WORKING WITH YOUR AGENT:
Work with your agent and make him work for you. At Luxury Platinum, we believe that every seller and their home is unique. We would like you to tell us what made you love your home and what you like most about it now. We'll highlight this information when we start selling your home to like-minded buyers.
Make sure your agent is also aware of your situation. If you're just testing water and you're not going to move 100%, they need to know about it. Likewise, if you are unable to relocate within six months, or if you need to relocate soon, inform your agent and he can adjust the rate of sale.
Take your agent's advice. They really know the local market and, in fact, care about your interests.
MONEY MATTERS:
Setting your asking price will be one of the most important decisions you make in the process. Invite a few local agents to come and rate your property, but don't just go with the agent who offers the highest rating and / or the lowest commission. An overpriced offer can actually slow down the speed of a sale. Low agent commissions can mean you get mediocre services at best.
Do your own research on the Land Registry website and find out what properties similar to yours are selling for in the area. If an agent gives you a much higher rating than others, ask them for examples of comparable sales.
PREPARING YOUR HOME:
There is no way to avoid those little household chores that have been waiting in line for years when you are about to sell. Take time to fix those loose floorboards, finish painting, nail in the creaky floorboard, and install the last skirting board. These details are important.
Once this is done, cleanse well. Get rid of the clutter and cut through your personal items like bulky jewelry, family photos, documents, and toys. This gives buyers the opportunity to imagine themselves living in your home.
Before the viewings begin, make sure your home is sparkling clean from top to bottom, especially the kitchen and bathroom. If needs be, have the carpets professionally shampooed, particularly if you have pets.
Also improve the attractiveness of your home. Paint the front door, polish the brass (if you have one) and remove all the leaves from the front of the house. Trim your lawn and make sure your garden looks neat and tidy. Show how specific outdoor dining areas can be used, with strategically placed outdoor furniture.
y law, you will need to commission an EPC (energy performance certificate) for your property. Your estate agent can help you to organize this. You won't be able to market the property without one, so get it sorted as soon as possible.
LINE UP YOUR SOLICITOR AND DO SOME PRE-PLANNING:
Instruct a solicitor from the outset so that you are ready for action. Waiting until you have accepted an offer can delay the process unnecessarily.
Make sure you have all of your paperwork in order as this can really speed things up. So, if your property is leasehold or share of freehold, make sure you have the papers ready to pass on to your solicitor. Likewise, obtain any planning or building consents well in advance - these can help clinch a sale. Your estate agent and solicitor will be able to advise you on the type of paperwork you need to gather.
WHEN THE BUYERS ARE IN:
It is usually best to let your estate agent show the buyers around whilst you go out - they will feel more comfortable if you're not there. This means they can have an open discussion about your house without fear of causing offence. They'll also be able to take their time imagining how your home could become their home.
It's a tricky one, but try and work around viewings. It really helps matters if buyers are able to view your home at a time that suits them. If not, there's the risk they'll see another property and forget yours.
If you have tenants in the property, give them plenty of notice about your plans and keep things friendly. That way, they're more likely to keep the place looking tidy and accommodate viewings.
If at all possible, pack your pets off for a day trip to the neighbors or in-laws. Another nice touch is to leave any parking space you may have free for the buyer. Something as simple as an easy park will help ensure they enter your home in a good frame of mind.
Avoid strong cooking smells and don't smoke in the house in the run up to viewings. Open windows and place a few bunches of fresh flowers around the house to freshen things up and demonstrate that you care about what the buyer thinks.
POST-VIEWINGS:
Do take feedback on board - if all the feedback from viewings points towards a particular issue - do something about it.