When you think about moving house, you probably focus on the time it takes to pack up all your belongings and sort out your bills. Moving is notoriously stressful, especially if you’ve had a rollercoaster ride trying to buy a new home or sell your current property. When you’re buying, it can be emotionally draining when sales fall through or you can’t afford the dream home. But trying to sell your house can be equally fraught. You could have buyers pull out of the sale, or you the process may take longer than you hoped. If you’re hoping to move, here are some tips to help you survive selling your home.
Take time to prepare
If you’re looking to sell, don’t start making calls and taking photographs until your home is ready. Making a few changes, doing a little DIY, and patching up some problem areas can make all the difference when it comes to putting your home up for sale. There’s a chance that you could improve the valuation, and your home will be a more attractive proposition for potential buyers. Before the for sale signs go up, write a list of jobs that need doing, and think about what you would want to see as a buyer. Freshen up paintwork, mow the lawn, and make sure the house is tidy and clean. Many people look at brochures and online profiles when they’re searching for properties, so make sure the images reflect your home in the best light.
If your home is slightly dated in the decor stakes, it may be worth considering some very simple, inexpensive updates. If you’ve got wallpaper that’s seen better days in the kitchen, for example, you can create a brand new room with crisp white walls and colored accents. You can spend a few dollars on potted plants, vases of flowers or matching storage jars to create a more modern vibe in minutes.
Planning a successful viewing
Before prospective buyers arrive, go through the house and de-clutter. Remove a few family photos or personalized print to make the house more appealing to a mass market and get the wet and dry vacuum cleaner out. Dirt, dust and bad odors are up there with the biggest turn-offs for buyers. Wipe down bathroom and kitchen surfaces, light some scented candles, and add a spritz of room spray. Open the curtains wide, and let as much natural light as possible stream through.
If you’re present at the viewing, make yourself available to answer questions, but don’t bombard the buyer with information, or hang around while they look. Give them time to explore at their leisure. It’s usually best to leave this part of the process to a real estate agent.
Closing the deal
If you’ve got interested parties, take your time to choose which offer to accept. On paper, the higher price may seem like the most attractive option, but there may be other factors to consider. If your buyer is part of a chain, for example, there’s a higher risk of the sale falling through. You may also wish to consider slightly lower cash offers.
If you’re selling up, brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride. There may be bumps in the road, but hopefully, you’ll survive, and you’ll soon be looking forward to life in pastures new.
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