The housing market is always changing and knowing when the best time is to put your house up for sale can be difficult. Selling your home is a big decision, and whether you are selling because you are relocating, moving to a bigger home, or have inherited a property, you will want to get the best price possible from the sale.
There is a lot to consider when selling your home, and this guide covers how to sell your house for the best price as well as some useful tips on getting the most out of your property.
Think About A Private Sale
If you think you can market your home yourself, then you can save a huge amount of money in estate agent fees. Most estate agents will charge a percentage of the house sale for their services, which is often thousands of pounds. There is plenty of information out there on how to sell a house privately, without paying for an estate agent to do the work for you.
Selling privately is not always easy and will be a fair amount of work as you will be responsible for taking photos, listing your property online and negotiating with potential buyers. If you are selling a property in England, you will have to create an information pack for the home as well.
Estate agents are also experts in selling properties for the best price, consider carefully that while you might save thousands in fees, you might not be able to get as high a price for your home as an estate agent could.
If you want the help of an estate agent for marketing your property, but happy to do a lot of the other work yourself then consider an online estate agent. Online estate agents often charge low fixed fees as opposed to commission.
See: 13 Ways To Sell Your House Fast by Ask Susan
Choose A Good Estate Agent
If you do decide to use an estate agent for the sale, then choose your agent carefully. Be sure to meet them in person as they will be responsible for showing potential buyers around your home. Look out for someone who is positive, persuasive and a good communicator, as they will be best positioned to sell your property for the best price.
According to Ask Susan it can also be worth negotiating with estate agents to get the most competitive deal. Estate agents are competitive and will often be willing to adapt their terms in order to secure your custom.
Remember that it is your sale, and while the estate agent plays a big role in the sale you should always be in control. Insist on being updated after every viewing and make it clear that you are not prepared to cut your price unless it is on your instruction.
Showcase Your Home
First impressions are always important, and this is very true for a home sale. Give your home a little spruce up in order to boost its kerb appeal. The first thing a potential buyer will see is the outside of your property, so ensure you have a clutter-free driveway and tidy garden at all times.
It is the small things in your home that can make a big difference when you are trying to sell for the best price. Give your front door a fresh lick of paint and get a new throw to hide an old, worn out sofa. Investing a little bit into the appearance of your home can make a big difference to the overall finish and will likely get you the best possible price for your home.
Decluttering your home is a great way to showcase its full potential. Clear out any excess stuff that you have accumulated, if you need to keep a lot of it then consider putting it into storage while your house is up for sale. Potential buyers need to be able to envisage what the property will look like with their own belongings in.
Be Realistic With Your Expectations
Don’t get carried away with how much your house is really worth. It can be tempting to price your home at a high level in the hope that you will get a buyer willing to pay that much, but it is vital to be realistic and price your home competitively. If your house is up for sale for more than it should be then you will put off potential buyers from even arranging a viewing or registering an interest.
Always get at least three valuations done on your property to determine a realistic price to sell for. You can also research similar houses in the area that are up for sale to see the kind of price they are on the market for. If you are looking for a quick sale then you might wish to consider a cash house buyer.
