Preparing Your Home for a Smooth Sale

Did you know that it takes just 38 seconds for someone to form an opinion of your home? [1] In the ever-dynamic UK property market, selling your home can be as exciting as it is daunting. A smooth sale process depends not only on the property itself, but also how well you have prepared it for the market. We’re here to provide guidance on how to enhance the appeal of your home to prospective buyers, accelerating the sale process and possibly fetching a higher sale price.

Getting Everything in Order

Property Documentation

Before putting your home up for sale, ensure you have all necessary documents, such as the title deeds, planning permissions, and building warranty documents. Having these documents ready will demonstrate to potential buyers that you are organised and serious about the sale.

Mortgage Consultation

It would then be a sensible move to schedule a consultation with a mortgage adviser to understand the financial implications of selling your home. It’s important to know how much is left on your mortgage and whether there are early repayment charges.

Home Improvement and Repairs

Kerb Appeal

First impressions matter! According to a survey conducted by YouGov 68% of home buyers think kerb appeal is important when buying a home [2]. A well-maintained garden, a newly painted front door, and even clean windows can make a significant difference. Your house should be just as appealing from the outside as when you walk through the front door.

Consider the following tips to enhance your home’s kerb appeal:

Landscaping: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and add a few colourful flowering plants to brighten up the garden. A tidy garden will suggest a well-cared-for home.
Paintwork: A fresh coat of paint on the front door, fence, and window frames can renew the look of your home. Choose neutral or widely appealing colours to attract a wide range of buyers.
Cleaning: Power wash the driveway and pathways of your home to remove dirt. Clean windows also have a significant impact.
Lighting: Ensure the outdoor lighting fixtures are working, and consider adding some garden lights for a welcoming ambiance in the darker months, when viewings could take place during darker evenings.
Door Furniture: Replace outdated or worn door handles, knockers, and other hardware for a polished look.

DIY Repairs

Take care of any minor repairs that can be off-putting to potential buyers. Small issues can create doubt about the home’s maintenance, and addressing these minor problems can significantly improve the buyer’s perception. Here are some common DIY repairs that can make all the difference:

Leaks: Fix any leaky taps or pipes. Water damage or wastage is a significant concern for buyers.
Loose Handles or Knobs: Tighten or replace any loose handles, knobs, or other hardware around the house.
Squeaky Doors and Windows: Lubricate hinges to fix any squeaks or hard-to-open doors and windows.
Peeling Paint: Touch up areas with peeling or chipped paint. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do.
Gaps in sealant: Re-seal around bathtubs, showers, sinks, and windows to give a finished, fresh look.

These small improvements can be done without a huge investment, but can significantly impact how prospective buyers view your home. The aim is to present a well-maintained home ready for new occupants without immediate repairs.

Professional Assessments

It’s advisable to have professional assessments for any significant issues, such as a leaky roof or possible structural problems. Preempting these issues beforehand can prevent potential deal-breakers during the negotiation phase. Even if you decide not to do the work, if a prospective buyer asks a question, you can be well equipped with an accurate answer.

Staging Your Home

Decluttering

A clutter-free home appears more spacious and inviting. Consider a temporary storage solution for personal items and excess furniture.

Neutral Décor

A fresh coat of neutral paint can make your home appear lighter and brighter, providing a blank canvas for buyers to envision their belongings.

Setting the Right Price

Market Research

It is important to conduct thorough market research and consult with an estate agent to understand the current market conditions and how your property compares with similar properties in the area.

Valuation

Next, you will want to obtain a professional valuation of your home to set a realistic asking price. A price too high may deter potential buyers, while a price too low may result in a financial loss. Your estate agent and mortgage adviser will help you achieve the right balance.

Promoting Your Home

The right promotion strategy is vital to attract potential buyers and get the best price for your home. An experienced estate agent can greatly aid in this process. Here’s how you can ensure your estate agent is doing all the right things to promote your home effectively:

Estate Agent Selection

Experience and Local Knowledge

Choose an estate agent with a strong track record in your area. Their local market knowledge and established relationships can be invaluable.

