What to Think About Before Listing Your Property for Sale

When listing your property for sale, there are a few considerations that take priority before anything else. Of course, there is a lot to think about, but getting the most critical parts right will increase the chance of a successful sale and a satisfied seller and buyer relationship. But where do you even begin when there is so much to think about? From making sure you ask for a fair price to using reliable realtors, here are some suggestions to help get you started.

The Initial Impression and Curb Appeal

There is an essential checklist when selling a home, including repairs, staging, and lighting. However, none is perhaps more important than the curb appeal. Curb appeal is vital since buyers will see and interact with the exterior first. That’s why something like professional home photography is crucial for setting a great first impression and ensuring that buyers always come to the property feeling good about what they will find when they eventually come on inside.

Consider the Price when Listing Your Property

It can take around 6 months on average to sell a home. However, sometimes it’s more and sometimes it’s less. With so many variables, it is hard to know. Yet one of the biggest barriers to a successful home sale is setting an unrealistic asking price, so consider this before listing:

• Check online for homes of a similar size, with matching features and conditions.
• Consider if your home has good local features, such as close schools and low crime.
• Use experts such as agencies and surveyors for an accurate assessment of the value.

How Personal the Space Is

While your home is your home, buyers don’t really want to see your stuff! One of the greatest tricks to know when selling a home is that potential buyers are more motivated when they can see themselves living there. Anything that detracts from this, such as some panties sticking out of a drawer, can really put them off. It is a good idea to hide personal items at the property when there is a viewing scheduled, including family photos, children’s toys, and even your clothing.

Are there Outstanding Repairs?

One of the most overlooked parts of selling a house is the repairs it might need. Just like you can go nose blind to the smell of your home, you can also stop seeing the repairs that are needed when you live among them every day. A good trick is to walk through your home very slowly and actually look around. Check door frames, flooring, and even the plumbing fixtures. Taking care of small repairs will boost the home’s appeal and can help push a sale through.

Deep Clean Before Listing Your Property

Off-market sales account for around 20% to 30% of all home sales in the US each year. Usually, sellers want a fast turnaround because it’s convenient. But it may also mean the house needs work. When listing your property, ensure that you have at least decluttered and deep-cleaned.

Why deep cleaning is necessary

No buyer will be enthusiastic about a dirty home with many issues. Even clutter can be enough to put them off. A home that looks well cared for, though, is enough to boost the sale potential.

Where you should focus

It is good to clean the home from top to bottom. However, you can enhance this by focusing on areas that are usually overlooked, such as inside cupboards, the oven, and other appliances.

How to get the best finish

A well-finished home can mean the difference between a sale and another month on the market. To get a good finish, clean the carpets, wood, and windows, and consider hiring professionals.

What About the Home’s Atmosphere?

The idea of what makes a great home is different for everyone. However, everyone can agree that a good home does include some universal things such as comfort, warmth, and cleanliness. These are the basic attributes of a house that make up its atmosphere, and if any one is off, the whole feeling of a home can be ruined. Before listing, you can boost the atmosphere with relatively little effort. More natural light, eliminating odors, and soft fabrics will all help. 

Do You Have the Necessary Documents?

Selling a property can take a long time, and you don’t want further delays. You might not even realize it, but there are many legal documents you need to actually sell the home. Any realtor can advise you of what you need. But you may not even speak with a realtor before lusting. Some of the documents you need include energy performance certificates, gas safety checks, and, of course, the property deeds. A lack of these can cause a serious setback and delay.

Listing Your Property with the Right Experts

The average realtor who is good at their job handles about 4 sales per month, but the reality is much lower. However, not all realtors and agencies are good at what they do, meaning you must take the time to find a good agency that will work with you rather than for themselves:

• Ask friends and family for referrals to good realtors they have worked with before.
• Search online for the highest-rated realtors in your local area and read the reviews.
• Consider agents who have specific experience in selling homes in your local area.

The Financial Burden and Impact

One of the biggest shocks for first-time sellers of a home is the financial burden you can feel. Selling a home can be potentially lucrative, but there are upfront costs associated with it. For example, you will need to pay for listing a property, calling out surveyors, and conveyancing fees. Of course, there are also specific taxes associated with selling a home, and these are different depending on the country you are selling in, and includes capital gains tax in the UK.

Summary

A great first impression can push a sale, so consider this when listing your property for sale. Of course, a decluttered and clean home will help buyers envision themselves living there. But also don’t forget about the financial burdens that come with a home sale, such as taxes and fees.