There is no exact science to selling your home, but there are ways to try and up your chances of selling for the price you want. If you manage to check off all the right boxes, you might be able to score an attractive offer for your home.
Coming up, we’ll share a checklist of what you’ll need to get right before your house is ready to sell.
1. You’ve instructed the right estate agent
When it comes to selling, a good estate agent can be the wind in your sail. You’ll know you’ve chosen the right agent if they:
- Maintain regular contact with you.
- Conducts every viewing and provides you with detailed feedback after.
- Make suggestions around how you might be able to generate more interest in your home.
- Have extensive experience in your local area, with proven success.
- Have successfully sold properties similar to yours recently.
- Have great reviews and a solid reputation.
In other words, having a dedicated professional on your side is the first step towards achieving the best possible outcome for your sale.
2. You’ve set an asking price that suits your move
The asking price and its accuracy will largely dictate the outcome of your sale, so you need to get it right.
- Is it comparable to similar properties in your location?
- Was a home valuation carried out by a qualified estate agent beforehand?
It’s important to note that a ‘DIY’ approach to setting your home’s value could put you at risk of overvaluing your home, resulting in it waiting on the market for longer.
Your best bet would be to bring in a qualified agent to offer a full market appraisal of your home. During your valuation, they will ask about your next steps and the timeframe you want to sell your home within, which will each have a bearing on your asking price and method of sale.
3. Your home is set up for viewings
No home is ready to ‘wow’ at viewings without a little preparation beforehand. A few simple touches can make all the difference when it comes to showing buyers what your property has to offer.
- Could the exterior or interior paintwork use a touch-up?
- Are the gardens/outdoor spaces well-maintained and welcoming?
- Are the light fixtures up-to-date? Have you used fitted energy efficient bulbs?
- Is there a warm and inviting ambience when you walk through the door?
- Does your home still feel personalised, or will prospective buyers be able to picture living there and making it their own?
4. Your have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Before putting your house on the market, you will need a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for your home. To achieve the best possible rating, have you considered the following?
- Upgraded insulation and weatherproofing.
- Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.
- Energy-saving features such as a smart meter or solar panels.
5. Your home is clean and well-maintained
A thorough deep-clean is an integral part of the selling process. Buyers could be put off by a home that appears untidy or poorly maintained. Have you:
- Thoroughly cleaned and decluttered all rooms and surfaces?
- Addressed any odours or pet-related issues?
- Made sure windows and mirrors are sparkling?
7. You have all the necessary documentation
Missing documents can slow down your sale. To avoid delays, you should:
- Gather all necessary legal documents as soon as you think about selling.
- Ensure you have possession of clear titles and property history.
- Be prepared for potential buyer inquiries regarding property details.
You may even want to instruct a conveyancing solicitor before you put your home on the market so they’re ready to start work as soon as you accept an offer. Ellis & Co will be able to put you in touch with a recommended firm in your area.
Improving your home's readiness for the property market can increase its appeal and potential to sell quickly and at a desirable price.
For more moving advice, contact your local Ellis & Co branch today
