Top Tips – Sell your home fast and for a great price

In a fast-moving market it can sometimes feel overwhelming when trying to decide what needs to be done prior to marketing your property, especially if you’ve seen something you like and need to get an offer in quickly. Here’s our rundown of top tips to help you sell fast and for the best possible price.

1 - Choose your agent carefully. This is an article in itself, but choose an agent who you have confidence in, who will market your home properly without cutting corners on essentials such as floor plans and professional photography, and who takes time to understand you as a client. It’s really important the initial marketing period is handled well to achieve the best possible price for you; agents who are happy to market your property with a half-completed listing and missing photos aren’t going to be the ones who are booking multiple viewings and taking advantage of the initial surge of interest to gain well-qualified offers for you.

2 - Declutter! It’s almost obligatory to include this but we can’t stress enough – if your stuff is spilling out of every corner, giving the impression of a too-small house with not enough storage, that is exactly what your potential buyers will see. Make sure everything has a place, and if not, perhaps relegate it to the loft temporarily or use this as an opportunity to do a pre-move clear out. You don’t have to leave an impersonal, sterile environment but do make sure that any potential buyers are left with the impression of space rather than claustrophobia.

3 - Presentation is key. You may well have been putting off touching up the paintwork and you may no longer notice that patch your cat scratched off the newel post but potential buyers definitely will and might be left with the impression that there are lots of jobs to do – which will inevitably affect the offer they’re prepared to make. Your property should feel fresh and well-maintained, leaving buyers feeling like all they would need to do is unpack their things.

4 - Think about lifestyle. Buyers are often looking to buy into a lifestyle, particularly those who are moving up the chain. First time buyers are looking for somewhere to call their own, where they might start a family and enjoy the feeling of having their own space. They are not usually particularly confident in making big changes to a property, so if you’ve got a first time buyer property it’s usually wise to make sure jobs are done and they don’t have to think about making major changes they are unlikely to have funds for. Second and third time buyers of family homes might be looking for the best utilization of space for family life and a low maintenance garden which offers a good space to relax (and somewhere to put the trampoline). We’re seeing a lot of enquiries at the moment for houses with home offices – if your home offers this sort of space then this is a huge plus point to emphasise. Buyers who are downsizing often struggle with the thought of going smaller – storage is key here and a well-thought through layout which gives a sense of space.

5 - First impressions count. Although the inside is arguably the most important, think about the outside as well. When your buyer pulls up at your property they will already be making a judgement about whether or not it’s for them. Make sure your front garden is well-maintained; some colourful pots or hanging baskets can make a big difference. Are your windows clean and the bins out of sight? Have you cleaned your front door and does the bell work?

6 - Clean until it’s sparkling. There is nothing more off-putting to buyers than a grubby, unkempt property. Make sure that everywhere is absolutely sparkling clean, it’s a big effort we know but it pays dividends. Try to include skirting boards and other woodwork, windows inside and out and pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom. If you have integrated appliances be aware viewers may want to look in the fridge – time to wipe out that salad drawer! Another thing to think about is how the property smells, especially if you have pets. Strong air-freshener can be equally off-putting so just open windows half an hour before the viewing and remove any pet food bowls and beds for the duration of the viewing.

7 - Send everyone out for a walk. We know it’s not always possible but if you’re able to send the children and pets out for a walk it can help potential buyers have a relaxed look around the property. If it’s a struggle to get the house free for viewings then it may be easier to ask the agent to carry out the viewings on your behalf.

8 - Relax! We know it can be a bit of a daunting prospect showing people round your home but try and think about the reasons you bought it – chances are your buyers are very similar to you when you bought the property and they’ll be looking for the same things you were. Smile, point out the good points and any work you’ve had done, let them know about the local area and what first attracted you to the house.