There is no doubt that selling a home can be a challenging task. What are the best ways to go about this process? Are there any methods which will allow you to generate a greater amount of interest while simultaneously presenting an agreeable asking price to customers? What types of online tools will be able to provide you with more clarity and insight than would otherwise be possible?
There are two main categories which need to be addressed if we hope to answer these questions. We will first look at the physical and logistical steps that need to be taken before moving on to examining how a host of unique digital tools can help. After all, a bit of preparation can make all of the difference in the world.
Deep Cleaning Your Home
It only stands to reason that a dirty home will fail to attract buyers; even if it is in a sound state. Much like cleaning the interior of a vehicle before listing it for sale be sure, to thoroughly clean the interior of your home. If not, potential customers may doubt how well it has been maintained over the years. This can result in a lower asking price and it in many cases, buyers will simply walk away. Be sure to remove any clutter and pay particular attention to areas which can gather dust such as carpets, upholstery and cupboards.
Inspections by Trained Personnel
All of the critical systems within your home should be examined and given the “green light” by industry professionals. The most important include:
- Plumbing
- Heating and cooling
- Electrical wiring
- Important appliances such as boilers and HVAC systems
- Septic tanks and exterior drainage
- Gutters and the condition of the roof
It may also be necessary to obtain an energy performance certificate (EPC) in order to illustrate to buyers that your home is highly efficient and up to modern standards in terms of its carbon footprint.
Addressing the Exterior of Your Home
One of the most overlooked pieces of advice in regards to moving home involves the exterior of the property itself. Otherwise known as kerbside appeal, you will need to take into account important architectural and landscaping elements. Let us never forget to mention that the average customer tends to judge a book by its cover. Homes which have not been properly maintained on the outside will be suspected of harbouring problems on the inside.
This is why it is a good idea to hire a professional landscaper so that areas such as walkways, driveways and gardens can be addressed before your home is placed on the open market. Still, be sure to obtain at least three estimated from local firms in order to appreciate which price is the most fair. If possible, conduct exterior maintenance during the warmer portions of the year. This brings us to the next major point.
Marketing During the Warmer Months of the Year
It is just as important to take the season into account when placing your home on the market. There are several reasons for this observation. First, the majority of shoppers tend to start considering a purchase in the spring or early summer. It should come as no great surprise that this is largely due to the warmer weather conditions. Secondly, a greater amount of light exists during these times of the year. Your home will be better illuminated and visitors can be taken on a tour of the outside garden. You can likewise open up any windows and doors to give the environment a more airy and inviting personality; all key points when creating a sound marketing strategy in advance.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
A final physical metric to address if the visual appeal of the interior and exterior of your home. While you might not be able to invest in a new kitchen or bathroom, paint will offer a clean and inviting appearance. It is normally best to use light colours on the walls and ceilings. Not only will these tones provide the illusion of space, but they are much easier to paint over if the new buyers wish to change the colour scheme after the purchase. Avoid darker hues and custom paint jobs, as these can sometimes be distracting.
It is just as important to pay attention to the exterior of the property. Flaking paint or rotting wood will inevitably detract from the appeal of your home. Not only should these conditions be accounted for, but pay particular attention to areas such as:
- Window frames
- Front and back doors
- Fascia and soffits
- Any exterior baseboard trim and mouldings
The attention of visitors will naturally be drawn to these elements, so a fresh coat of white paint will help them to stand out while simultaneously providing a youthful appearance.
Researching the Local Housing Market
Now that we have taken a look at some of the most important preparatory steps from a physical perspective, what other suggestions do the professionals have? One critical recommendation is to take a look at your local housing market. What is the average asking price and how does your home compare to similar properties? Determining these figures will enable you to formulate a reasonable offer without driving customers away due to outlandish figures on either side of the spectrum.
The Power of an Online Valuation
Let us assume for a moment that you have determined the prices of nearby properties that offer similar features. The next step is to perform a free home valuation in order to more accurately determine what you can reasonably ask. Performing this task with the help of Property Price Advice will take only minutes after supplying preliminary details such as:
- Your postcode
- The physical attributes of your home (such as its size, the number of bedrooms and its age).
- A valid email address
Due the fact that we employ complex algorithms which take into account recent sale values as well as data obtained from the Land Registry, it is often possible to obtain a valuation that is within 15 per cent or less of the actual real-time selling price.
Utilising the Talents of a Listing Agent
While it is always possible to go it alone when preparing your home for an upcoming sale, most industry experts recommend outsourcing your requirements to a listing agent. These professionals will be able to tap into a larger market base and the chances are high that they are capable of providing even more insight regarding a realistic asking price as well as any suggestions that could make your property more appealing. Research online and obtain feedback from previous customers in order to understand the best estate agency for your requirements. Be sure to evaluate important metrics such as commissions and their advertising methods before coming to a final decision.
One Step at a Time
There is no doubt that preparing your home for an imminent sale can be a daunting task. This is why it is better to deal with one step at a time so that you will not become overwhelmed. Thankfully, the experts at Property Price Advice are on your side. From obtaining a real-time valuation to reading through pages of additional suggestions, you will be able to make the right decisions at the appropriate times.