There’s no doubt that when you come to sell your home for the first time, you will have plenty of questions. While first-time buyers have a wealth of information to turn to, it can be difficult for first-time property sellers to find the advice they need.
Given the importance of that first big property sale, we’ve put together some top tips for people selling their home in North West London, Hertfordshire and the surrounding locations for the first time.
Choose the right estate agent
This is arguably one of the most important things to get right. Not only is selecting a skilled agent crucial but having a good relationship with them throughout the sales process is also key. The agent you instruct should have expert local knowledge, an excellent understanding of the property market and be a source of valuable advice.
It’s their job to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so sellers should make sure they do their homework before choosing a trustworthy and responsive agent. Reading online reviews and checking social media pages are just two of the ways to gain some insight before instructing the right agent for your specific needs.
Set the right asking price
Your home will get the most exposure immediately after it’s listed, so it’s advisable to set a realistic asking price from the outset. It can be quite tricky to determine, but your agent will advise you on the property’s value, using their knowledge of the local market and other variables to set a fair and reasonable asking price.
Beware, though – set the price too high and you may put potential buyers off. Set the price too low, and risk selling yourself (or rather, your home) short.
Depersonalise and declutter
It’s no surprise that prospective buyers can be put off by excessive pictures, knick-knacks, clutter and personal items on display – after all, they will want to visualise themselves living there.
Of course, this is a difficult balance to strike. You want your home to be enticing and full of character without potential buyers feeling like they are intruding.
As well as being a deterrent on viewing day, clutter in the home can make rooms feel smaller and less organised. If possible, try and show buyers your home life at its best, without all the clutter.
Target your target demographic effectively
Knowing your target market – as well as the right time to list your property – can help to make all the difference.
Your demographic as a first-time seller is likely to be a first-time buyer. This group of buyers – typically aged in their 20s and 30s – are heavily reliant on technology, looking for their first home on their digital devices. This means you will need to ensure that your property has a significant online presence and be internet-savvy when it comes to selling.
Your online advertisement will need to be bright and engaging, able to stand out from the crowd and pique the interest of buyers when they first lay eyes on it. Make sure the agent you choose lists on the major property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla – a go-to for many first-time buyers when it comes to browsing for a property.
If you take these top tips into account, you can have a smoother ride through the selling process and increase your chances of securing an eager buyer with a great offer.
To find out more about how Owl Search can help to get your home sold in Hertfordshire, Borehamwood, North West London and the surrounding areas, please get in contact with us on 020 3432 3888.
We also offer free online valuations for sellers who would like an estimate of their property’s current worth.
