November 2018

A FAIR PRICE?

 
If you’re thinking of selling your property this autumn, then it’s vital to get your house in tip-top condition and make sure you offer it for sale at the right price. With more properties now coming to the market, buyers have more choice. This means that homeowners need to put in a bit more work to make their property stand out from the crowd.
 

PRICING IN A SLOWER MARKET

 
Over-pricing can lead to low levels of interest in your property, whereas offering your home for sale at a realistic figure is likely to entice more potential buyers and can lead to an increase in the amount offered. If several people are interested, you may find that you get bids over your asking price.
 

START WITH THE BASICS

 
Many potential buyers tour the neighbourhood before arranging viewings, so kerb appeal is really important. If your front door is shabby and your front garden needs attention, you could find that your property doesn’t get on a buyer’s viewing list.

Before you get photographs taken for your sales material, it really pays to have a good declutter and a thorough clean. It’s
particularly important that bathrooms and kitchens look pristine and tidy. Worktops, baths and taps that have seen better days can be very off-putting to potential buyers as they’ll be calculating how much it will cost to replace them.

Research amongst buyers shows that they prefer light rooms in neutral tones, so if you have small rooms that are painted in dark colours, consider getting them painted before you try and sell.
 

OUTSIDE SPACES

 
Growing families are often looking for outside space that children can play in. It’s worth spending time tidying flower beds, cutting lawns and putting children’s toys away so that your garden looks its best when you get your photographs taken.
 

GETTING THE PAPERWORK TOGETHER

 
Make sure that you have a file of important documents like window guarantees, certificates for gas and electrical work you’ve had done, any planning permission for extensions you’ve had built, council tax bills and other bills that show what the running costs of your home are. That way, you look organised to a potential buyer, and having this information to hand will enable your solicitor to leap into action if you get an offer.