As we embrace the New Year, many homeowners are contemplating changes for 2024. Some are considering redecorating and rejuvenating their homes, while others are gearing up to sell their properties and embark on new adventures. If you’re one of those looking to sell but want a better understanding of the process, you’re in the right place. My Property File has broken down the home selling journey and how you can prepare yourself and your property for a successful sale.
1. Home Improvements:
Before listing your home for sale, consider making improvements to increase its value and attract potential buyers. Wondering how to redecorate your house on a budget? There are numerous cost-effective tips and tricks to enhance your home’s appeal. Whether it’s decluttering or repainting, investing time in improving your house before selling can offer several benefits:
Boost property value, potentially leading to higher offers from buyers.
Attract more views, as prospective buyers often start their search online and are drawn to well-maintained homes.
Don’t forget to address your home’s exterior, as curb appeal plays a significant role in selling a house. For tips on increasing your home’s curb appeal, check out our guide here.
2. Decide How You Want to Sell:
Traditionally, homeowners believed that selling their houses on the open market was the only option. However, alternative selling methods exist, such as:
Selling at an Auction: This is a faster way to sell your house and is ideal for those who want to avoid the stress of the open market. Selling at an auction has its pros and cons, which you can explore further in our blog post, “Should I Sell My House at an Auction?”
Quick Sale Companies: These companies offer homeowners a swift sales option, particularly if they’ve had difficulties selling on the open market or can’t afford to wait. If you’ve been wondering how to sell your house faster, these companies may be a suitable choice. As with any decision, quick sale companies have their advantages and disadvantages, which we’ve discussed in detail in our article, “What to Consider When Selling Your House Fast.”
When deciding how to sell, thorough research is essential. Familiarize yourself with the nuances of each method and choose the one that aligns with your circumstances.
3. Know Your Value – And What Buyers Will Pay:
While you may already have an estimate of your property’s value, factors such as the ongoing pandemic and the changes witnessed over the past year can influence it. If you plan to sell with an estate agent, they can conduct a survey to confirm your property’s value. Keep in mind that estate agents typically provide a slightly higher valuation to allow room for negotiation. However, pricing your home too high may deter potential buyers, so it’s essential to strike the right balance.
Listing your house at the correct price is crucial. Overpricing can scare away buyers, while underpricing may raise suspicions of hidden issues. Research similar properties in your area to determine a competitive asking price and ensure you remain within a reasonable range.
4. Online Advertisement:
Online advertising is one of the most effective ways to generate interest in your property, especially during periods of higher tier restrictions when many people stay at home. Platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla are popular options for online property listings. Your agent can create a compelling listing for your home to attract potential buyers. However, it’s essential to ensure your property is in its best state before listing it online.
Improving your advertising photos can significantly impact your listing’s appeal:
Schedule photoshoots during the daytime with curtains open to maximize natural light, making rooms appear more spacious.
Declutter and tidy up before the photoshoot to present well-organized spaces.
Consider professional photography for high-quality images. If you’re taking your photos due to COVID-19 precautions, our guide on how to capture the best photos to sell your house can be helpful.
5. Viewings:
Once you’ve piqued the interest of potential buyers, they’ll want to view your property before proceeding further. You can choose to either let your agent host viewings or conduct them yourself. COVID-19 precautions are essential during viewings, regardless of your location’s tier:
Limit the number of attendees to reduce interactions between different households.
Require all attendees to wear face coverings while inside the property.
Keep doors open to minimize contact with handles.
If you or any viewer experiences symptoms before a scheduled viewing, postpone it until a negative test result is obtained.
6. Conveyancing:
Once a viewer becomes a buyer and an offer is accepted, you’ll enter the conveyancing stage. Conveyancing involves the legal aspects of buying and selling a property, ensuring the smooth transfer of ownership from you to the buyer. While conveyancing can be time-consuming, understanding the process and potential delays can alleviate worries. It typically takes up to 20 weeks, but the duration may be shorter, especially if you’re selling without a chain. For an in-depth look at the processes and costs involved, you can refer to our previous blog post, “What Is Conveyancing?”
How to Sell Your House Fast:
If you’re eager to sell your home and avoid the standard delays associated with traditional sales, we can assist you. My Property File allows you to sell in as little as seven days, freeing you from the stress of a prolonged sale that could take over six months. Contact us today for a free cash offer and discover how we can simplify your sale process.