Selling a house can be one of life’s stressful events, especially if you are also buying a house and you want to sell your property fast. This guide will aim to simplify the process step by step. However, more in-depth walkthrough can be found within our guide on how to sell a house online.
1. Preparing your property
First impressions count for everything when it comes selling a property, so it is vital that your house looks at its best for potential buyers. You will need to maintain the condition from the moment you get valuations until an offer has been accepted.
The external view is the is the first impression to ensure that the gardens are tidy, window frames and doors have a fresh lick of paint and rubbish and rubbish bins are out of site.
Inside the property, create more space by moving some furniture into storage, remove clutter and non-essential items. Make any minor repairs that are necessary and clean thoroughly from top to bottom. Include eradicating unpleasant smells and even decorate rooms if necessary.
2. What Price to Ask?
When valuing a property there are three things to bear in mind:
- The property valuation is simply an estimation of what somebody else might pay for it.
- This does not necessarily bear any relation to how much you paid for it, how much money you’ve spent on it since, and how much you need out of the sale.
- Getting the price wrong can damage your chances of a sale.
The most common method of property valuation is by using comparables; you should be able to gain a rough idea by looking a local papers, property websites and similar properties in the area. Also it is normal practice for a potential buyer to offer a lower price than the asking price, so you will need to allow for an element of negotiating.
However, don’t get greedy, if you price yourself out of the market you will not receive any interest!
3. Marketing
Have a think about how you wish to market your property. Nowadays there are three options available:
- Sell it yourself
- Online Estate Agent – from £299+VAT
- Traditional Estate Agent – 1.5% – 2% of the asking price.
The main thing to consider is that more than 90% of house hunters search online. You need to ensure that you are listed on the top property websites in the UK. The most economical way to do this is by using an online estate agent.
4. Energy Performance Certificate
EPCs are required by law; you won’t be able to market or sell you property without one. The Energy Performance Certificate consists of two multi-coloured graphs:
- The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.
- The environmental impact rating is a measure of a home’s impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment.
5. Property Viewings
The best person to sell your house is the one that knows it the best – you! Be obliging and flexible when it comes to meeting your buyers. Don’t turn down a great opportunity.
During the viewing remember that the viewer could be the person that buys your house. Try and create a good working relationship from the outset. Offer them a drink but don’t be over-friendly, you don’t want the visitor to think that you are desperate to sell the house.
Make sure that you have as much information to hand as possible.
6. Negotiating
Your own circumstances will play a major role in the negotiation process for the sale of your property. There are several things to consider:
- How much pressure are you under to sell
- How much demand do you have for your property
Your estate agent will be acting on your behalf to achieve the highest price for your property. Ensure you discuss and create a strategy for dealing with offers.
7. Legal Process
Once you have accepted an offer you will need to ensure that your finance is arranged for your onward purchase and instruct a solicitor to start the legal process.
