Top Tips To Make Sure You Get The Sale Of Your Home Just Right
When it comes to selling your family home, the advice to "de-personalise" it often gets thrown around—but what does that really mean in practice? Instead of vague advice, we’ve put together a straightforward step-by-step guide to help you get your property ready for sale and maximise its appeal to potential buyers.
Selling a property is something most of us only do a handful of times in our lives. On average, a first-time buyer won’t even enter the housing market until they’re 34 years old (according to Finder.com), and the typical homeowner stays in the same property for about 10 years. Over that time, we naturally make our homes our own, filling them with cherished memories, photographs, and personal touches. As a result, clutter can accumulate, and that once-beloved piece of furniture might end up lingering a little longer than it should.
But when it’s time to sell, the 'home' element needs to shift. Instead of creating a space that reflects your personality, you now need to showcase your property as a blank canvas where potential buyers can imagine themselves making new memories. They're not concerned with your sentimental decorations or favourite paintings, they’re focused on whether your property can accommodate their needs and lifestyle.
So, what exactly should you do to ensure your home stands out to buyers?
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to present your property in its best light and increase your chances of securing a great offer. Let’s dive in:
Preparation is Key
When it comes to selling your home, preparation really does make all the difference. Sure, you could take photographs of your property as it is and hope for the best, but if you want to maximise your sale price, taking the time to prepare your home properly is a must. This means decluttering, tidying up storage spaces (buyers will look inside your cupboards and drawers!), and addressing those small DIY jobs you’ve been meaning to tackle. Scuff marks on the walls or a loose door handle might seem trivial to you, but potential buyers will notice. A cluttered home feels smaller, and any signs of neglect can make it seem like there’s a lot of work to be done before they can move in.
Presentation Matters
The way you present your home to buyers can have a significant impact on their perception. It’s not just about removing personal items like kids' artwork from the fridge, it’s about staging your home to show how buyers could live there. For example, if you have a spare room without furniture, consider staging it as a bedroom, home office, or gym to highlight its potential. Empty rooms often feel small and uninspiring, while a well-staged room helps buyers envision how they could use the space. If you have a sun-drenched garden, place some furniture outside to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying a morning coffee on the patio. Little touches, like adding a coffee pot and mugs to the photo, can go a long way.
Get the Pricing Right
Price is one of the most important aspects of selling your home. You’ll want to avoid overpricing, which can drive buyers away, and under pricing, which may lead to leaving money on the table. A trusted estate agent can help you strike the right balance and ensure you’re pricing your property according to current market trends. They’ll explain the pros and cons of various pricing strategies and help you select the best approach for your situation.
Promotion and Marketing
Effective promotion and marketing are essential for attracting the right buyers. It’s not just about taking a few photos and posting them online; it’s about creating a comprehensive marketing plan. From the timing of your listing to social media promotion and video tours, your marketing strategy should be robust and structured. A strong marketing plan ensures your property doesn’t get lost in the shuffle and reaches the right audience. Your estate agent should have a clear plan for promoting your property and be able to advise you on when to reassess or adjust the approach.
The Bottom Line
While it’s possible to sell your home without considering all these elements, following these tips will give you the best chance of securing the best price possible, especially when you consider that your home is likely one of your most valuable assets.
If you're looking to sell your property, we'd be delighted to offer you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner, and we’ll be happy to arrange a time for a chat. We look forward to hearing from you.