. By improving the appearance of the exterior, you may significantly impact their perception of your home. You could do this by tidying up the garden, adding potted plants and painting the front door. This will add life and a welcoming atmosphere to the front of the property.
Summary
Selling a home can be a challenging and stressful process, but it doesn't have to be. By following these steps you can ensure that your home is well-prepared and attractive to potential buyers. Decluttering, cleaning, making repairs and enhancements, getting a home valuation, choosing a good estate agent, and preparing your home for viewings can all help you achieve an effective sale and get the best possible price for your property.
