Selling your home: Top tips from property expert on how to make your home more appealing to buyers
Let's face it, selling a house can be stressful. You've decluttered, staged those perfect photos, and even been on your best behaviour for viewings – but the offers just aren't rolling in.
Don't panic – you are not alone! This happens more often than you think. Here in Sheffield, the property market can be tricky. According to Home.co.uk the average property spends 5 months on the market before it is either withdrawn or finds a buyer, and for a flat that increases to 9 months!
Before we speak to property expert Chris Hodgkinson, Managing Director of property buying specialists House Buyer Bureau, let's address the elephant in the room: is your current asking price realistic? Check similar properties in your area – what are they selling for?
Home sale checklist
If your price is right, then here are some tips from Chris to help get your property sold.
Boost Your Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! Spruce up your front garden with colourful flowers, trim hedges, and give your door a fresh lick of paint. A clean, well-maintained exterior shows potential buyers you take pride in your home.
Stage It Right: Depersonalise your space and arrange furniture to create a sense of flow. Remember, you want viewers to be able to imagine living there. You're selling a lifestyle, not just bricks and mortar.
Lighten Up! Open those curtains! Natural light makes rooms feel bigger and brighter. Replace dim bulbs with brighter options for a welcoming feel.
Photos Are Key: High-quality photos are crucial in today's online market. Make sure your estate agent is showing off your property to its best. Make sure you have enough photos to show off every room and key features - between 7 to 12 is usually enough, more than that can become boring.
Work With Your Estate Agent: Communication is key! If you’re not getting offers then talk to your estate agent about your concerns. Don’t be afraid to drop your asking price or your estate agent if things aren’t progressing as planned.
Price it Right: Being flexible on price can make a world of difference. If you want to sell, then make sure your property is the cheapest one of its kind in your local area.
Let Go of Emotional Attachment: It's normal to be attached to your home but try to see it from a buyer's perspective. Be open to feedback from your estate agent and be willing to negotiate within reason.
Explore other ways to sell: If, after trying these tips, your property still isn't selling, don't despair as there are other ways to sell:
Selling by Auction: Auctions can be a great way to sell if you have a suitable property. Bidders are usually looking for something they can add value to. So if your property needs a little tlc and has ‘potential’ then it is an option. Be warned, there is no guarantee your property will sell at auction, or for the price you want. And properties that fail to sell at auction tend to see their valued reduced further and eventually sell for even less. Get several auction house appraisals and do lots of research before using this route.
Sell Direct to a Cash Buyer: You could sell direct to a property buying company.
House Buyer Bureau has been buying property since 2010 and has helped thousands of people. We offer a quick and hassle-free process, and you won't have to worry about viewings or estate agents. You can have a guaranteed sale and cash in the bank in weeks rather than months. The downside? Like all property buying companies we buy at a 20% discount to the market value – so you get less money, but you do get a guaranteed, simple, stress-free sale.
Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each option:
Chris finishes by saying, “Selling a property can be a very stressful thing. There is no guarantee of when you will sell and for how much. If your property isn’t selling then I hope these tips help but failing that you can explore other routes. Getting a cash offer from a property buyer won’t cost you anything and will at least give you a ‘plan B’ option to consider.”
Find out more about selling your home through the House Buyer Bureau on the website here.