Printer friendlyOur step by step selling guide
Selling your house yourself isn't as hard as you think despite what you might have been lead to believe. We've just been programmed in to the idea that the only way to sell a property is to use an an estate agent. Poppycock! In fact, taking control of the process yourself can simplify things and make the whole transaction that much more straightforward.
That said, it's always good to have some guidance through the process, so we've put together a very simple guide that we hope will help.
Do you cover my area?
You can advertise with us provided your property is within easy distance of a London tube or mainline station. Here is our “List of acceptable Postcodes” which privateHQ.com cater for at the moment. If your postcode is not listed and you feel it should be, then please contact us directly.
Do I need a Home Information Pack (HIP)?
All properties now require a Home Information Pack before they are marketed. To find out more about HIPs and what they include click here. Alternatively, get started and click here for a cost effective HIP from an excellent and reliable provider. They even include a virtual tour of your property as part of the price!
Price it right
Make sure you do your research by looking up properties in the same area that are on the market, whether it be through estate agents shop windows or online. A good place to go to look for up to date information on properties that have been sold on your road is at www.nethouseprices.com. You can also go to www.landregistry.com (£2 fee) for more detailed information.
Make a lasting impression
First impressions are everything and this is especially true when people view a property for the first time. Your task is to do the best job you can to ensure that your property is shown in the best light. Here are some simple steps that may help you:
Avoid clutter: Create a feeling of space and have a good clearout! Any clutter around the house inadvertantly makes a house feel smaller and it's more difficult for the viewer to imagine themselves living there. If need be, pack things in boxes and put them in storage.
Go neutral: Your taste is not necessarily the same as the person buying your home, so where possible, paint rooms neutral shades which are flexible to people's tastes as well as making rooms look cleaner and more spacious.
Give it a good clean: It leaves a good impression of you and how you view your home.
Kitchens and bathrooms: Make sure they look as up to date as possible as they are always the rooms that people spend a lot of money on. Doing things such as re-grouting, putting up a new shower curtain or blinds and painting cupboards can make all the difference.
Create a good atmosphere: In the summer, open the windows where appropriate and in the winter, create the feeling of comfort and warmth using soft lighting where possible. Another good tip is not to cook anything that has a strong smell before or during a viewing! Having said that, the smell of a fresh pot of coffee is extremely inviting and if the buyer looks interested, make sure you offer them a cup!
Be prepared
Question time: Be ready to answer any questions a potential buyer may have on ground rent, service charges, local life and when you're planning or want to move out.
Know your limitations: Have a clear idea of the minimum offer you will accept on your property
Know theirs: Are they a majority cash buyer? Are they flexible about moving dates? Are they a first time buyer?
Negotiate: Whether you're the one negotiating or you've got a friend or relative to do it on your behalf, don't be afraid to reject any offer that you're not happy with.
Document everything: It's always a good idea to document any agreements or indeed, disagreements you may have with the buyer so that you're clear on eachother's position from the outset and are able to make reference to anything should you need to.
Buyer's rights: The buyer is perfectly within their rights to put in an offer subject to contract and survey, so be sure to provide all the relevant information required to make the sale as straightforward as possible i.e. guarantees or receipts for any work that may have been done on your home.
HIP's: Home Information Packs are mandatory for properties of more than 3 bedrooms. For more information click here.
Be safe!
Use your common sense when it comes to arranging viewings. If you are a woman living on your own, then it's a good idea to have a friend or family member with you when people come round or at the very least let someone know you are expecting a visitor beforehand.
