How to think like a pro when selling your home

SELLING your home creates a variety of challenges, many that you may not have considered, such as the emotional involvement and preparing the house for sale. “Home selling can be one of life’s most stressful experiences, alongside changing jobs, getting divorced and bereavement,” commented Jacob Cross, sales manager at Romans Uxbridge. “We believe when selling your home it is possible to minimise the stress, and we strive to do as much as we can to help you along the way.”

It’s so easy to get caught up in the emotion of a house sale that buyers and sellers can often be unaware of the mistakes being made.To help take away some of the emotional stress and to help you think like a professional, Romans has put together these top tips:

Prepare properly

Make sure that you are financially ready; if you are buying a bigger house, is this achievable without stretching your resources? Can you do it comfortably?

If you are relying on selling your home, will it be worth as much as you think? This can be a daunting prospect, but, with the advice of a professional mortgage adviser, it doesn’t need to be.

Get the price right

Sometimes ‘the market’ does not respond to the initial positioning of the property due to its price – and this has become a common reason for properties not selling.

Have an open mind when it comes to the price; the objective is to sell and achieve an acceptable price which allows you to move.The objective is not to try and get a higher price than the last sale in the area.

Get the timing right

A common assumption that can cause untold complications in chains of property sales is having unrealistic expectations about the time it takes to sell and progress the transaction.

Jacob explained: “You cannot compare two houses on the length of time it takes to sell. It is very much down to the local market, the right buyer, the timing and an assortment of different and often unpredictable circumstances.”

Having experts on hand to advise you, such as Romans’ estate agents, with vast experience of thousands of sales, will massively help to manage your expectations and ensure a smoother move.

Be honest

Property – not unlike people! – can develop creaks and groans. If there are aspects of your property that require attention or work, be open about them. Trying to hide problems causes issues. The buyers will find out at some point, through surveys, searches or asking questions, and there is also legislation that requires disclosure.

Be upfront and honest, it will save a lot of time for you and the potential buyers making the process much easier.

De-clutter

You are selling your house! De-clutter! Do not leave the washing out, or leave the bathroom with towels across the floor. If you have children, make sure their toys are put away, as the last thing you want is a prospective buyer falling over a toy car.

Be flexible

You want buyers to buy your house, so it’s important you are as flexible as possible and try and accommodate the viewing process.

Jacob commented: “We understand that most people have hectic lifestyles, so we are able to take on all the viewings on your behalf; a Romans ‘open house’ is an excellent way in which to coordinate viewings.”

With close to 30 years’ experience in the local property market, Romans is best placed to offer you expert advice before you make your next move.

Contact the team at Romans Uxbridge, incorporating Bennett Residential, to find out more on 01895 812 222.