Oonagh McVeigh, Solicitor
There is a certain buoyancy in the market right now which will hopefully mean that your house has a real chance ofselling quickly. There are, however, a few things that you can do to try andmake sure that your quick sale becomes more likely.
The first and most important factor is the price of your home. If you pitch it too high you won’t get anyone through the door to view it and without viewingsyou will not get a sale. Do your research by looking on websites like PropertyNews.com and at properties similar to yours in your locality that have sold – you canthen take a view based on this information and the valuations you get from at least three estate agents.
The second most important point toensure a quick sale is to present the property well – if your house is full ofclutter, dog smells and dust, it is not likely to sell. Have a good clear out(people will look in your cupboards!) and make sure the house looks presentablewhen people are coming to view it. In addition, do all the small jobs you havebeen putting off like fixing that loo roll holder and the living room doorhandle - your viewers will spot these small details and this may put them off. Many people struggle to see past what might seem to you to be minor or superficial details.
By identifying any potential “dealbreakers” such as a poor Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), you can arm yourself to neutralise potential issues. Showing your energy bills to the buyerand any measures you have taken to improve the efficiency of your home will all help to remove any obstacles.
Check in with your agent regularly – preferably once a week, as the first four weeks will be the keytime for your property. Make sure the photos they provide show your house inthe best possible way and that they have the floor plan, along with the photos on the internet. You will need to make them work for their commission, so keep them on their toes and if they have not made progress within 4 weeks, go toanother agent.
Once you have agreed a sale, your next potential obstacle is the legal part – by instructing a reliable and specialist conveyancing solicitor and not just the cheapest, you should be able to ask them to work to your deadlines and achieve the quick sale you are looking for.
If you have any property questions, please call us on +44 (0) 28 9077 4500 (thereis no charge for initial telephone discussions).
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