How To Prepare When Selling Your Home

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When selling your home, it’s essential to consider all the steps you can take to enhance its appeal to potential buyers. This not only increases the likelihood of a quick sale but also positions your property to receive realistic offers closer to the asking price. Smartening up your home showcases its excellent condition, further enticing buyers and increasing their willingness to make competitive offers.

There are numerous considerations you can address well in advance of listing your house on the market. Each small improvement contributes to making your home more appealing to potential buyers, and every day of preparation counts. The more proactive steps you take before officially listing your property, the greater the advantage your house will have in a competitive market. Planning ahead not only helps your home stand out from the rest but also alleviates some of the stress associated with selling property.

First Impressions Count

When assessing your house go across the road and take note of what stands out. If it’s the beautiful foliage or the impeccably painted sash windows, you’re likely in good shape. However, if you spot a broken roof tile or a peeling door frame, it’s time for some exterior tidying up. Potential buyers often drive by a property multiple times to form their initial impression and decide whether to schedule a viewing or make an offer. Therefore, it’s crucial to tidy up the garden, declutter the driveway, and give the front door a makeover with fresh paint or new door furniture. Every small improvement contributes to making your home more appealing to buyers.

Do Those Repairs

 

It’s time to address those repairs you may have been putting off, such as re-hanging the door that doesn’t close properly or fixing the dripping tap. While it’s easy to overlook these repairs when you see them every day, they can stand out to potential buyers and make the property appear neglected. You don’t want buyers to start wondering what other issues they might discover. Take a thorough tour of every room in your house and make a list of necessary fixes, then prioritise getting them sorted out promptly.

Minor Touch Ups

Take a moment to step back and try to view your home objectively. Are there areas that could benefit from a quick coat of paint? Do you notice any loose door handles or carpets that appear lumpy? While it’s important to showcase some personality in your home, addressing these issues before potential buyers even have a chance to notice them is always a wise move. Striking the right balance between character and maintenance ensures that your home presents itself in the best possible light.

Declutter

Starting decluttering early is always a smart move. By tackling a bit each day, you can significantly simplify the process, reducing the workload when it’s time to move. Plus, you won’t have to scramble to hide belongings before every viewing, which can become exhausting over time.

Additionally, a clutter-free home allows potential buyers to envision themselves and their possessions in the space more easily. Consider removing particularly distinctive decor and furnishings, arranging your belongings attractively to enhance the appeal of your home. If possible, stow away non-essential, space-consuming items in storage until you’re ready to move. This creates a more spacious and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers, making it easier for them to see the full potential of your home.

Why I Am Selling My Property?

It's essential to consider why you're moving and to have a well-thought-out answer prepared for potential buyers. Your reasons for selling could influence the negotiation process, so planning your response in advance is crucial. Consider the appropriate answers that apply to your specific house move. Whether it's starting a family, relocating for work, or seeking a better location, be prepared to articulate your reasons clearly and confidently. Knowing your motivations inside and out can help you navigate negotiations more effectively and ensure a smoother selling process. Your estate agent may have discussed this with you already.

Budget: The Cost Of Selling A Property

It might come as a surprise, but the selling process involves several costs/charges. It is important to be aware of these at the very beginning and prepare your finances for moving house. Here is a run down of the most common costs you will encounter as a seller:
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

In England and Wales, it’s mandatory for sellers to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to potential buyers. This document outlines the energy efficiency of the property, with ratings ranging from “A” (most efficient) to “G” (least efficient). The cost of obtaining an EPC typically falls between £60 and £120. Since prices can vary, it’s advisable to shop around and compare quotes from different assessors. Additionally, ensure that the assessor you choose is registered.

You can potentially reduce the cost of an energy performance certificate by arranging the assessment directly rather than through an estate agent. You can locate an assessor in your area by consulting the EPC register. This way, you can obtain the required certificate while minimizing expenses.

Estate Agent Fees

Estate agent fees can indeed vary significantly, so it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible before booking a valuation. When discussing fees with an estate agent, inquire about the specific services they offer as part of their package.

Typically, estate agency fees encompass advertising your property, conducting viewings, and liaising with various parties involved in the sale process until completion. Fees are often calculated as a percentage of the agreed selling price for your home, ranging from 0.75% to 3.0% or more, plus VAT. The exact percentage can depend on the type of contract you enter into with your estate agent.

It’s worth noting that many agents are willing to be flexible regarding their fees, so don’t hesitate to discuss this aspect with them. Additionally, be vigilant for any hidden fees, although estate agents are legally required to disclose what is included in their fees upfront. By being proactive and informed about estate agent fees, you can make more informed decisions when selecting an agent to sell your property.

Solicitor/Conveyancer Fees

When selling your home, a solicitor or conveyancer will handle all the legal aspects of the transaction. The cost of their services typically depends on the sale value of your property but is generally lower than the fees associated with buying a property.

For a sale-only transaction, conveyancing solicitor fees typically range from around £400 to £1,500. These fees are often broken down into standard legal fees and disbursements, which cover additional expenses such as land registry fees and searches.

It’s important to note that if you’re also purchasing a property concurrently, you’ll likely incur additional conveyancing fees. However, for a sale and purchase combined, conveyancing solicitor fees typically range from around £800 to £3,000, depending on various factors such as the complexity of the transactions and the value of the properties involved.

Don’t forget to factor in Stamp Duty when calculating the total costs associated with selling your home. Stamp Duty is a tax imposed on property transactions and varies based on the purchase price of the property. By accounting for all these costs upfront, you can better prepare for the financial aspects of selling your home.

Disbursements include local searches and can cost up to £300 on top of this as well. The overall cost of conveyancing is payable directly to your conveyancing solicitor. This will generally cover their time, registrations and costs they incur over the course of the transaction. Solicitor fees vary depending on which company you use so shop around and get several quotes.

Removal costs
When hiring a removal company, it’s essential to consider the range of services they offer, such as packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly. Make sure to discuss these additional services with the removals assessor to determine the associated costs. There may be various additional charges to consider, so it’s crucial to clarify all details upfront.

The cost of hiring a removal company can vary based on the volume of belongings you’re moving and the distance of the relocation. As a rough estimate, you might pay around £300 for simply transporting belongings from a one-bedroom flat, up to £1000 or more for packing and moving a four-bedroom family home with additional services.

However, it’s challenging to provide an accurate cost without a proper valuation and quote. Therefore, it’s advisable to obtain quotes from several removal companies well in advance. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, and check reviews on review sites and social media platforms. Create a shortlist of reputable companies for your timeframe and location, and invite them to provide you with a quote. This way, you can compare prices and services to make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.

Home Report
 

In Scotland, sellers are obligated to provide a Home Report to potential buyers. This comprehensive report comprises three separate components: a Property Questionnaire, a Single Survey, and an Energy Report.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Scotland, Home Reports typically cost between £585 and £820. However, the exact cost can vary based on factors such as the size of your home and the surveyor you choose to engage.

To ensure you receive a competitive price, it’s advisable to request quotes from several surveyors. By comparing quotes from multiple professionals, you can make an informed decision while also ensuring that you’re getting the best value for your money.

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