The end of the Stamp Duty holiday in April has caused some significant trouble for the housing market. According to a report by Halifax, published in the Telegraph, the looming deadline pushed house prices down by 0.3% between December and January.
If you want to sell your home this year, it’s important to act quickly. Read on for four simple tips to get your house ready for sale in 2021.
1. Get the price right
One of the most important things you can do when selling your home is to make sure that you’ve priced it accurately.
This is crucial, as pricing it too high could mean that your house stays on the market for longer than you may like. On the other hand, pricing it too low may mean that you sell it below its proper value.
A good way to get a reliable valuation for your home is to contact local estate agents and find out their estimates.
You may also want to consider checking online to compare your ideal price with those of other similar houses in your area. Having a clear idea of the sale price for comparable houses lets you value your home accurately and competitively.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that not all properties sell for the asking price. If you want to make the sale go as quickly and smoothly as possible, you may have to compromise with the buyer.
2. Find the right estate agent
There’s no right or wrong way to sell a property, but if you want to sell your house quickly, you may benefit from working with an estate agent.
An estate agent can help to speed the sale along more quickly than if you had organised it yourself, as selling a property takes time, knowledge of the market, and negotiating skills. They may also be able to advertise your house to a larger audience.
When choosing the right estate agent for you, there are several factors you may want to consider. The first is how much experience they have selling homes similar to yours, as this can make a large difference in their ability to organise a sale quickly.
Different estate agents may also have different methods of advertising your home, so it’s also important to find one which can showcase it as widely as possible.
3. Clean and de-clutter your house to make it as attractive as possible
Preparing your house for sale is another important step when it comes to selling your house quickly. Making a good first impression is crucial, which is why you should make sure your home is presentable when prospective buyers come to visit.
Maximising your house’s “kerb appeal” is important, as this will be the first thing that the buyer notices. If your house isn’t appealing externally, many prospective buyers will be instantly put off.
If you want to find out more, read our article on 7 ways to maximise your home’s kerb appeal .
It’s also important to make sure your house’s interior creates a good impression. A thorough deep-clean is useful for ensuring that your home in in pristine condition, but it’s also essential to tidy away any clutter.
Now would also be a good time to fix up anything that’s broken, to ensure that a prospective buyer has the best possible impression of your home. It’s particularly important to make sure you don’t have any broken lightbulbs, as this can make an otherwise attractive room look gloomy.
You may also want to do a spot of gardening, as a well-kept garden can make a great impression on buyers.
4. Keep important documents close at hand
Once you’ve found a buyer who is interested, it’s important to keep any documents that they may need close at hand. This can prevent long waiting times, which may put off the buyer if they are in a hurry.
The first thing you will need is a proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license, as well as proof of your current address, such as a recent bill.
You will also need title deeds to the property to prove that you own it. If you don’t have your deeds, you can speak to your solicitor to obtain them from the Land Registry. If your home retains a share of the freehold, you will also need the relevant documents here.
Next, you’ll need your home’s energy performance certificate, as well as a property information form, which will give the buyer more detailed information about the house.
Finally, you will need a fittings and contents form, which will outline exactly what is included in the sale of the house. This is particularly important in preventing any misunderstandings between you and the buyer that could slow down the sale.
Having these documents easily available will help you to speed up the process of selling your home, making the process faster and simpler.
Get in touch
If you’re considering selling your home and want to act quickly, we can help. Email enquire@london-money.co.uk or call us at (0207) 808 4120 to find out more.