5 tips for first-time sellers

How to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible

So you want to sell your home? When you’re selling your home for the first time, it’s important to be prepared for everything that could happen.

Whether it’s because you’re moving, upgrading or downsizing, selling your home for the first-time can be a daunting task. But with a little preparation and planning, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Take a look at our top 5 tips for first-time sellers.

1. Preparing your home to sell

Presentation matters. Buyers are coming to look around your property, and you need to make an effort to show your home at its best. Go all out to impress. The photographs of your home will be the first thing a potential buyer sees, and you want your property to attract as many potential buyers as possible.

So, make sure your home is clean, de-cluttered, bright and feeling spacious before you even consider putting it on the market. And, once your house is on the market, it’s important to try to keep it as tidy as possible – after all, you don’t want to constantly be running around cleaning up before a last minute viewing!

2. Make sure your numbers add up

There are a number of costs involved when selling your property. So it’s essential you understand these costs and any associated fees, so there are no nasty surprises. Make sure you work out the total cost you will incur and be sure to compare quotes for the services you need to avoid paying unnecessary costs.

Take into consideration these main costs: estate agent fees; mortgage exit fees; Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in England and Wales, Home Reports in Scotland; conveyancing fees; and removal costs.

3. Finding your new home

Finding a new home can be as exciting and inspiring as it can be stressful and tiring. Identify your wants and needs. With a clear idea of how much you can afford, you can look for a suitable property that meets your criteria. If you have to be near a particular school, station or workplace, identify them on a map so that when you see sales details, you can quickly tell if the property is close enough. Make a list of all the things you need in a property.

Then there’s the age-old question: Do I buy before I sell, or sell before I buy? In most situations, it makes sense to put your property on the market and get an offer before setting your heart on a new home. If you have already accepted an offer on your current property, you are a much more appealing buyer and are far more likely to get your offer accepted on your new home.

4. Choosing the right estate agent

You have to make a decision about how many estate agents you should use. Initially, home sellers usually select just one estate agent. But when it comes to choosing the best estate agent to sell your home, it can help if you can shortlist your options to three. Ask family, friends and neighbours – it’s always good to have a personal recommendation.

Invite your shortlisted estate agents to your home to discuss their offer and conduct a valuation. This is a good opportunity for you to ask them some further questions to help find the best estate agent to make your sale.

5. Offer stage

Receiving offers on your property can be a very exciting time, but it is always good to keep level-headed to ensure you get the right offer for you. There is no need to accept or reject an offer straight away; it is perfectly normal to think things over for a day or two. It makes sense to find out from your estate agent:  What is the financial position of the potential buyer? What are the buyer’s timescales for moving?

Also consider your own position: Do you have to move quickly in order to secure your next property? If you are in no hurry to move, then you could hold out for a higher offer. A buyer who is not part of a chain and who already has a mortgage approved is a more favourable purchaser than someone who needs to sell their own home in order to fund the purchase, and who hasn’t yet got a mortgage approved.

Ready to move to a new home?

Running out of room? Thinking of downsizing? Wherever your next move takes you, we’ll help you find the right mortgage for your plans. To talk to us about your requirements, please complete the form below and an Independent Mortgage Broker will be in touch.