4 Steps To Selling Your Home

Thinking of selling your home but don't know where to start? We've put together this simple guide to help you on your path to selling - just follow the steps and you'll be well on your way.

Step 1 - Market research

First off, do your research. What are similar houses in your area asking for, and more importantly what do they actually sell for?

Check the price history of similar houses to see how they've changed over the years, and take into account if they've improved their home during this time frame. Have they added an extension, or installed a new kitchen?

Base your asking price around your findings, but bear in mind that if you choose a figure in the higher range it will likely take longer to sell and you may need to reduce your asking price more than once. Don't set the asking price so high that you put off viewings.

Step 2 - Choosing an estate agent

Nowadays there are more and more choices as to how you can sell your house. You can go through a traditional estate agent, whether it be local or nationwide, you can use an online estate agent, or you can sell to a property cash buyer.

Going through a traditional estate agent may be the most expensive route, but the estate agent will take the work off your hands. They will post your house advert online, take enquiries, and can hold viewings for you.

An online estate agent gives you more control over your house sale, and will likely be cheaper. You will need to hold the viewings yourself, and organise getting them booked in through direct contact with the interested parties.

Selling to a property cash buyer can be the quickest and easiest way to sell your home, and some don't even charge any fees. You'll be offered a value less than the market rate, but without needing to spend money on agency fees, house repayments and bills over the period the house is on the market, it can work out for the better.

Step 3 - Make it homely

No-one wants to arrive at a house viewing to find the property is cluttered and dirty. Be sure to have a whizz round with the duster and hoover before each viewing.

Remember that potential buyers are going to try and imagine themselves living there, so create a homely and inviting atmosphere. Scented candles, cushions, rugs and house plants all help. If it's cold outside, check the thermostat and ensure it's at a comfortable temperature. Displaying photos of family and friends having fun around the home will help associate the house with happiness.

If you're holding the viewings yourself, be as flexible as you can on availability. It's important to smile and be friendly, answering any questions with a positive attitude and not focusing on any negatives.

Walk the viewers round the property, picking out some good points of different rooms. It's then a good idea to let the possible buyers have a wander round by themselves, so they can privately discuss anything they may want to, or take measurements etc.

If someone asks for a second viewing, let them. Property buying is a huge investment and naturally everyone wants to be sure it's the right house for them. This could take two or even three viewings.

Step 4 - Received an offer?

Congratulations! Now the negotiating starts. It's rare a sale will be agreed on the first offer, often the buyers will go in fairly low, expecting you to counter-offer. Expect some back and forth with the buyers, but with a pinch of luck you'll be able to agree a price both parties are happy with.

Still can't sell?

Getting an offer for your house can take a long time, with lots of frustration and tears along the way. Why not consider us, The Property Buying Company? We'll provide you with a no obligation cash offer within 24 hours of filling in our offer form, and on average complete within 2-3 weeks with our sell house fast service. What are you waiting for?