First-time sellers

You’ve been through the process as a First Time Buyer and you have decided it is time to move up the ladder. Whether you are looking for more space, a new location or perhaps your dream home, being a First Time Seller can be daunting. Take a look at our tips and guidance below to make your first home sale go as smoothly as possible.

 

Starting points

Choose a trusted, local estate agent as their knowledge of the local area is important in the sale of your home. A local agent will be able to pick out key selling points that may appeal to potential buyers, for example transport links and local schools.

Do you have a game plan? Knowing where you want to move to or what sort of property you are looking for will ease the selling process. Buying and selling at the same time can be stressful, but planning your next steps can take the pressure off. Make sure you have a solid idea of your criteria and finances so that your local agent can help.

Budget for all costs involved with selling your home. Expenses such as selling fees, conveyancing costs, Energy Performance Certificates, current lenders fees (e.g. early repayment charges) and moving costs should all be taken in to account before your home is on the market.

 

Marketing

Take a look at what the estate agent is offering in terms of marketing and how visible your property will be. For example, window cards/displays, website presence, property portals (such as Rightmove and OnTheMarket.com), brochures, leaflets and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

A range of marketing methods will reach out to varying demographics that your home could appeal to, such as First Time Buyers and downsizers.

 

Clean and tidy!

First impressions are extremely important in the sale of your home. Before photographs are taken and prior to viewings, make sure you have given your home a good clean and declutter.

We often form clutter over the years without realising. A stack of DVDs, kids’ toys, paperwork or a pile of shoes by the front door can all affect how someone else sees your home. Have a good clear out or try storage solutions such as plastic boxes, shoe racks, under-bed storage and vacuum packs to hide away any clutter.

Tip: remember some people may like to check cupboard space so be careful not to pile everything in there!

 

Depersonalise

As much as we love our homes, our styles may not suit a range of tastes. For the best chance to appeal to a range of potential buyers, neutral décor is the way to go. If you have bold coloured walls, try a fresh coat of magnolia or cream to turn your home in to a blank canvas. This will allow viewers to immediately picture themselves living in your home.

Go easy on patterns, prints and eclectic artwork too, keeping them subtle and minimal. The idea is to make your home as appealing and inviting as possible to a variety of tastes.

 

DIY

Many First Time Buyers and downsizers will be looking for a ‘ready-made’ home where minimal work is required. Get your home as ready as possible by carrying out small, low-cost repairs such as repainting the garden fence, re-grouting the shower, changing a broken door handle or fixing the front gate.

 

Viewings

On the day of a viewing, make sure both you and your home are ready. Keep pets out of the way as some people are not pet lovers and could be put off by a playful dog or a prowling cat. Try leaving them in the garden while the viewing takes place; alternatively see if a neighbour or friend is happy to have them for an hour or so.

Let the light in – open up your blinds and curtains to make rooms brighter and bigger.

Small touches can create a homely atmosphere, such as fresh flowers on the table or the smell of coffee brewing.

If you’re present during the viewing, be prepared for questions from potential buyers. Viewers may take the opportunity to ask you about the neighbours, how quiet the area is, what you love about your home and how much interest you have had so far.

 

Finally, don’t forget the estate agent is there to help! Ask their advice and talk to them about selling tips. Sometimes it is useful to get an ‘outsider’s’ point of view on your home as they may pick up on little details that you may have missed. Your local agent is an expert in their field and have years of experience, so they are often an extremely insightful source. You can find your local haart estate agents in our branch finder.