Tips for selling your home in quick time

Summer is a great time to sell your house. This is because during the hot days and warm evenings, your house looks brighter and bigger than it does in winter. Plus, buyers are much more likely to give up their evenings in summer than winter because they’re less likely to get caught in the cold and rain as they hunt for houses.

In addition, now may be the perfect time to sell your home, because data from Rightmove shows that house prices in Exeter have risen by more than 4% in the past year, with the average property now selling for £298,296. If you’re interested in selling your home and want to do it in quick time, here are 7 tips to follow.

#1 Find the right estate agent

Although it’s possible to sell your home entirely on your own, you’ll find it easier to sell your property quickly if you enlist the help of estate agents such as Nexa Properties. But, before you pick an estate agent, remember that each has their own unique features. For example, some offer DIY selling options, while others offer high-end packages and premium listings designed to sell your home quickly.

No matter which estate agent you choose, you should research the market. Check which estate agents are currently performing well in your area, then find out what people who have sold their home with that agent thought of the process. As these reviews of Purple Bricks estate agents show, it’s important you find an estate agent who will answer your calls and help you negotiate.

Before you commit to an estate agent, you may check movewise.co.uk as your complete guide on choosing the right one for you. And also, make sure you understand the contract type they’re offering you, their commission rate and fees. Selling your home isn’t cheap, and fees between agents can vary massively. Do your research and make sure your chosen agent charges a fair price.

#2 Agree an accurate price for your home

Once you’ve chosen your preferred agent, ask them to attend your home and prepare a valuation. This is usually a service that estate agents will complete for free.

Once you have a valuation for your home from your preferred agent, it’s worth asking a couple of other agents for a no-obligation quote, too. Even if you don’t intend to use their services, you can use their quotes to ensure that the valuation your preferred agent provided you with is fair and accurate. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that you’ll get a small discrepancy between your three valuations because the process isn’t an exact science. This means you’ll need to talk the quotes through with your agent and settle on a price that suits you.

Remember, if you’re looking for a quick sale then you’ll need to price your home competitively. But, your estate agent should ensure you’re not putting your home on the market for less than it’s worth. If you’re unsure, do some research on which homes in your area have sold for recently – these will give you a good guide.

#3 Consider whether any improvements could add value

If you’re not happy with the valuation your estate agent has provided, it’s worth discussing ways that you can improve the value of your home with them. If you’re in a rush to sell your home, there’s no need to undertake massive renovation projects such as installing a new kitchen or building into an attic space. However, small improvements can make a big difference.

This is particularly the case if your home has issues that may be identified by a survey the buyer carries out. If your home has damp, for example, then fitting a damp proof course and redecorating that room can not only add value to your home, but will also stop the sale from stalling during the conveyancing process.

#4 Spruce up your home before photos are taken

Before your estate agent comes to take photos and put your home on the market, it’s worth sprucing up your interior to make it look fresh and clean. Here are a few cheap and easy ways you can do just that:

Use a professional carpet cleaner to freshen up your carpets and remove stains and blemishes
Paint any walls that have bright, bold colours and opt for a neutral colour scheme instead
Cut the grass and tidy up any garden areas so they make a great first impression
Give your house a deep clean
Declutter everywhere to create the impression of space
Clean your windows to maximise the light in your home

#5 Spend time preparing your home for viewings

If you market your property at the proper price and prepare your home for sale effectively, you should have no problem attracting potential buyers. However, you need to make sure your home is in perfect condition when any potential buyers arrive. Thankfully, there are several ways to do this:

Make sure your home is just as clean and tidy as it is in the estate agent’s photos
Buy some fresh flowers for your living room or hallway so buyers are greeted by a fresh, natural scent
In the kitchen, prepare some fresh bread or fresh coffee
Make sure all curtains are open so you let in as much natural light in as possible
If your house is located on a main road, close your windows to limit noise

In addition to this, you should consider removing some family ornaments and photos to make sure your home isn’t too personalised. This is because clearing your home and creating a blank canvas will help buyers imagine themselves in the space.

#6 Make a fact sheet for potential buyers

If your viewing goes well, you should consider presenting your buyers with a fact sheet. As well as including details about your home, you should also include information about the local area, such as:

The quality of local schools
Transport links
Local amenities
Entertainment and nightlife
Parks and other recreation
Restaurants and shopping
Information about your specific neighbourhood, such as whether there is a neighbourhood watch scheme in place

#7 Choose a buyer who can progress quickly

If you have several successful viewings then you may have a couple of buyers competing for your home. If this is the case, you should be aware that the highest offer may not be the best if you’re looking to sell and move out quickly.

This is because the people who present you with the highest offer may not be in a position to proceed, and someone who only offers you a couple of thousand pounds less may be able to conclude a sale quickly. So, if you have multiple bidders, ask your estate agent whether any of the bidders:

Are chain-free and able to move quickly
Have the money in place to finance the purchase
Need to secure a mortgage to proceed with the purchase

This way, you’ll get a clear picture of the offers available. If you have a cash buyer who isn’t involved in a chain, you may be able to sell your house and receive the money in only a few weeks. This is a huge advantage because, according to the HomeOwners Alliance, the total time from listing a new property to completing the sale is often 6 months.

Selling your house can be a stressful process, but by following these steps you will remove a lot of the anxiety from the process – and you’ll also give yourself the best-possible chance of receiving the best price for your home.