1. The Valuation
Ensure your agent is providing you with an accurate valuation, based on actual sold prices of similar properties – You only get one chance to get the start price right. Also, don't be tempted to go with an agent based on the highest valuation, this can be a common trick - you don’t want to chase the market down.
The first 6 weeks of marketing are the most important, you don’t want to be either too low or too high, it's vital you get it right. It is usually best to organise two or three valuations for your property, that way you can get a feel of the value.
2. Choosing an Estate Agent
It's important to look to employ someone you feel comfortable with, that you can work well with and to trust handling your biggest asset. Choose an agent who is familiar with the local market and understands your needs. Choose an agent that is strong on marketing, it's important that your home is shown at its best with photos/videos and floorplan.
They need to advertise on the major website portal and use social media as this is the future of marketing. Do not get tied into long contracts, your agent should have confidence that they can sell your home and provide excellent service from the day you first meet them to the day you complete on the transaction.
3. Declutter and tidy up for viewings and photos
It is so important to declutter as much as you can to ensure your home is very presentable. This helps us obtain the very best possible photos and videos for your home, which in turn will present it better on all the sites and social media and makes it look more attractive to potential viewers.
To summarise, declutter, clean, and present your home to the best that you can to maximise the chance of getting the best price for your property.
4. Get the word out there
Have a for sale board! Promote your property to as many people as possible, you never know where your buyer is coming from, they may live round the corner.
It is also really important to instruct an agent who is going to promote your property across all disciplines, on website portals and social media to aim at getting your home out to as many people as possible. Ensure your agent is contacting their database to maximise viewing numbers. Also, the agent may encourage you to share their Social media advert/video to your channel to help boost additional views.
5. Viewings
Have your home ready as you did for photos, as show house ready as possible. If you have any pets, take them out and tidy away any evidence of pet beds. Ensure your agent is accompanying all your viewings, we are the professionals and more likely to get honest feedback without you there, so we would politely ask you to leave the home empty for us on viewing day. After the viewing, your agent needs to be providing you with feedback immediately via their portal/telephone call.
6. Agreeing a sale and choosing the best buyer
Now remember, the highest offer is not always the best, your agent needs to advise you as to the reasons they have suggested that the buyer is best for you and why. Make sure your agent has vetted your buyer financially and knows about their buying position, for example are they first time buyers or are they involved in a chain and has your agent carried out a thorough chain check? Is your buyer willing to work towards your chosen timescales and match your required needs? These are all really key questions and decisions which could impact your whole selling process if not done correctly.
7. Communication and sales progression
Try instructing your solicitor as early as possible to avoid delays, your agent should be able to help you fill out these forms if needed, they should even be able to offer you highly recommended solicitors which can help streamline the process. Ensure that your agent is in regular communication with all parties in the chain, including your buyers, other agents in the chain and solicitors. Communication is key to ensure you move to a smooth exchange and completion. On completion day, your agent will arrange a key handover with you and the buyer.