
Selling your house is notorious for being one of the most stressful periods of your life next to getting divorced. When there are so many things to consider, it doesn't come as a surprise, so we've provided a handy list to help you out during this time and maybe take a little bit of that stress off your shoulders.
Things you need to consider when selling your house:
1. Estate Agent vs Selling Your Property Yourself.
The benefits of using an Estate Agent are quite clear. They do a lot of the legwork on your behalf (taking the photos, liaising with potential buyers and organising viewings, advertising your house etc) and they know exactly where is best to advertise your property (or at least, they should). On the other hand, Estate Agents will not necessarily provide you with an accurate valuation of your property. What they will do is provide you with an estimate based on the price of similar properties in the area, so it's worthwhile getting more than one independent valuation.
The estate agent will also take a slice of the profit, plus VAT - in
other words, a commission. Make sure you find out their charges beforehand. It's important to find the right estate agent for you, so going by recommendation is a good idea. You can also check out the reputation of an estate agent online.
You can, however, sometimes save money by selling the property yourself. Website like
HouseWeb allow you to do this without the hassle of using an estate agent.
2. Keep It Tidy
If you went view
someone's house and it was a tip, it would put you off straight away. You would assume it wasn't well looked after, possibly damaged with a fair few hidden problems. That's exactly what someone might say if they see your house in
disarray. It doesn't need to be spotless; in fact, looking lived in is acceptable. Just make sure all the dirty dishes are away, the beds are made, the floors are clear etc. Make your home is welcoming by having flowers around, open windows if it's warm, the heating on if it's cold. Little things make all the difference.
You also need to make sure the exterior of your house is in good condition, whether this means doing a bit of repainting, sanding down windowsills, cleaning windows, tidying the front garden etc. This is the first thing your potential buyer will see and it needs to attract them instantly.
3. Boot It!If you've got a load of clutter that you just want rid of, don't just dump it at the tip or in the skip. There is money to be made selling off your bits and pieces at car boot sales or even on eBay. You'll be surprised by how much people are willing to pay - one man's trash is another man's treasure, as they say!
4. PackingGet started early and be organised. Label your boxes as you pack things away. That way, when you move into your new home, when you're dying for a cup of tea you will know precisely which box is hiding the crockery!
5. BillsGet them all tied up and dealt with before you leave your property otherwise you may end up paying for things you haven't been using!
6. The MoveHave a specific date set. Try to avoid Fridays, weekends and bank holidays as they are the most expensive in terms of movers fees. If you arrange to move during the week, not only will the roads be quieter, but hiring the removal vans will cost you significantly less. Get a few quotes before deciding on a company. Also,
make sure you insure your possessions for the trip!
7. SolicitorsIt's important you consult a solicitor when deciding to sell your home. Doing so will ensure you have any of the necessary documentation well in advance and will help keep you organised and prepared.
For help buying a new home, get an
online loan with Unclesmoney today.
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