Selling a home is an exciting process, but it also raises many questions along the way. There are several questions that may arise while selling a property, whether it is your first or third.
There are constantly new rules and regulations that you should be aware of, so it is always a good idea to stay up to date on what's going on in the real property sector before you put your house on the market.
If you want to sell in the future, it is important to be prepared. That is why we have produced a list of frequently asked questions from our sellers, along with solutions, to help you.
1. When is the best time to sell your home?
We have found over the past year that buyers are more likely to go house hunting when the weather is good, so this means that spring and summer are found to be the best times to put your house up for sale because the market is very active. Houses always look a lot more attractive in the spring and summer months as the gardens are in bloom and the natural sunlight works wonders for viewings.
2. What steps should I take to prepare my home for a sale?
When selling your home, first impressions matter, so it's important that you make a good one. We have come up with some great ideas to prepare your home for a sale.
a. Start by decluttering your home. The buyer is more likely to envision themselves in your property if they can imagine it as a blank canvas and clutter can make a room feel crowded and small.
b. Add a fresh lick of paint. Take a step back and have a look at areas that could benefit from a fresh coat of paint, whether that be walls, doors, or windowsills.
c. Fix things. Even if you don't notice the little things that need fixing on a daily basis, a potential buyer will see them immediately. Take a tour of your home from room to room and write down any immediate problems you notice.
d. Give the garden some love. Make sure the garden looks neat and tidy. Take the weeds out, give the fence a polish, mow the lawn and maybe add a few decorative touches. Gardens are becoming extremely high demand for buyers so your garden may be your USP again competitors.
3. How do you determine how much my home is worth?
When it comes to selling a property there are many factors that affect the value of your property.
So, when you carry out an online valuation or an estate agent comes to visit your property these are some of the features that they will be looking out for:
- Property location
- The size and the layout of the property
- How much storage space is available
- Condition of the property
- Property market activity in the area
- Crime rate in the area
- Flood risks to the property
- Local amenities
- School catchment area
- Good transport links
4. How long will it take to complete my purchase?
The answer to this question depends on a number of variables, including your bargaining stance and that of the seller.
If the seller has already moved out and you've arranged the financing, the sale should be able to go through to completion swiftly.
However, if a mortgage is required and the seller is still living in the home, the process might take as long as six weeks from the time contracts are exchanged to the time the sale is finalised. The whole buying process might take up to 10 weeks.
For more advice on selling your property, contact your local Whitegates branch.
