How to get the
right price!
OUR TOP 12 TIPS ON SELLING
I
n a fast paced market like the one we are currently experiencing
getting the RIGHT PRICE should be crucial to ALL your decisions.
Some of these tips may be obvious to you, some you may overlook at
your peril. We know our job is to achieve the best possible price in
the shortest possible time and that is always our target.
1 Choose the right Agent!
On every internet site containing advice on selling, the
NUMBER ONE tip will invariably be CHOOSE THE RIGHT
ESTATE AGENT! We agree! Choosing the cheapest should
immediately worry you, if they are prepared to take just what
they can get for THEMSELVES, then how careful will they be
with YOUR MONEY and your price?
“
There is no point saving £500
on fees if you then lose £2000 on
your price.
It sounds obvious but we have seen many vendors make this
elementary mistake right from the start!
“
Don’t gut and redecorate the
entire property, but do fix what is
obviously damaged.
If there are some hairline cracks, fill them in. A first-time buyer
may think there is a serious problem, even though this is not
the case. If you have been Letting your home it could be
in need of some serious cosmetic repair. We can make our
suggestions when we carry out the Valuation.
2 Get the price right
Prepare for a viewing seriously. Keep rooms tidy, stay on top
of the vacuuming and clear dishes from the draining board.
The idea is to demonstrate that this is an attractive, functional
home. Leaving your stuff lying around may create the
impression that there is not enough storage. Again, it is always
important to do this, but even more so if there are lots of similar
properties on the market.
easy to see
Nothing is more frustrating for a buyer
than an agent saying a viewing doesn’t
suit the vendor. Be flexible about timing
even if it’s inconvenient, don’t give the
impression that you are not particularly
bothered whether you sell or not
10 Consider an open house
“
One of our more
successful strategies
has been a two hour
‘open window’ for any
interested parties.
Personal invitations and extra staff will
also make those attending feel special.
An open house creates a buzz, and possibly
encourages higher and earlier offers.
11 Just organise yourself
Up to one third of sales can fall through,
so don’t give your buyer time to
worry about the purchase. Instruct a
conveyancer or solicitor to act for you
right at the outset so a sale can move as
quickly as possible. Arrange your new
mortgage if you need one for your next
purchase. Delays allow buyers to get cold
feet or spot more properties. Don’t give
them an excuse to back out.
3 Get organised
4 Clear the clutter
9 Make your home
5 Improve your home...
If there has been a leak and there is some staining left as a result,
we would suggest you pay the money and get that repaired.
It is tempting to go with the highest valuation you receive, but
be realistic. While the national house price indices can give
you an idea of market trends, some areas have seen things
pick up more than others. Know how much the properties
you are in competition with are selling for, and make sure that
psychologically, for buyers, your property price appears better
value. If your price is too high the property will hang around.
If you price low, you will attract more interest and increase the
chance of getting competitive bidding, and may even sell for
over the guide price. ASK US FOR A FREE VALUATION and we
will talk you through all the current trends.
Put together a file containing all documents to do with
the house. Include any guarantees for repairs, certificates
for gas and electrical work, council tax bills and any other
documentation you have. Your solicitor will ask for the lot.
You will also need to provide proof of identity and of address
to your solicitor, so dig out your passport and recent utility
bills with names of all owners. Do this in advance and you will
be ready to leap into action when an offer comes in. We can
organise quotes from solicitors or conveyancers and get you
‘SALE READY’ right from the start.
8 Step back, try again
If a property is still on the market after a
long time, the problem is probably down
to the price. Give yourself a break, take
the house off the market. When you feel
ready to take the plunge again ask us for
a new valuation and advice on changes
you should make. Go back on the market
with new photos, new marketing text,
and crucially, a new price.
12 First impressions count
6 …But don’t overspend!
“
Don’t replace carpets,
but do get them cleaned.
Most buyers form their first impressions
of a house within seconds of walking
through the door. Spend time tidying
up the outside of the house - plant
flowers, trim bushes, weed, maybe
even repaint the front door and make
sure your door furniture is looking
really great.
Buyers often like to make their mark, so don’t waste your
money on trying to second guess what they like.Everyone is a
budding developer, everyone wants to feel they can add value,
If the kitchen is tired, don’t spend money on replacing it –
there is little chance you will make your money back.
7 Don’t hover over viewers
Take the dog and kids out for a walk when people
come round and let us take the strain.
“
A good estate agent like
Bridges will show potential
buyers around a property as
part of their service.
If you need to be at home, be welcoming but discreet.
Keep pets and children out of the way, anything to make
viewers feel they are not imposing. The hardest property to
sell is the one where the owners loiter in the background.
People can feel uncomfortable when the owner is following
their every move. They don’t want to talk about the property
out loud, and more often than not want to leave too quickly.
FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION VALUATION, CALL YOUR LOCAL OFFICE TODAY!