Putting your house on the market can be daunting. From dealing with viewings to getting everything organised for moving day, there’s a lot to consider.
We’ll take a look at some of the best ways to prepare for selling your home to make the process as smooth as possible.
Research your local housing market
This will give you an idea of what you can expect from a valuation and how the property market is faring in your area. Whilst current headlines might suggest a decrease in house prices, this might not necessarily be the case in every location so it’s worth checking out similar properties nearby.
Find an agent
If possible, aim to get three valuations before deciding on an agent. And, when you’re ready, try and choose a reputable local agent with property knowledge of your area and experience in selling similar homes.
Declutter
It’s a good idea to declutter before having potential buyers round for viewings. Not only will this make your home appear more spacious and appealing, it will mean less things to pack as you approach moving day.
Fix those niggles
Whether you’ve got chipped paint, loose door hinges or cracks in the woodwork, it’s best to repair these small issues before putting your home up for sale. Whilst they may not cost much or take up great amounts of time to fix, visual wear and tear can put some buyers off.
You can pick up DIY items, such as paint, from your local store. It might also be worth investing in new latches, hinges and handles, such as those from RS.
Get the professionals in
If you’ve got any issues with the electrics, plumbing or gas in your home, get a professional in to take a look. A buyer’s survey will likely pick up any problems so it’s worth spending that bit extra to get your home in the best possible condition before selling.
Choose quality photographs
Your agent should send a photographer around to take photos but make sure they’re of good quality and that they highlight the best selling points of your home. First impressions are vital and are a determining factor in a potential buyer arranging a viewing.
Stretch your schedule for viewings
Whilst house viewings are not always convenient, especially if you have multiple appointments in the same week, it’s worth making the effort to accommodate requests where possible. This might mean evening or weekend viewings, so prepare to reorganise your schedule, often at short notice.
Deep clean the whole house
Whilst it’s not feasible to do this before each visit, it’s worth giving your home a deep clean at the start of the week when you have viewings booked in. On the day, make sure your home is tidy, beds are made, and any washing or pots are hidden away.