So, you’ve got to sell your home but there have been very few viewings and no offers on the table. You’re at your wits’ end and desperate to sell – and the credit crunch is not helping. So what do you do? Read on to find out just how to secure a sale in a market that’s at a virtual standstill.
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If your house has been on the market for sometime, and you’ve had no new viewings for some time and no offers, it might well be worth taking it off the market for a month, sorting yourself out (see what we suggest below) and starting again, perhaps even with a new agent. This will give everyone a fresh approach to marketing the house. If you’re about to try to sell your home in a flat market, don’t even take that first step until you’ve read our tips below.
Getting yourself 100 per cent sale ready in advance is a must if it is to proceed smoothly once you have an offer, so line up your solicitor and get your mortgage and finances organised.
Begin by evaluating – or re-evaluating what your home is worth and what’s wrong with it. This isn’t simply a case of getting at least three estate agents to come and do a 'no obligation' valuation – although you should do that first – you may need to do some maintenance, too.
Not sure what needs fixing? When the estate agents come round to value your property, ask them for a brutally honest appraisal of what to get rid of or change, and whether there are any major flaws. You might be able to improve some easily.
Get the house 100 per cent sale ready. Declutter, consider putting some pieces into storage to make the house look bigger. Don't spend out on fancy decor which new owners may well want to change. Do spend money on basic repairs, ensuring your home is in good working order, and if any of your colour schemes are glaringly bright, redecorate them with neutral shades. Tidy up outside - a new coat of paint for the front door if necessary, some instant 'potted colour' from the garden centre and so on. Make sure the house is kept clean.
First impressions are important, so check your kerb appeal: tidy the garden front and back, paint window sills and the front door, make sure the house number or name is visible. Ensure the view through the front windows is appealing too. Rooms inside should be kept tidy (even when you're not expecting a viewing- don't be surprised if people stop and have a good peer into your home to see if it might suit them).
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