We might have enjoyed a long hot summer, but the nights are drawing in and there’s a definite chill in the air. As it just begins to feel like the end of the year is in sight, it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about what your next year might look like – especially if you’re planning some big changes.
Moving to a new home is one of the biggest changes you can make, whether that’s selling up to travel the world or simply moving to a better-sized home around the corner. The good news is that, although there are definitely good and bad months to put your house on the market, you’ve still got just about enough time to squeeze and exchange and completion into 2018 if you’re keen to start next year somewhere fresh.
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1. Do your research
Having a good grasp of the housing market in your area will help you to make an informed decision about how much your home should sell for and the type of buyer you should be targeting. A formal valuation from a surveyor is the best way to get an accurate figure, and an estate agent can give you an opinion about what it might realistically sell for.
It can also help to know what you’re working with. If you are thinking about hiring a surveyor for a valuation, consider arranging a survey at the same time. This will let you know about any hidden damage in the property that might put buyers off if they discover it, potentially delaying your sale or shaving thousands off of your asking price.
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2. Prepare yourself
If you’re planning to move to a new home, it’s a good idea to start arranging your finances early. Once you’ve got an estimated value for your home, you should be able to work out what you can comfortably spend on your next property.
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3. Get your home on the market ASAP
It can be tempting to try and get everything perfect before advertising your home is for sale, but if you’re aiming for a relatively fast transaction, don’t worry about it. You can always carry out little DIY tasks in between viewings and you may find that some buyers are happy to purchase your home as-is and make it a project of their own.
Make sure your listing includes good photos. Attention to detail will help your home stand out and get plenty of people interested in your home quickly. Improve the quality of your photos by arranging a professional deep-clean, opening all the curtains to maximise the light, and removing all clutter – from family fridge magnets to desk papers and bathroom products.
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4. Choose your DIY list carefully
There are always odd-jobs around the house that get pushed to the bottom of a “to do” list. Putting your house on the market is a great time to filter out what’s important from what isn’t, either from a safety view or aesthetic purposes. For example, you might be used to the loose floorboard in the hallway, but buyers will see it as a trip hazard. The flaking paint on the windowsill might not bother you, but it will add to an air of shabbiness in your home that could reduce its value.
While it’s a good idea to get some of your odd-jobs completed, be wary about taking on a larger renovation project. There’s no point in spending thousands on a new kitchen, for example, as unless your new buyers share your exact tastes, they’re likely to rip it out anyway, therefore not seeing it as added value to your home.
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5. Perfect your staging
Once you start getting viewings, the next step is to sell the dream. To some, staging a house is an art form, but there is plenty you can do without hiring a professional.
Firstly, remember that you can’t show off the size and proportions of your house if it’s packed with your belongings. To help a buyer envision their own things in the property, strip out anything that isn’t completely necessary. Excess furniture, abundant toy collections and bulging wardrobes will all give the impression that your house isn’t big enough to comfortably live in.
Welcome as much light as possible into the property, opening curtains and blinds and putting lamps and mirrors in any gloomy corners. Fresh flowers always look nice, and being mindful of strong smells (fresh coffee or baking, versus garlic and wet pets) will help your cause.