Marketing Strategy

Discuss their marketing strategy before signing a contract. The strategy should include online listings and social media promotions at minimum.

Communication

Ensure the estate agent is easy to reach and communicates regularly about the progress, feedback from viewings, and any possible adjustments to the marketing strategy.

Online Listings

When researching your chosen estate agent, it is wise to check out their current online listings and check for the following essentials:

High-Quality Photos and Floor Plans: Ensure your estate agent arranges for professional photos and floor plans. High-resolution images are crucial for online listings, as they provide a good sense of your home.
Compelling Descriptions: The listing should have a detailed and accurate description of the home, highlighting key features and nearby amenities.
Multiple Platforms: They should list their homes on various reputable property portals to reach as wide of an audience as possible.

Further marketing opportunities

There are other marketing options that high-end estate agents should use in particular. It is worth knowing and asking about these opportunities, especially if your home is of a certain value or struggling to sell:

Virtual Tours: Virtual tours provide a digital, immersive walk-through experience, allowing individuals to explore a property online as if they were there in person. They’re created by using 360-degree photography to create a realistic, interactive exploration of a property.
Video walkthroughs: Video walkthroughs provide a realistic and comprehensive view of a property, showcasing the layout, size, and flow of spaces in a way that photos cannot. Videos are more engaging and can capture the attention of viewers more effectively than static images, potentially leading to more inquiries and visits. By narrating the video, the agent can also provide insights, highlight features, and add a personal touch that can create a connection with the viewer.
Targeted Advertising: Leveraging paid for targeted social media advertising to reach potential buyers.
Email Marketing: A proactive estate agent should have a database of potential buyers to whom they can send an email about your property.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Online listings can be optimised for search engines to reach a broader audience.
Brochures: High-quality printed brochures can also help promote your home.

Legal Preparation

Consulting a solicitor early in the home selling process is crucial, as it helps navigate the complex legalities involved in property transactions. Engaging a legal representative early helps complete necessary forms, like the Property Information Form (TA6 form) and TA7 form if selling a leasehold property, which are essential for the conveyancing process. Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It involves several steps, including exchanging draft contracts, negotiating contract terms, conducting pre-exchange property searches, transferring legal title, and finalising all monetary payments and stamp duties. It’s essential to adhere to local laws and regulations throughout the selling process to avoid legal complications. Legal preparations, such as verifying identity, which usually requires a passport or driving licence, along with address validation, are also crucial steps to comply with the regulations when dealing with estate agents and solicitors.

Common Mistakes and Challenges

Some common mistakes homeowners make when preparing their home for sale include underestimating selling costs, setting the wrong asking price, being emotionally attached to the property, and trying to sell the house without the expertise of an estate agent.

The way to avoid these mistakes is to work with a professional, such as an experienced estate agent and mortgage adviser. Professionals bring a wealth of market knowledge, negotiation skills, and a network of potential buyers, which can significantly ease the selling process. They can provide an accurate valuation of your home, suggest improvements to enhance its marketability, and devise a strategic marketing plan to attract a broad audience of potential buyers. Additionally, a professional can help navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape of home selling, ensuring that all transactions are conducted smoothly and in compliance with local laws and regulations.

By avoiding common pitfalls and leveraging professional expertise, homeowners can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful, stress-free sale.

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The journey of selling your home can be less challenging with meticulous preparation. Following the above steps will not only prepare you, but also your home, for a smoother transition to the market, setting a firm foundation for a successful sale.

Remember, many factors influence the UK housing market, including economic conditions, government policies, and consumer confidence. Stay informed by seeking professional advice.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Status Mortgage Services is a trading style of Status Financial Services Limited (Company number 08983516) which is an appointed representative of the Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which his authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 10/11/23