First Impressions Count


You’ve made the BIG decision to sell your home. Where do you go from here? Don’t rush to decorate throughout, otherwise people may wonder why you’re selling. Do freshen the dull parts – a quick coat of emulsion or gloss can work wonders. Carry out any minor repairs. If you can’t manage them yourself, get in a reputable trades person.

 

Your house can be sold before you even see the buyer. Stand outside your front gate. This is where potential buyers begin. Professional estate agents say that within 15 seconds a buyer has developed a definite opinion of your property. 15 seconds! Time to see a tidy garden, clean windows and uncluttered access to the front door. Time to see loose tiles, an uncut lawn, weeds everywhere and stains from leaking gutters.

 

Before Viewing Starts


Keep your home well aired. Tidy the garden, clean the windows, replace broken tiles. Fill plaster cracks, oil any creaking doors or gates. Replace broken light bulbs and cover bare ones with lamp shades. Fix dripping taps. Bin the clutter. Tidy up. Remove pets to friends or neighbours. Clean up animal/human hair. Polish furniture. Clear away children’s toys. Beds should be made and any piles of washing put away. A neat and clean tidy kitchen is always impressive. Fill a vase with fragrant flowers. You’re now ready for………

 

The Viewing


Make the potential buyers feel at home. Make them feel it could be their home. Open your curtains and, if viewing in winter, turn all your lights on. If it’s a chilly evening, make sure the heating is on. Switch off background noise, television etc. Buyers like a relaxing atmosphere to make up their minds. Let them look around at their leisure, without being crowded. Don’t hurry people or try to move them at your pace. Don’t have too many people showing them around. Ideally one person is best and when showing smaller rooms, stand on landings or in the doorway. Allow them time to absorb the surroundings and give them the opportunity to ask questions. They’re spending a lot of money – you hope.

 

Always be polite, point out particular features, but don’t force conversation. Always answer questions truthfully – honesty is the best policy.

 

Never agree to any conditions directly, but ask them politely to contact your agent, who will handle the negotiations.

 

Hall. Should be well lit and inviting. Remove bicycles, etc. which normally show your house is a home. A small vase of flowers on the hall table looks welcoming.

 

Lounge. Should be clean and tidy. Remove any washing, which is drying over radiators and keep the floor free from any wires or animal and children’s toys.

 

Kitchen. The cleanest room in the house. It should have tidy worktops and sparkling cooking facilities. It needs to smell fresh.

 

Bathroom. Bright, clean and tidy. No dripping taps or torn shower curtain. Fresh soap in the basin and fresh towels on the rail. A background perfume will also help.

Bedrooms. Clean and tidy with fresh bed linen.

 

Garage. Show the buyers this is the space for their car – not a junk store. Get rid of your accumulated junk. You’ll need to clear it anyway when you move home, so start early.

 

They Want To Buy


Always be available. If a potential buyer wants a second visit, be at home. Your estate agent and solicitor should have your phone number(s) and be able to contact you at any time. If someone wants to buy your home, don’t cause delay. You need to be available at any time to get the best possible price for your property.

 

Gazundering


Gazundering is where, at the last minute, the buyer refuses to go ahead with the sale unless the price is reduced – for no good reason. Nothing can be done about this apart from negotiating on the price or losing the sale.

 

In such situations, estate agents will do their best to negotiate on your behalf, or will try to find you a new buyer as soon as possible. It is rare to come across gazundering and is more likely to occur when house prices are falling.

 

You’ve sold your property, but have you told everyone you're moving? 
Review our checklist and ensure that you've contacted all those, which apply to you and your family.

 

  • Relatives and friends
  • Electricity board
  • Water board
  • Gas board
  • Television license
  • Television supply – Sky/Cable
  • Telephone companies – land and mobile
  • Building Society
  • Bank
  • Credit card company
  • Accountant
  • Council rates department – electoral roll
  • Driving license and car registration
  • Car insurance
  • Car breakdown service
  • Home insurance - contents and building
  • Your employer/employees
  • Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Optician
  • Window cleaner
  • Newsagent
  • Milkman
  • Other home deliveries/catalogues
  • School
  • College
  • Post Office to re-direct your mail

 
If you would like to discuss things in more details please contact us or fill in the contact information form.

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