Selling your home sounds easy, right? You just list it online and wait for hordes of hungry house hunters to fight over it.
Sadly, though, it’s not always so easy in practice. Interest rates are still on the high side and many buyers are looking for a bargain.
But fear not. Although some homes could take longer to sell, good properties usually find a buyer eventually. You’ve just got to get your strategy right – especially if you want the best price.
So, follow these top home selling tips.
Tip 1. Choose your estate agent wisely
Passive agents – those put their feet up types – can be a real problem when the market’s slow. You need someone proactive who can negotiate skilfully to get you the best price.
But how do you find a great salesperson who could sell sand on a beach? We suggest the following:
- speak to at least 3 agents and see which one convinces you
- ask how many homes like yours they’ve sold
- search ‘sold subject to contract’ on property portals and see which agents come up most.
You could even walk into an agent’s office, look around, and see how hard they’re trying to sell the homes on their books. Or you could look up estate agents reviews on our partner GetAgent’s website.
Tip 2. Get your price right
Setting your asking price is crucial when selling a home. If you get greedy, and set your price too high, your property could linger for months without attracting a single nibble. But set your price too low and you could leave money on the table.
Although your agent will guide you, it’s worth doing your own research to avoid these traps. So, spend time searching the property portals for similar homes in your area. Does yours seem like reasonable value? Think like a buyer and try not to be biased.
Don’t forget to consider your circumstances too. Do you need a certain price to be able to afford your next home? Or perhaps you need to move quickly. In which case, it pays to price your home competitively.
If in doubt, it’s often best to be realistic rather than optimistic. You might achieve more by attracting a buyer quickly – especially if multiple parties become interested.
Remember, homes usually sell for a higher price in their first few weeks on the market. If it takes longer than this, and the listing goes stale, people will wonder what’s wrong with it. Then you might need to reduce the price.
The bottom line? Ask for too much at the start and you could end up with less later.
Tip 3. Presentation is key
Preparing your home for sale is another top home selling tip. First impressions are vital. And in today’s market you’ll want to knock their socks off.
So, start by boosting your home’s curb appeal. Things like repainting the front door, tidying up your porch, cleaning the drive, cutting the front lawn, and repairing the garden gate are all quick wins.
The inside of your home is obviously important too. Mould, damp smells, cracks, stains, and poor lighting are proven turnoffs. So do a deep clean, decorate the walls, modernise light fittings, and clean or replace the carpets if you can afford it.
Decluttering is also vital. This will make your home look bigger and improve its flow. You could even put things in storage if you’re struggling for cupboard space.
Finally, could you consider some home improvements? You don’t want your kitchen and bathroom(s) to look as dated as dial up internet. But don’t spend too much if you’re unlikely to get your money back. Some buyers like to do their own renovations.
When you’re ready to go to market, make sure your sales ‘particulars’ (the photos and description) do your home justice. They should advertise your home’s best features and entice buyers to book a viewing.
Tip 4. Boost your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Energy prices have reached record highs in recent years. So perhaps our next home selling tip shouldn’t be a surprise: buyers are often happy to pay more for homes with lower running costs. Rightmove says improving your EPC rating from F to C could increase what your home’s worth by around 15% on average.
Your EPC contains information about how much it typically costs to heat your home. And it’s amazing how simple boosting your score can be. Just adding insulation to your roof and walls, or switching to LED lightbulbs, can help a lot.
Check out our blog on 5 ways to make your home more energy efficient for more bright ideas. And if you’re one of our mortgage customers, you could even apply to borrow more to fund the improvements you’ve got in mind.
Sell with confidence
Although it can take time to sell a home, well-presented properties with a realistic asking price should find a buyer faster. So, follow the home selling tips above and don’t give buyers an excuse to lowball you.
It’s also important to change tack quickly if things don’t go to plan. For example, a low number of viewings is often a sign that your price is too high. Maybe it’s time for a frank chat with your agent if this happens to you?
On the other hand, if viewings are regular enough but nobody makes an offer then something else could be wrong. So, ask for feedback, identify the problem, and put it right.
Being proactive is key if you want buyers to be sold on your property.
This content was accurate when published on XX/XX/XX.
Want more info about the art of selling? Check out our Selling Guide in My Home Manager. And here’s some handy info about remortgaging to us. Give us a few details, like your home’s value, and we’ll show you the rates available.