Attention to Detail
When the agent assesses the property, ask if there are some things you can do to help. Low-investment improvements can transform that all important first impression, for instance a lick of paint
to the front can increase curb appeal. Even cleaning the driveway or tidying the garden can make the property more desirable.
If there are areas with real problems, Poor guttering, an old roof, even a worn-out bathroom suite, investment in fixing these things can have a dramatic effect on buyer enthusiasm, and often the
selling price too. Your agent will guide you here, helping you to understand if such repairs are worthwhile or not.
Your checklist for getting any property ready for sale
Getting a property ready for sale means ensuring everything is right for when the listing goes up. Because there are so many things to remember, we’ve made a handy checklist to help.
1. Is it the right time to sell?
What the best time is depends on where you are. Local markets behave differently, do your research and find out when the most popular time is for selling in your area.
2. Can you afford to sell?
Find out what homes similar to yours are selling for. If the market is depressed, it may be that the property is worth less than your mortgage, negative equity.
3. Fix the things that need fixing
From a leaky pipe or broken window to a broken electrical outlet, take a good look around your property and fix things that would put you off if you were a buyer. Think of this as
an investment in the property, it will help you find a buyer faster. For larger projects, such as a roof replacement, check with a real estate agent that it is worth the cost before proceeding.
4. Clean everywhere and reduce your Clutter
You want a buyer to imagine themselves living in the property. That means keeping everything clean and clutter free. Think about a storage unit to keep your photos and other personal stuff,
maybe even some of the furniture too, with more space the home will feel bigger.
5. Curb Appeal is everything
First impressions matter, so ensuring your lawn is mowed, the drive is tidy, the front of the house is clean and freshly painted makes good sense. Remember, some buyers will just see the sign
and look at the outside, you can lose a potential buyer in those few seconds if everything is a mess.
6. Get professional photos
While some will find your home from the sign, most will see it online first. That means your photos are the most important tool for your sale. Don’t skimp here, hire a professional and get it
done right. Your agent will usually help here and know good local photographers who specialize in real estate.
7. Establish your selling price
The price is a balance between getting as much for the property as possible, maximizing your profit, and attracting buyers. A real estate agent with local knowledge is a good help in this situation,
and they will guide you to the right asking price.
8. Think about open houses and home tours
Seeing the property is an important step to buying, so talk to your agent about the schedule that suits you for allowing people in to view the property.
9. Trust your agent
Choose an agent carefully, look at reviews and find recommendations, but once you choose, trust them to get things done for you. They will arrange the listings and other aspects for you and market
the property to get a fast sale at the best price possible.
10. Find your new home
If you are selling the home you live in, you need to start looking for your next one, once a property is on the market things can move quickly and you don’t want to be holding things up while you
start looking for a new place.