Selling your property can be an overwhelming and stressful time. With so many things to consider, getting started can sometimes feel like the most daunting part.
While a speedy completion can never be guaranteed, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your selling journey. Despite its challenges, it can be an exciting opportunity to start a new chapter in your dream home.
Consider our list of top tips to turn your selling experience into a positive one!
Did you know there are seasonal spikes and dips in the property market? If you have the luxury of time, then it’s important to consider when the market is most active.
Typically, there is a peak in activity between March and May called ‘the spring rush’. With the lighter nights and warmer weather comes a desire for fresh beginnings. Furthermore, homes tend to look more desirable in pictures and during viewings when the sky is blue and the climate warmer.
However, spring doesn’t get all the fun. It is also worth considering that a spike in home-moving activity is recorded by companies such as Rightmove on Boxing Day.
While these aren’t the only times to consider putting your property on the market, it’s definitely something worth thinking about.
Before thinking about putting your home on the market, it’s important to know what your next move is going to be. Are you selling to buy and therefore remaining a home owner or will you be moving into rented accommodation? Is this a temporary fix and do you plan to buy again later down the line?
If you choose to remain a homeowner, then you’ll be entering into a chain. Before doing so, it’s worth considering the pros and cons.
Pros – everything is done in one transaction. You only have to instruct a solicitor once and can keep them throughout the entire process. Similarly, you only have to move once. Moving can be extremely stressful and expensive if you need to hire help, therefore reducing how many times you need to go through it is a significant factor.
Cons – you may be seen as a less attractive option to buyers or sellers. The chance a chain will delay your sale is relatively high because you have to factor in the onward plans of another person. The risk of being in a multi-layered chain can be off-putting for potential buyers.
The right estate agent can make a world of difference in the sale of your home. Having a handful of agents value your property to decide who aligns best with your goals and requirements can be a great way to help you decide. Most estate agents offer free valuations, so it won’t cost you a penny.
It’s also important to find one with a proven track record of experience selling properties like yours in the same area.
At Edward Mellor, we offer free valuations from listers with extensive knowledge of their local area. If you decide to list your home with us, we have a dedicated team of sales negotiators who will match your home with our bank of pre-qualified, motivated buyers.
Book a Free Property Valuation
While getting the highest price possible may be enticing, putting your property on the market at an unrealistic price can significantly slow down the selling process. Often, if you don’t receive enough interest, it will result in a reduction, therefore decreasing the value of your home.
To avoid this, take a look at properties currently on the market which are similar to your own and in the same area. Your agent should be able to help you with this and provide you with comparable pricing strategies which have worked for them in the past.
Trusting the professional opinion of your chosen agent is advisable as they should be implementing a pricing strategy to suit your aims. Let them know early on what your desired outcome is and that you want to sell as quickly as possible.
Once your property is on the market, here are two important things you can do to speed the process along.
Be as flexible and accommodating as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on potential buyers. If you can, allow viewings during the evenings and on weekends to fit around people’s work schedules.
When people are in your home, you want them to be able to envision themselves living there. Make your property as welcoming as possible. To do so, take a look at our top tips to prepare for a successful viewing.
If you receive multiple offers, then choosing the right buyer can have a significant impact on the speed of completion. Although it can be tempting to simply go for the highest offer, it’s important to consider whether you’ll be entering into another chain or not.
First-time buyers are often a more favourable option because they don’t have a property that they need to find a buyer for.
Overall, there aren’t any hard and fast rules to guarantee a speedy completion. Everybody’s circumstances are different and each sale will face its own unique challenges, however the more prepared you are going into the process, the higher your likelihood of success.
For more advice, speak to our expert team in your local area.
Written by Molly Booth
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