 | Choose 2 or 3 estate agents - including a local independent and one
from a corporate chain - to value your house. They will give you a
realistic expectation of price. |
| Ask what experience the agent has in selling homes like yours and of
any comparable sales that have been made recently. |
| Remember the highest valuation is not always the best. Ask the agent
why he has valued your house at this level to make sure the price has not
been inflated purely to gain your instructions. |
| Choose an agent you feel you can work with. Selling your home is a
stressful time and it is very much a team effort between the agent and
you. Do not be tempted to choose your agent solely by whoever offers you
the cheapest fee. Remember you pay for what you get. Sometimes it is
better to pay a little more and have the job done properly to achieve a
fair price, rather than your house fails to sell and you have to start
again. |
| Check your agent is a member of a professional body and that his firm
has good opening hours, provides colour details and an accompanied viewing
service. |
| When a prospective purchaser visits your house with the agent, make
sure the house is warm, the lights are turned on and it feels welcoming.
Most purchasers make their buying decision within the first 20 seconds of
entering your home. |
| Make sure that your home is as "clutter free" as possible as this will
create a feeling of space. |
| Keep available bills and/or guarantees for any work that has been done
recently. This will make the buyer more confident in their ability to run
the house and to understand better any work that has been carried out.
|
| Make your house available for viewing. If you let your agent have as
free access as possible it can dramatically improve the chances of
selling. If your agent can bring clients to your house straight away that
will also enhance the selling opportunity. A day or two delay may mean
that the prospective buyer goes elsewhere. |
| Have a For Sale board !! Around 75% of sales are generated initially
from a board enquiry. With the advent of mobile phones, people spend a
great deal of time driving around areas and ringing in after seeing a
board. Although it tells the neighbours what your are doing it more than
compensates by enhancing the saleability of your home. |
| It may be old-fashioned but have bread in the oven, or a coffee pot
brewing or cut flowers on display. Each of these can provide a welcoming
aroma in a home. |
| Locate your deeds and instruct your solicitor accordingly. This will
save a great deal of time in the conveyancing once a buyer is found. |
| Decide on a price that you are happy to accept. On making an offer
buyers like to know fairly promptly if it has been accepted or not. Set
yourself a lower limit and view anything above that as a bonus. You will
then be able to budget better and instruct your solicitor accordingly.
|
| Speak with your existing bank/building society and check for any
special conditions on your mortgage such as redemption penalties. This
will clarify what is outstanding. You will also be able to obtain
up-to-date quotes for your next purchase it applicable. Alternatively,
speak to an independent financial adviser who can search the market for
the best deal for your. |
| Do not get stressed!! This is why you have an estate agent - to take
the stress away from you. Agree a figure. Tell the agent what you expect
and let him show the clients over and report to you at least weekly. Your
agent is employed by you and is acting on your behalf. |
