5 Tips for Selling Your Home from an Estate Agent
Timing is Key
There tend to be more buyers in the market at certain times of the year than others. Do you need to move now? And is now an optimal time for selling?
Speak to local agents to check what the market is currently like, what the numbers of active buyers perusing the market is at the minute – and, most importantly, would they recommend venturing onto the market now?
Spring and early Summer tend to be great times to sell, and so is Autumn. With the demand winding down in the run up to Christmas. (But definitely don’t avoid getting your valuations in Nov/ December – this way you can get ready to hit the market early in the new year!)
Three is the magic number
Get three valuations from local estate agents who know the market in your area inside and out. Not sure how to pick three? Hop onto google and do a quick search, see who is rated highly in your area. Or why not go one step further and post in a local community group on facebook enquiring which agents you should speak to.
This way you’ll get honest, unbiased feedback from people in your area! By getting three valuations – you should also be able to get a true read on the value, and hopefully at least an average.
Marketing CAN make a difference
Not sure whether or not professional photos, floor-plans and video tours make a difference and help your home stand out? Well the honest answer is, yes – they really can! Ask yourself ‘How often do you look at Rightmove?’ And how many properties do you see get advertised each day and week?
Well your buyers are going to be doing exactly the same thing – and making your home standout from the competition can only help! If the online advert doesn’t pique their interest – then the chances of them arranging a viewing drastically reduces.
Less is more (when it comes to clutter!)
Nobody is expecting a show-home, but if the rooms are cluttered, then this can have the effect of making your home’s rooms feel smaller than it actually is!
Before you have your photos taken, and even before viewings (if feasible) it might be worth moving things around to ensure your home feels as spacious and organised as possible.
Let your agent show views round
Not only does this free up your time, viewers often spend more time looking around properly, and discussing the property amongst themselves in more detail when the homeowner isn’t present!
It’s only natural for a viewer to feel slightly awkward, and feel that they are imposing themselves with the vendor present. The more comfortable and at home they feel within your home – the more likely it is that they’ll leave with positive feelings about your home!