20
Jan
2012 ...MOVING FORWARD!
The uncertainty in the housing market continues into yet another
year, so what can sellers do to make their homes more attractive
for the buyers who are out there?:
With ongoing competition for buyers it is important that sellers
consider how best to market their property and the steps to take to
achieve a sale.
• Use a local professional independent estate agent to
advise you on the marketability of your property. They should be
able to tell you the likely demand, what price you might expect to
achieve and the length of time it may take to sell.
• It is worth thinking about who may want to buy your home,
such as a family or a professional couple, and gear your sale to
that.
• It is obvious that a clean, well-presented home is
preferred by most buyers, so take the time to do a spot of spring
cleaning and DIY if necessary, but do not spend more money on this
than you anticipate gaining.
• A lick of paint would not go amiss, particularly on front
doors (first impressions!) and the most popular rooms in the house.
Choose neutral colours and always try to appeal to the more
conservative buyer.
• Declutter and depersonalise your home as much as possible.
Clutter can make a room look smaller and disorganized. Remove any
objects that a potential buyer may not be able to identify
with.
• Viewings should be geared to highlighting the positive
aspects of the property and how it may appeal to the needs or
aspirations of the buyer.
• If you have pets or children, consider asking a neighbour
or relative to take charge of them whilst the viewing takes place.
Remember that this is probably the biggest purchase the buyer is
likely to make and being distracted when viewing could impact on
your sale.
• Decide which order to conduct the viewing, leaving the best
room until last. Concentrate on what you think the buyer will be
most interested in and do not provide too much in-depth information
or irrelevant detail.
• Once you receive an offer, you will need to consider the
price and the buyer’s personal circumstances. Your estate
agent should be able to advise you at this time.
• Having agreed a sale, you will need to involve a solicitor
to act for you in the conveyancing procedure. Your agent will be
able to recommend a local, competent and trusted solicitor who is
familiar with the area should you require this.
• Until exchange of contracts your agent and solicitor will
keep in close contact with you, advising you of any developments as
soon as possible, particularly where there is a chain
involved.