A PROPERTY expert has shared his top tips for boosting the chances of quickly selling your home.
Despite widespread concerns around housing-prices, there is still a high amount of property currently being bought and sold across the UK.
But with a nationwide property shortage those looking to find their dream home need to move fast to secure the keys.
It means not having to wait around to shift a property can often be vital.
Here, Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast, offers his advice.
Agents
*Use the best agent, not just the cheapest. Great agents can really sell the benefits of a property – often selling a home to a buyer who has asked for something very different! Many lazy estate agents have got too used to just sticking a property online and sitting back to wait for the enquiries. The market is very different now and they need to adapt to it and fast.
Consider cash property buying
*Cash property buying companies aren’t for everyone – the price they pay is less than a ‘standard’ buyer will pay. However, they offer a guaranteed sale and there are usually no fees to pay. Sales can complete in a matter of days if things are urgent.
Refresh the look
*If the property doesn’t sell quickly, ask the agent to re-visit regularly to take new photos and refresh the details. Nothing says ‘been on the market too long’ like a photo of Christmas decorations in July and consider doing upgrades to lighting and insulation before the EPC is done, a better rating means a faster sale.
Get your house in order legally
*Ensure all legal work is done in advance so problems can be resolved before they cause an issue. Choose a good solicitor who won’t hold things up when the time comes. Get all receipts and guarantees to hand for buyers to look at will also make the process faster.
Creating good first impressions
Before a viewing make sure your property is clean, tidy and free of too much clutter. Don’t forget the loft and garage. A potential buyer will definitely want to look. Keep curtains open daytime and fully closed at night for a bright, airy, and comfy-cosy effect. Before popping your home on the market, make small improvements that could add value to the property. Look around, would tactical decorating help – don’t spend fortunes but painting dated tiles or adding cheerful cushions on an old sofa might add thousands.”
*Kerb Appeal
Another important aspect to think about is a home’s kerb appeal. A good way to make your home more attractive in the winter months is to leave on outside lights and ensure the house number is prominent. This will create a homely feel that will draw in prospective buyers. If you can, arrange viewings when the area looks its best so if the home is near a school avoid school run times, or if you are on a busy road, avoid rush hour.
*Jonathan’s top tips to remember:
Check your EPC, if a few improvements move you up a grade, do the work and have a new EPC carried out. It could make all the difference.If you have good schools nearby, make sure the agent adds this into the features list. All too often they are missed off. If there’s insulation in the walls and loft, tell everyone – saving fuel is a priority for everyone now. If you have high-speed broadband and 5G, let everyone know. Ask yourself, is there a commercial angle? Could your property be used for something like a nursery, dentist or clinic? Is there a possible building plot or room to extend? Investigate all the angles. If your home is cheap to run, have a recent gas and electricity bill handy too. It could really make all the difference for a wavering buyer.”
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