If you want to sell your house quickly, there are a few steps you can take to maximize your chances of securing a buyer. Our top tips will help you get focused so you find a buyer quickly and easily.
1.Choose an agent:
The first step in your journey to a quick house sale is to choose the right agent. There will be lots of agents to choose from, both online and with local offices, so it’s important to think carefully about what you want and how much you’re prepared to pay for it. Online agents are generally cheaper, but are unlikely to have the same level of regional market knowledge a local agent will have. Have a look at some popular property websites to research which agent has sold properties similar to yours, as those agents are likely to understand your target buyers best.
2.Research a realistic asking price:
When it comes to pricing your property, it can be easy to get carried away by national headlines about rising property prices. It’s also not unusual for agents to intentionally overvalue your property initially in order to win the business, and then drop the price after a few weeks when the property hasn’t received much interest. Asking three different agents to value your property will give you a better idea of its true value, but remember, your property is only worth what someone is actually willing to pay for it, so just because an agent values it at a certain figure does not mean that’s what you will end up receiving for the property.
3.Get your property looking its best:
You may think this point is obvious, but a surprising number of homeowners are willing to put their property on the market without spending time refreshing it and making sure it is well presented. Of course it’s not wise to spend a large amount of money on a property you’re planning to move out of, but there are simple, inexpensive steps you can take to ensure your property is attractive and inviting without breaking the budget. A fresh coat of paint, a tidy up of any outdoor space and a thorough de-clutter will help your property to look enticing to potential buyers.
4.Research potential buyers before accepting or rejecting any offers:
Again, this may sound obvious, but your agent should be thoroughly researching any potential buyers and finding out as much detail as possible about their circumstances. How good an offer is does not just come down to the price being offered, but also how quickly the buyer is able to proceed and how complicated their personal situation is in terms of property chain and any other constraints. Consider all the information before making your decision and take your agent’s advice on how far to push negotiations. Most buyers expect their first offer to be a ‘starting point’ for negotiations, but they also expect you to be willing to compromise and meet them somewhere in the middle.
