Selling your property is no easy task, especially if you’ve never been through the process before. You’ve got to think about so much more than just the price you want it to sell for, and there’s more to consider at every step.
From checking all your existing arrangements and sprucing up your home to appointing a solicitor, we’ve covered the most important steps in the following five-step guide to selling a home.
Get your home ready to sell
First impressions are critical when you’re selling your house.
You’ll want to spruce up the exterior first, paying attention to the windows, front door, driveway, and lawn, if you have one. A clean appearance sets the right tone for the interior, so don’t underestimate the power of kerb appeal.
Inside, your main tasks will involve cleaning and decluttering. You should aim for your home to look tidy without feeling too empty, as this can be off-putting to prospective buyers. Focusing on your interior may also boost your chances of a higher valuation in the competitive market.
Think about your own move
If you’re selling your home, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll need to move house! Your first port of call should be to check the terms and conditions of your current mortgage.
There shouldn’t be any fees if you’re on the standard variable rate from your lender. However, you’ll need to find out if your mortgage is ‘portable’ if you’re still on the introductory rate.
In any case, you should expect to get in touch with your lender and find out if they’re happy with the new property and the price you’ll pay for it. You should also aim to remain a homeowner by finding a property that you’d like to buy straight away.
Set the right price
Choosing the right price is another crucial step in the selling process.
Taking the time to get your home valued properly is very important. Check online first before you consult an estate agent, looking for recent sale prices of similar properties in your area.
Online valuation tools could also be a useful intermediate step. Remember that integral additions like the Energy Performance Certificate could significantly influence the value.
Both under-pricing or over-pricing could affect your potential profits and the speed of the sale too. It’s worth taking your time on this step to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
Choose the right estate agent
After you’ve checked out some similar properties nearby, use your findings to approach estate agents. Call at least two agents to come and view your home, but don’t reveal the value that any of the others have provided.
Try to gather impartial estimates and get a balanced view, because certain attributes may be more important to you than others.
Think about the agent’s local expertise, reputation, and any fees they might ask you to pay. Your property might be historically significant and, if so, it’s worth choosing an agent familiar working with Listed buildings.
Navigate the legal process
Finally, don’t forget that selling a home always involves working through various legal commitments. From preparing initial contracts to finally transferring ownership, you need to be compliant and transparent.
Take notes throughout the process to make sure that you can stay organised and sell your home legally. Working with a solicitor or conveyancer could help to simplify the paperwork and take the weight off your shoulders too.
Legal fees inevitably make selling a home more expensive, but getting things done properly will be worth it in the long run. Good luck!
