Top Tips for Selling your House on your own
Selling a home yourself, without an expensive real estate broker is easier than most people think. However, it will take some work on your part. You will be doing a lot of things that a real estate agent might normally do. Here are some top tips that will help you to get your house sold faster.
Setting the Value of your house
Correctly assessing the value of your house can be one of the most important factors that will decide the success of your property in a competitive market. The value of your home is effectively the maximum amount buyers are willing to pay, and as a seller are willing to accept - so don't over value your property or you run the risk of pricing yourself out of the market.
Start by researching selling prices of similar properties to yours in your local area. Many Estate Agents will offer a free no obligation valuation service, so take advantage of this offer. Estate Agents are generally not qualified to make a legal valuation but their knowledge of the area and current trends will act as a good indicator. It is common practice to obtain three valuations to establish an accurate asking price.
Preparing your property
Take a good look at the exterior of your property. It is important when a buyer sees your home to get the impression it is well cared for and maintained. Things like making sure the garden is tidy, the grass is cut, and pathways have been swept.
Once the exterior has been evaluated, take a careful look around the interior. Key rooms such as the kitchen and bathrooms will be important when selling your house, so be sure to finish any DIY jobs that need doing. You do not want a potential buyer being put off just because you've been lazy.
Showing Prospective Buyers Around
When the buyer arrives, make sure they are comfortable. Offer them a drink or some refreshments but be careful not to crowd them.
Give the buyer a chance to look around the house freely to satisfy their curiosity. They will feel less inclined to have a good look around if you are breathing down their neck. Leave a comfortable distance so that they will leave the viewing satisfied that they have given the house 'a thorough inspection'.
Accepting An Offer
When you receive an offer for your home there are a few things you may want to consider:
• Does the offer match your asking price?
• How long your property has been on the market.
• Does the buyer have a home to sell?
• Is the buyer part of a chain?
• How quickly can they complete?
• Are they cash buyers?
• How competitive is the local market?
Once you have answered all these questions and you are happy to proceed it is worth sending the buyer a letter highlighting the agreed price and any items that are included in the sale.
You will need to notify your Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer that you have agreed the sale of your property and pass on the name and address of the buyer and that of their Solicitors or Licensed Conveyancer. From this point onwards all the legal paperwork will be controlled by your Solicitor.
Completion
Once all the legal work has been finalised you can move forward to completion. Make sure you leave the property in the condition you would like to move in to. Ensure your property is clean and only remove the fixtures and fittings that you have already agreed on with the buyer.