One major online property portal said late last year that the UK’s property sector was very much a buyer’s market, with more places up for sale than previously, and some homes taking longer to sell than before. At the same time, while affordability pressures remain on buyers, they have more choice than they did, and so can take their time and look around, without worrying that a place they like could be snapped up.
So if you’re selling you may find you need to strive that little bit harder to get the offers you want. But there are many things you can do to make your property stand out in a potentially overcrowded marketplace.
Let’s take a look at some of them:
1.) Get asking price right
Obviously there’s a delicate balance to strike between pricing your property too highly and too low, so that you neither undersell yourself or put off any prospective buyers. Analyse sales of local properties similar to yours. Do you have any features that could allow you to charge more than your neighbours? A professional valuation will clearly give you a realistic, objective idea of your home’s worth.
You may also need to be prepared to come down if initial responses to your property are lukewarm. But don’t react too quickly or too slowly – assess viewer feedback and gauge online interest to guide your decision.
2.) Spot-on marketing
Remember, of course, the importance of your online presence. Clearly, you’ll need top-quality images plus perhaps a virtual tour. Lighting, angles of shots and the ‘staging’ of your home all matter. This is where a good estate agent, their professional advice and eye for detail really come into their own. Meanwhile, the property description should do more than merely list what your property has – it should showcase its unique aspects and highlight the surrounding area.
3.) Smart negotiation
You’ll need skill, patience and a strategic approach while being able to see things from the perspective of your buyer. Once you’ve accepted an offer, there has to be good communication from everyone involved, from buyers and sellers to solicitors and others. That way, small niggles don’t escalate. This need for clear, responsive and effective communication will continue throughout the process to ensure a smooth transaction that’s free from hiccups and delays.
You may need to be flexible to stop things from stalling, whether that’s on completion date, price or anything else. (Remember, it’s a buyer’s market.) Again, the best estate agents will be key in securing the best outcome for all involved.
4.) Navigating legal complexities
Of course, you don’t want legal issues snarling up your house sale. Have the necessary paperwork in place early, including:
· Title deeds
· Any planning permission you have on home improvements
· Gas and electricity safety certificates
A good solicitor will keep everyone informed and talking and offer frequent updates while also explaining legal terminology. Equally, where issues crop up, such as discrepancies over property boundaries, they can help.
Your estate agent should be able to recommend a reputable local firm.
5.) Preparing your property for the sale
We’ve said it before but it bears repeating – make your home ‘move-in ready’. Declutter, give the walls a fresh lick of paint and sort out any minor repairs. It’s surprising what difference these seemingly trivial things can make.
Finally, don’t neglect the importance of ‘kerb appeal’ – i.e. the first impression someone has when viewing your home from outside. Make people fall in love with your property from the moment they see it. Look at the place through the eyes of someone who hasn’t been there before.
Painting the front door, fences, windows and so on all help; equally, think carefully about colour choice. Consider details like doorknobs and doormats to show how much you’ve cared for your home – and don’t forget to tidy up the garden.
A speedy sale with Carter & May
Carter & May are the leading independent estate agents in Salisbury around, and have been for the last eight years, offering unparalleled expertise and knowledge of the local property market. Let us devise a detailed marketing plan so that you realise the best possible price for your home within a convenient timeframe. We’ll also suggest a clear-eyed, realistic price based on values of properties near yours.
Plus we’ll create a full-colour brochure with top-quality digital imagery showcasing the place’s best elements. Then we’ll be with you every step of the way until completion. Book your valuation today – we’ll take it from there.