Helpful tips from your friendly Mortgage Broker in Sunderland
Most homeowners who are looking at moving home in Sunderland will need to sell their current property to proceed The equity (the amount at which you sell for without your current mortgage balance added on) will contribute towards a security deposit for the next purchase. You can top this up from savings or a family gift if you wish.
There is always a “magic number”, the minimum that a seller (vendor) is willing to accept to agree on a sale. However, when a home is listed for sale, it is essential to market and presents it in the right way. It can make a big difference in terms of how quickly it sells.
1) Be Reasonable
The asking price should portray that of its surrounding properties. Be reasonable, and some estate agents may suggest the highest possible price for the sake of it. With everyone now able to advertise on Zoopla and Rightmove, it’s a good idea to make the dive into the market and get as many viewings as possible, within the first two weeks.
If interest in your property seems to below, there’s a chance it was overvalued.
Before putting their current property on the market, people often like to research and visit other properties to identify which one might become their new home. If this is you and you need a quick sale, here are some tips to give yourself the best possible chance of selling it.
2) Attention to Detail
The first tip can be challenging to imagine, but the first thing you need to do is inspect your own house as if you were viewing it for the first time yourself. If it has excellent “kerbside appeal”, (i.e. it looks beautiful as you drive up to it) that will be a great first impression.
Something simple like a freshly jet-washed drive and neatly cut front lawn indicates that you are the kind of person that looks after their home. It would help if you aimed for that feel-good factor, it’s more than likely that the potential buyer will think the inside is expected to be as nice as the outside.
3) Have you got children?
If you have any kids, it’s best to put away any bikes or loose toys in the front garden. Make sure your front door looks appealing (clean), and the doorbell works. Spend a little bit of cash getting a nice new doormat or welcome sign.
4) Upkeep
Go around each room and caution around rooms like kitchen or bathrooms, pay much attention, ensuring that they are spotless, and have a high hygiene level. Cupboards and wardrobes should be neatly stacked and free of clutter.
One of the critical things is to ensure your home is immaculately clean. Wash your curtains, blinds, wipe down your walls, and clean all your floors and windows. All repairs should be up to date too and clean bedding on the beds. Windows should be sparkling clean inside and out. New carpets in smaller rooms can be an inexpensive way of creating the impression that your house is welcoming and has been well cared for.
If you are a smoker, it’s an excellent tip to air the rooms out before the potential buyer arrives. Ensure there are no bad smells lingering, buyers can be put off bad odours from pets or cigarettes.
5) Atmosphere
You will want your buyer to feel at home and relaxed as they view your property so try and avoid having pets or young children getting in their way as they move around. That said, if it’s a family home you are selling, then just a couple of family pictures and paintings can help as it will them envisage bringing up their family there too.
A buyer likes to walk on their own, if there are two of them allow them some breathing space to talk amongst themselves but be ready to answer their questions honestly.
Your bathroom should be presented spotless declutter any items like cosmetics and co-ordinate your towels and flannels, maybe consider doing a small investment look at ways you could create a fresh feel with some minor renovations. Make the floor space spotless.
6) Lighting
A well-lit house is more appealing to potential buyers, this is achieved through making sure lights brighten up rooms, and all curtains and blinds are open. Plants often block out light so place these strategically throughout the house.
7) Fresh Coat of Paint
White walls look fresh and clean, and it also has the added benefit for the buyer of being extremely easy to work whenever they redecorate. It helps to buyer avoid scraping previous wallpaper off the walls.
Interior doors should all be freshly painted. Polish the brass fixtures and ensure all entries open and close nicely, no broken locks, etc.
Buyers are looking at making the most of space, it’s recommended storing objects into cupboards and has clean and tidy worktops.
8) Gardening
In terms of your garden, the viewer may want to look inside your shed so don’t just throw everything in there, and it needs to look neat and tidy.
- Maintain your lawn,
- Weed the paths and walkways,
- Spruce up your plants with more vibrant alternatives
Please pay attention to your fences, make sure all the slats are in place, and it’s nicely painted or creosoted. Tidy up any visible items such as outdoor barbecues. People do still like to see a colourful garden so ensure it’s beautifully turned out. Flowering plants are lovely to see if the season is conducive.
Make your garage space more efficient, therefore providing more space for a vehicle.
9) Another Perspective
People buy from people, so it’s always better if you do the viewings yourself as the seller. You will no doubt feel very passionate about your home and can show it off in its best light, albeit pointing out any small issues that you have encountered over the years (“We leaked, we fixed it”) to present a balanced view.
Estate Agents do want to earn their commission, but they will have a certain amount of knowledge on your home compared to you.
Finally, remember the emotions attached to buying a home. If you have a family, it helps to accentuate it has been a happy home for you, and this is sure to rub off on the viewers if they are thinking of raising a family also.
Date Last Edited: 20/01/2023
