- Be Flexible on Price
When it comes to selling your property in London & Essex, a good estate agent will be able to give you a clear idea of the price range that it falls into.
Ideally you’ll get the full asking price, and if you’re very lucky then you may be offered more if a couple of potential buyers want to compete.
However, if you want a quick sale then you may need to be prepared to accept a little under the asking price. You should be willing to be flexible, especially if the property is looking tired and some of the major components need updating, such as the boiler or windows.
Have an amount in mind that you would be willing to accept but don’t allow yourself to be forced into accepting a low offer if you won’t be happy with the price.
- Find the Right Buyer
While it’s natural to want to achieve the highest possible price for your property, it may be worth sacrificing a small amount to get a sale completed as quickly as possible.
For example, one buyer may offer you the full asking price but be part of a long chain, whereas a first-time buyer may come in with a slightly lower offer but with no chain to consider.
So if you’re looking to sell in a hurry, then it may be worth your while choosing a buyer who’s ready to go quickly, even if it costs you a bit of money in the short-term.
- Give Your Home a Lick of Paint
Buyers will be far more attracted to a property that’s ready to move into immediately, and you don’t need to spend a fortune getting the place ready either. A fresh coat of paint will do the job, even if it’s just a touch up rather than a full paint job.
Go for neutral colours too, such as an off-white or magnolia. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property they’re viewing, so giving them a blank canvas will be far more appealing than jungle-themed wallpaper for example!
- Boost Kerb Appeal
Many buyers will make up their mind about a property before they’ve even stepped foot inside.
If you’ve allowed the front garden to become overgrown, or your overflowing wheelie bins are blocking the path then it’s time to get the gardening gloves on and tidy it up.
Add a hanging basket or two, or some pots, and perhaps touch up any paintwork if you want to really make an impression.
- Show off your Home’s Assets
You want to show your property in its best light, so that means highlighting everything that’s good about it.
For example, you may have been using the second bedroom as a dumping ground for all your old coats or magazines, but buyers will want to see how they can use the space as a second bedroom.
So clear all the clutter out of sight, make the bed and let buyers see what it’s meant to be used for.
- Declutter…Everywhere!
This ties in nicely with showing off your property’s assets. Buyers want to see a property that’s well looked after and don’t want to be overwhelmed with clutter when they walk through the door.
So if you have been using the understairs cupboard for junk or piling up paperwork in the sitting room then it’s time for a clear-out. And there’s the added bonus of potentially making a few pounds by selling some of your unwanted possessions.
- Fix any Minor Issues
When you’re living in a place it’s easy to overlook a missing lightbulb, a damaged fence or a cracked window.
However, if you’re looking to sell, then these minor issues are all things that buyers could pick up on, and which might put them off making an offer.
Some buyers may see minor issues like these as a sign of potentially bigger issues elsewhere, and it gives them the impression that the house isn’t well maintained generally.
So before you come to sell, just take some time to sort out those odd jobs that you’ve been putting off.
- Clean Your House
You don’t need to get the professionals in or spend all day doing a deep clean, but before any viewings just make sure you’ve whizzed round with the vacuum and a duster, emptied the bins and tidied up.
You’d be amazed how much of a difference it can make to buyers, and it’s further proof that you take pride in your property and maintain it to a good standard.
Property Vine are your local property experts for the London & Essex area. Call us on 02037642639 or email info@propertyvine.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.
