Selling property tips: Selling your home
Correctly assessing the value of your house can be one of the most
important factors that will decide the success of your property in
a competitive market. It is necessary to set a maximum value for your
home but this valuation must be realistic and inline with current
market trends for similar properties.
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Start by researching selling prices of similar properties to yours
in your local area. Many Estate Agents will offer a free no obligation
valuation service, so take advantage of this offer. Estate Agents
are generally not qualified to make a legal valuation but their knowledge
of the area and current trends will act as a good indicator. It is
common practice to obtain three valuations to establish an accurate
asking price.
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Cut the grass and tidy the garden |
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Sweep outside making sure the pavement & surroundings
are tidy |
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Clean the windows and window ledges |
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Wipe down and touch up any worn paintwork |
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Make sure all exterior lights are working |
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Clear away any unnecessary clutter |
Once the exterior has been evaluated, take a careful look around the
interior. Imagine you are a buyer looking around the property and
concentrate your efforts on areas that will sell your house, such
as a bathroom or kitchen. Make sure all the small DIY jobs have been
finished; you do not want a potential buyer being put off just because
you've been lazy. A little effort will go a long way in selling your
property.
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Fix any dripping taps |
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Get any rising damp or damage repaired |
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Fasten any loose cupboard/door handles |
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Make sure locks are working on bathroom doors etc |
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Check the doorbell is still in working order |
It is important to take a common sense approach to safety and security
when selling your own property. You may find you feel nervous or apprehensive
about showing strangers around your house.
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Only release your full address when you know someone is serious
about viewing your property |
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When someone contacts you for a viewing ask for their phone
number and call them back. This way you are assured its genuine.
Confirm with the buyer their name, phone number and home address.
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If someone makes an offer on your property without
having visited your home, treat this approach with caution.
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Make sure a neighbour, friend or relative knows you are showing
someone around and if possible ask for them to accompany you
during the viewing. |
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Confirm a viewing time with the interested buyer after you
have made arrangements with a neighbour, friend or relative
to make sure they are available at that time. |
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Make sure any personal details (Bank details/credit card statements)
or valuables are hidden away. |
When the buyer arrives, make sure they are comfortable. Offer them a drink or some refreshments but be careful not to crowd them.
Give the buyer a chance to look around the house freely to satisfy their curiosity. They will feel less inclined to have a good look around if you are breathing down their neck. Leave a comfortable distance so that they will leave the viewing satisfied that they have given the house 'a thorough inspection'.
Make sure that you point out what is and isn't included in the sale
price of the property. Fixtures and fittings are often overlooked
when either buying or selling a new home. It is essential that both
parties are clear on what is and isn't included, make a list and agree
with the buyer what you will be taking with you.
When you receive an offer for your home there are a few things you
may want to consider:
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Does the offer match your asking price? |
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How long your property has been on the market. |
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Does the buyer have a home to sell? |
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Is the buyer part of a chain? |
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How quickly can they complete? |
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Are they cash buyers? |
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How competitive is the local market? |
Once you have answered all these questions and you are happy to proceed
it is worth sending the buyer a letter highlighting the agreed price
and any items that are included in the sale.
You will need to notify your Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer that
you have agreed the sale of your property and pass on the name and
address of the buyer and that of their Solicitors or Licensed Conveyancer.
From this point onwards all the legal paperwork will be controlled
by your Solicitor.
Once all the legal work has been finalised you can move forward to
completion. Make sure you leave the property in the condition you
would like to move in to. Ensure your property is clean and only remove
the fixtures and fittings that you have already agreed on with the
buyer.
Useful links
In-depth mortgage guide
Property news
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