How To Sell Your Home Before Summer 2022
With the days getting longer and a feel of spring in the air, now is a really good time to think about selling your home if you want to make the most of a long summer without the stress of a property sale hanging over your head. Here are our tips to get you a quick sale with as little stress as possible.
Selling your home doesn't have to be stressful, Harrisons Homes Estate Agents we want to help you make your house sale as hassle free as possible, So here are our top tips for a quick and less stressful sale:
Seller's Checklist
Get your solicitor arranged right at the start
Don’t wait until you have found a buyer as this will add to the length of the transaction.
Dig out your property papers
The solicitors will want these, so a trip up to the loft now, will save time later. Remember to include and warranties and certificates for building works and improvements. Safety certificate for gas and electrical checks. Remember to also include proof of identification as these will be required for the Anti Money Laundering checks
Leasehold properties
If you are selling a leasehold property, be aware that the management pack can take months to put together, so again this should be ordered by your solicitor as soon as possible. Do not wait until you find a buyer as that will extend the transaction time.
Mortgages
Speak to a mortgage broker. Even if you are in a fixed term it may be that there is a better deal available for you.
Valuations
Get two or three valuations! A few valuations will not only give you an indication of the property’s value, it can also help you decide which agent you want representing you and your home. Remember not to go with the highest valuation or the lowest fee, this can cost you money when it comes to getting a sale.
Complete the TA6 - Property Information Form
We recommend every seller completes the Property Information Form. The more information your buyer has upfront, the better buyer they will be. The buyer will have all of the information relating to the property and this removes the risk of surprises as the sale progresses, making your sale much less likely to fall through.
Prepare your property
Tidy outside (building and gardens), tidy inside (fill in cracks and de-clutter).
Always remember that first impressions count!
Top Tips For Selling Your Property
Get the price right
Your agent can help you to price your home in the current market. Though spring is always a good time to sell your home, as long as your home is priced competitively, it shouldn’t matter what time of year you are trying to sell. If your agent is working hard for you then there should be no ‘quiet periods’ in the housing market. Your agent should be able to advise you on how to make your home sale ready and to tell you about how they will be marketing your home rather than just relying on Rightmove and Zoopla.
De-clutter
To help to ensure you’re in your new home as soon as possible, have a good de-clutter before you go onto the market. Clear out any items you’re not moving with. Pack some of your photo frames and ornaments so your home feels clear and clutter free. This will also save you time when you’re packing up to move.
Tip - Remove anything hanging on or placed behind doors (furniture included). If a door can’t be opened fully, it gives the illusion that the room is smaller!
Remove any rubbish and tidy up outside
The outside of your home is the first thing people will see. Clear. Neat. Tidy.
These are the best first impressions your property can offer. Clear out any junk from the front or back garden. Make sure the grass is cut and flower beds are tidy.
Blank canvas
If you are planning to ‘refresh’ the property with a coat of paint before you market it, choose more neutral colours that allow buyers to see how they can make their own mark.
Viewing Tips
Here are a few tips for the day of your viewings.
Spick and span
Make sure beds are made, cupboard doors and drawers are shut and keep counters, work surfaces, and the kitchen sink clear. Even minor details such as making sure toilet seats are down and towels are neatly folded in the bathroom, create a positive impression.
Smell fresh
Make you home smell as fresh and clean as it looks pop on an air freshener. A vase of freshly cut flowers on display is often a welcoming feature with a pleasant smell!
Animal free zone
You may love your pets, your buyers may not! Even if they are animal mad, it's better to have them focused on looking around your home, visualising how they may live there, rather than having puppy cuddles.
Less is more
Try and keep the number of people that are at home to a minimum when viewings take place. Where possible try and arrange viewings during the week and within school hours. Having too many people in the house can make a property seem smaller
Go out of the house
Your estate agent should conduct viewings, it's part of what you pay them for. Estate agents are better placed to get honest feedback and their experience will ensure they are able to identify who is likely to make an offer. It is better for everyone involved if the agent has met everyone involved in the sale, this really helps as the sale progresses.
Thinking of moving?
If you are thinking of moving, the best place to start is to get an idea of the kind of price your home may achieve currently. Harrisons are always happy to visit, at a time to suit and give you our professional opinion on how you should market your home and the price you could achieve.
Get in touch today on 01795 474848 to book a time. Or, if you aren't yet ready to have your home values, you can get a rough idea by using our 'Instant Valuation' tool.
Further Information
Here are some other articles you may find useful if your are thinking of moving in 2022