We may be in the middle of a recession, meaning it's the worst time to sell your house, but if you really want to move, there's plenty of things you can do to help shift your property. Here's the best ways to help sell your home:
Home and Garden on Female First
- Shop around for estate agents. Agents are always trying to compete with one another, so ask around for the best one. Get at least three estate agents to value your property, and find out what the benefits are if you go with one rather than another. You can also tell one estate agent the quote you received from another, to see if they will match it, or even beat it.
- Set your price right. Obviously everyone wants the highest price for their house, but the amount you have in mind may just not be realistic in the economic climate. If you set your house price lower than expected, you may be surprised at how many potential buyers you get, with the potential for a bidding way. Conversely, if you set your price too high, then are forced to cut it repeatedly, this can make you look a bit desperate to sell.
- De-clutter your things. People collect a surprising amount of junk, and we're betting you're no exception. Clear out any unnecessary items from your house, and remove and personal touches, such as photos on the walls or on the mantelpiece. Your house shouldn't look like an impersonal show home, but you should remove photos and the like, so the buyers can imagine their items there instead.
- Give your house a basic makeover. If your decor is quite bright and garish, it might be worth painting your walls in an inoffensive colour, such as magnolia or beige. If anything is broken and you've been meaning to fix it, now's the time to do it. However, don't go overboard and spend a fortune - whoever buys your house will probably want to redecorate anyway.
- Create a good first impression. Everyone judges to some extent by first impressions, so make sure your house gives off the right one. This means making the first thing buyers see - your front garden and door - look their best. Give your front door a lick of paint, and show your garden some love by planting some flowers and mowing the lawn.
- Let potential buyers be. No one wants to be hassled while they're looking round a house, so while it's tempting to want to help them, take a step back and let your house sell itself. See if your kids can be somewhere else, and if you have a dog, definitely get someone to talk it for a walk.
- Clean everything. It sounds obvious, but many people forget this basic rule. Before any viewing, make sure your house is spic and span, any dirt or mess will put people off. And invest in getting your carpets deep cleaned - it makes a real difference.
- Make your house smell great. Just before potential buyers arrive, go over your rooms with some air freshener, especially if your house has a pet. Get some flowers to put in a few vases for rooms too - they'll make your property feel fresh.
- Know your bills. If buyers want to know anything, make sure you know the answers. Check up on gas and electricity bills, council tax, and bus routes.
Remember, if your house has been on the market for a long time, it might be best to take it off, re-evaluate, and put it up again in a few months, when you may have a better plan on how to sell.
Emily Bancroft