The average home mover only buys a property every 15-20 years, and the processes, regulations and uncertainty can make it a really stressful process if you dont have an expert to guide you on your journey.
Achieving a sale at a premium price in the quickest possible time frame can only be done when the marketing of your property is done to a high standard. There are many estate agents that will simply put your home on Rightmove and wait for the phone to ring. There is so much more that can be done…
Here are three things that you should do before you list your home with an estate agent.
1. Get the jobs done
Before you begin to think about putting your property on the market, you should spend a little time to improve your chances of selling at a better price. Consider the following:
- Kerb appeal – when potential buyers arrive at your property, what will they think? Does the property need a lick of paint, or the front garden need tidying up?
- Snags – you might not notice an unfinished DIY project, but it might put off a potential buyer. Try to fix any snags.
- De-clutter and clean – you should aim to make your home look inviting and try to depersonalise it. Potential buyers like to see themselves living there.
- Review your Energy Performance Certificate – particularly if the EPC was done some time ago, consider whether it reflects your property now.
For example, have you had a new boiler or insulation fitted since the certificate was awarded? Also consider whether there are any recommendations you could implement to improve the energy efficiency of your property.
2. Get yourself ‘sale ready’
Your estate agent and legal representative will ask for various pieces of information throughout the selling process. You are likely to have received some of it when you purchased your property. If you gather together the relevant documents at this stage, you can avoid future delays and provide your estate agent with key information to share with prospective buyers from the outset.
Documents you might need include: FENSA certificates for windows, planning permission/ building regulation and completion certificates for any significant home improvements completed. Many purchasers also ask for gas and electrical safety tests to be carried out.
Your solicitor will ask you for this information, but the process is much quicker and easier if you appoint yours before a sale is agreed, and pass them all of the information as early as possible.
Estate agents, legal representatives and mortgage lenders are required by law to check your identity in order to protect against money laundering. You will need to provide them with proof of identity (including photographic ID) and proof of address.
3. Get an idea of the market value
By this of course we mean invite estate agents to come and take a look at your property and familiarise yourself with how they work.
This will not only help to give you an indication of price, but it essentially gets the ball rolling for you and gives a good idea of the current market, and marketing strategy of your local agents, allowing you to choose on for going forward!