Moving home can be a daunting process, whether you’re a first-time seller or an experienced mover. The process of selling your home is multi-step, with lots of factors to consider, such as when to put your house on the market and how long it takes to sell. But fear not, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of selling your home.
Get a Property Valuation
Before putting your home on the market, it’s crucial to get a proper valuation. This will give you an accurate idea of what your home is worth and what similar properties in your area have sold for. An estate agent will be able to give you a professional valuation by visiting your home and assessing its features, such as any improvements you’ve made or its overall condition.
Get Your Home Ready for Sale
Once you’ve got your valuation, it’s time to get your home ready for sale. This involves decluttering and giving your home a deep clean. You should also consider making any minor repairs or freshening up the decor with a fresh coat of paint. A tidy and well-presented home is more likely to attract buyers, so make sure your property is clean, spacious and airy.
Decide How to Sell Your House
When it comes to selling your home, you can choose between using an estate agent or selling it privately. An estate agent can provide expert marketing and knowledge of the local market to help you achieve the best price for your property. Alternatively, you can sell your home privately, which can save on estate agent fees. However, selling privately can be a more challenging and time-consuming process.
We’re obviously biased, but you should definitely use a great estate agent, like us!
Timing Your Home Sale
Springtime is the best time to put your house on the market, as this is when most buyers start looking for a new home. Autumn is the next best time, as people aim to get settled in their new homes before Christmas. And, believe it or not, January can also be a great time to sell your home!
However, sometimes your situation means you can’t be picky with when you sell. In these cases, while it may take a little bit longer for to make your sale, it would take even longer if you held off on listing your property until the next spring!
How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?
The time it takes to sell a home depends on various factors such as the current market, the condition of the property, and its location. On average, the process of selling a house takes around 25 weeks from the moment it is listed to handing over the keys to the buyer. However, this can vary from 17 to 34 weeks depending on circumstances. If you have no chain and are dealing with cash buyers, sales can move a lot more quickly.
The Cost of Selling Your Home
Selling your home incurs various costs, the most significant being estate agent fees, which can range from 1% to 3% of the selling price. Other costs to consider include conveyancing fees, removal costs, remortgaging fees, and paperwork expenses such as an Energy Performance Certificate. Make sure you’re aware of all the costs involved before putting your home on the market.
Some of these you can save money on, but before you cut costs, think about how much effort and time you would have to put in if you opt for cheaper services. Sometimes the time and stress saved can be worth a lot more than the extra cost of the service. Having good solicitor’s and estate agent’s who ensure your chain keeps moving can save you from making a lot of phone calls (and the added bonus of saving your ears from awful music while waiting on hold)!
Documents You Need to Sell Your Home
When selling your home, there are several documents you’ll need to have in place, including an Energy Performance Certificate, FENSA certificates for windows and doors, a Boiler Safety Certificate, Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Installation Certificate, and planning approval for any major works. Your solicitor will also need you to fill out further forms about the property, such as the appliances included in the sale.
Selling and Buying at the Same Time
If you’re buying a new home at the same time as selling yours, it’s best to have all your professionals lined up early. Have a solicitor or conveyancer in place and all relevant documents and paperwork ready. Delays in the conveyancing process can cause significant hold-ups, so make sure everything is ready, it will make the process a lot smoother and everyone in the chain will thank you!
Be Prepared for Negotiations
When you receive an offer on your home, it’s important to be prepared for negotiations. The first offer you receive may not necessarily be the best one, so it’s important to consider all offers and negotiate where possible. Be realistic about what you can achieve and what the market is like in your area.
This is when having an experienced estate agent can really help. They can negotiate on your behalf and having done it countless times in the past they will be great at extracting the best possible offers for your property!
Don't Forget About the Little Things
Selling a home can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remember the little things. For example, make sure your house is well presented when potential buyers come to view it. You should make sure your home is well-lit and that all the rooms are tidy and presentable. You can even light some candles to try and create a welcoming atmosphere. Some people even recommend baking some cookies just before potential buyers come to give the house a great, homely smell (just make sure not to burn them)!
In conclusion, selling a home can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth and successful experience. Make sure you do your research, get your home ready for sale, choose the right time to put it on the market, and be prepared for negotiations. With a little bit of effort, you can achieve a successful sale and move on to your next adventure.
If you are interested in selling your home, you can take a look at our services and what sets us apart from regular estate agencies. Our one-to-one agents are based in: Lincoln, Spalding & South Holland, and Horncastle & Woodhall Spa.
If you are already decided, you get started straight away by booking a valuation.
Peter Austin
Peter is a writer and photographer with a great interest in property, design, and the economy.
