Don’t make these mistakes when selling your home
You’ve decided to sell your home in Burton-upon-Trent and you’re eager to get it on the market and viewings started. The decisions you make now can have an impact on how your sale progresses, so it’s best not to rush as you could not only hinder the sale but also devalue your property in the process. So take a breath and avoid making these mistakes when selling your home.
Getting the price right
Everyone wants to achieve the highest possible sale price for their property, and we want that for you too. But sometimes the price you have set your heart on may not reflect your home’s current value in today’s market. Property markets fluctuate nationally, locally and even by street – a road may start to be seen as an up and coming area, and home owners could begin to see the value of their homes increasing.
Yet should you overvalue your property, or go against the advice of your local estate agent, you may find that your home could be sat on the market longer than you would like. Another side effect of overpricing is that, after a period of time, the asking price is reduced again and again to attract buyers. Buyers seeing these reductions will wonder why it isn’t selling and will often place a below asking price offer as a result.
Pick me!
You invite an estate agent around to value your home, it may even be us, and you’re happy with what has been said and decide to instruct. This is the first view of your property, and even though we would love to sell your home, it’s always wise to get a couple more opinions as this will give you a better overview. It’s also important that you ask each agent as many questions as you can. Are they listening to you, and do they understand the reasons you want to move? A valuation is your opportunity to interview each estate agent to make sure they are the right fit for you and your home, so make sure you grill us.
Don’t delay
We find that many people selling their home in Burton-upon-Trent don’t instruct a conveyancer until they have found a buyer, but by doing so you are delaying the start of the sales process. As soon as you put your house on the market you should start looking for a conveyancer, you want one that will get the job done and has the time to react quickly. By engaging one early and completing the paperwork ahead of schedule, when you accept an offer you will be in a position to hit the ground running.
Making assumptions
You have looked at your finances and may even have used some mortgage calculators online, and so have a great idea of what you can afford. Without a formal agreement in principle you are only making an assumption of affordability, and if you’re wrong you may up losing that home that has captured your heart. Don’t leave things to chance, we can recommend a couple of great local mortgage advisors who will be able to look at the reality and get you in a strong position ready for you to make an offer as soon as you find a home.
Present to sell
What have you done to get your home ready for sale? Or, do you believe that buyers can see the beauty within? We know it takes time and effort to declutter, tidy, undertake repairs and deep clean your home, as well as stage it for buyers, but it will be worth it in the end. A staged home will attract more viewings, viewings turn into offers, and we find that the offers made on a home that has been presented for sale are stronger than one that hasn’t.
Get it right
At Sure Sales & Lettings we want to ensure you’re in the best position not only to get an offer you can’t resist but also for the sale to progress quickly and smoothly. If you would like more advice on how to prepare yourself and your home for sale, contact a member of our sales team on 01283 537120.
Andrew Sharpe
Sales & Lettings Director.