HOME-SELLING TIPS

  1. Target Your Buyer and Time It Right:
    • Identify your ideal buyer and tailor your property to appeal to them, while still attracting a broader audience.
    • Aim to sell during peak seasons (when it’s cold in North America) for optimal pricing.
  2. Declutter and Depersonalize:
    • Remove personal items and excess clutter to allow buyers to envision themselves in the space.
    • Maximize room size by storing unnecessary furniture.
    • Pay close attention to decluttering the hallway, bathroom, and kitchen.
  3. Enhance with Fresh Touches:
    • Improve the property’s appearance with fresh paint, new tiling or flooring, and updated kitchen cabinets.
    • Address minor issues like regrouting, new fittings, and lighting to create a polished look.
    • Add small touches like fresh flowers and ironed linens.
  4. Ensure Impeccable Cleanliness:
    • Consider professional cleaning to achieve a spotless home.
    • Focus on making the kitchen and bathrooms inviting and hygienic.
    • Organize wardrobes to showcase storage space.
    • Treat the garden as an outdoor room, making it appealing.
  5. Select Qualified Professionals:
    • Obtain valuations from multiple estate agents, but choose based on fit and service, not just the highest valuation.
    • Negotiate a flexible contract with your chosen agent.
    • Instruct a solicitor early to expedite the conveyancing process and gather necessary paperwork.
  6. Understand All Costs:
    • Aim for a sole-agency agreement initially to minimize estate agent fees.
    • Negotiate agent fees and get them in writing.
    • Request a comprehensive breakdown of all selling costs from your solicitor.
    • Determine any mortgage redemption penalties.
  7. Establish a Realistic Price:
    • Obtain multiple property valuations.
    • Utilize property reports to inform your pricing strategy.
    • Collaborate with your agent to set a competitive price based on market data.
  8. Maximize Exposure:
    • Place a “For Sale” sign and leverage word-of-mouth by informing neighbors.
  9. Prepare for Effective Viewings:
    • Ensure a clean and welcoming exterior and entrance.
    • Remove pets during showings, and clean up any pet hair.
    • Create a comfortable atmosphere with lighting and heating.
    • Aerate the house, and avoid strong cooking smells or smoking.
    • Leave parking spaces open for viewers.
  10. Conduct Professional Showings:
    • Ideally, allow the agent to conduct viewings.
    • If showing yourself, plan a logical tour and highlight key features.
    • Avoid oversharing details or mentioning negatives.
    • Encourage viewers to explore the property independently while remaining available for questions.
  11. Choose the Best Offer:
    • Prioritize buyer reliability over the highest offer.
    • Assess buyers’ financial stability and transaction status.
    • Consider the complexity of the buyer’s situation (e.g., first-time buyer, chain involvement).
    • Buyers using professional home search consultants are usually very good.
  12. Negotiate and Accept Offers:
    • Ensure the agent provides comprehensive buyer information.
    • Respond to offers in writing.
    • Be prepared to compromise on price and negotiate on included items.
    • Use items you do not wish to keep as bargaining tools.
  13. Maintain Deal Momentum:
    • Stay in regular contact with your solicitor and agent to monitor progress.
    • Address potential issues promptly to prevent deal breakdowns or price reductions.
    • Keep aware of the buyers motivation level.