If you have decided that you are going to put your house on the market and sell up, then there are some things that you will want to do beforehand. Here is a guide to preparing to sell your home that will hopefully reduce the stress of the selling and buying process…
Think about your future plans – Before you decide to sell up, consider what your future plans are and where you want to go. Are you planning to downsize and find somewhere smaller? Do you want to move overseas? Do you want a larger home to accommodate a growing family? Consider your reasons for selling and also get some financial advice to make sure that you are in the best position financially that you can be in when you sell.
Find an estate agent – Once you have decided to sell you will need to find an estate agent. Local estate agents like this Gloucester estate agents for example, are often preferable than large national companies or selling the house yourself. Local agents will have better knowledge of your area and of the local property market.
Get your home ready for viewings – Before you open your doors to viewers, you will want to make sure your home is ready for this! Spend some time decluttering and cleaning your home in order to show it in its best light. Now is also the time to get on top of all those maintenance jobs too, and you might want to give it a fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour.
Downsizing to a bungalow later in life
Many older couples decide to sell a large family home once their children have grown up and moved away, often moving closer to them. Rising living costs add to the appeal of something smaller. A bungalow is a popular choice, with everything on one level, a more manageable garden, less upkeep and somewhere safe to park the car.
Ideally, find the property you want to move to first, then get your current home ready. A thorough declutter, a fresh coat of paint and a tidy up of the garden make a real difference before estate agents come round to value it. A refreshed house is likely to sell more quickly, letting you put in an offer on your chosen bungalow.
After that comes packing your possessions and booking the movers. Once the surveys and checks are done, you can sign the final contracts and collect the keys.
Decluttering, paperwork and repairs before listing
Good preparation takes a lot of the stress out of selling. Begin with a thorough declutter. It gets the house ready for viewings and means you are not paying to move things you no longer want. While you sort through your belongings, gather the legal documents from when you bought the property, as you will need them for the sale.
Next, choose an estate agent. Look at similar homes in your area that have sold recently and the prices they achieved, and ask friends and neighbours which agents they recommend. A local agent will know the area and its property market best.
Before you invite buyers in, get the house up to scratch. Finish odd jobs and small repairs, and deal with bigger problems too: if the boiler has been playing up for a while, have a qualified engineer fix it now rather than letting it put off a buyer. Finally, give the whole house a deep clean.
Choosing an agent, conveyancer and buyer
Ask at least three local estate agents to value your home, and question each one about how they reached their figure and how they will find the right buyer. Ask which property portals they advertise on, how many similar homes they have sold and at what prices, and whether they have buyers waiting. Get the full costs and terms in writing, and do not be afraid to negotiate on fees.
A survey can identify issues to fix before buyers find them, or show how good the house’s condition is. Do not neglect the outside and the garden when you tidy up for viewings.
Conveyancing is not exciting, but it is essential. Research firms and read customer reviews, looking for good communication and quick problem solving. If several buyers are interested, choose the one least likely to pull out and best able to move on your timescale, as well as the most attractive offer. Buyers who have already sold their own home are usually the most reliable.