Preparing to market your home in 2022
If you are dreaming of selling in 2022, we have put together a checklist of things to consider before launching your home onto the property market.
1. DO SOME INITIAL RESEARCH
Even before anything else, have a clear idea in your mind of your target buyer, by looking at the demographics of the area you live. Have any neighbours recently moved into the area and what was their position? What position were you in when you brought your property? As it's likely that the majority of the time a target buyer’s situation will mirror this.
2.VALUATION
Have a realistic idea of what you think your property is worth. Look at other properties that have sold recently and what they went on for. Look at a handful of local agents in your area and what they would value your property at. Having a range of valuations should give you a clearer idea of what to list your home for.
3.THE PREPARATION STAGE, FOUR D’S
Declutter
This is the perfect time for a good sort out. It will help down the line when you are ready to move into your new home.
Depersonalize
Prospective buyers will fall in love with your home if they can picture themselves living there. By removing personal items, such as photos, will really help with your marketing photos and viewings
Decorate
Are there those little jobs you’ve been putting off? Could your home do with a new lick of paint? Do you need to tone down areas? This can really make the difference in the saleability of your home.
Don’t forget outside
With winter months being in full swing the outdoor space can often be forgotten about. Check out last week’s blog on how to boost curb appeal.
4.CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENT
From the valuations you may already have an idea of the agent you will be listing with. However, ask around who has used the agent? Did they sell? How long were they on the market for? Did the agent offer expert marketing tools such as staging and professional photography? Did they have to significantly reduce the price to sell? What does the agent offer to make their properties stand out on the market? Have a good look at the agent's portfolio to gather an idea on the type of properties that have sold and the location.
5.PREPARING FOR VIEWINGS
Once listed and live with your agent you will be at the stage of wanting to prepare for viewings. Consider if you are holding an open day or when the best time of day to have people view. Give yourself time, an hour at least beforehand so that you can tidy and clean to have your house looking its best and ready to make a winning first impression.
A great tip is to use flexi tubs to ‘hide away’ anything that is left out on the sides and you don’t want in view.
6.AGENT FEEDBACK
Your agent should be able to give you detailed feedback after each viewing. Getting clear, structured and relevant feedback about your home, from the perspective of your potential buyer is one of the most valuable tools available to you whilst you are selling your home.
Take time to listen to the feedback your agent gives you and decipher what it is really telling you. This will give you a clearer understanding of anything you can do to make it look the best it can.
Need more support at any stage of this process, we offer all homeowners a free 20 minute kickstart call with one of our experts to discuss your selling situation. We will review your current property listing, advise on how to address its current selling situation with your agent, and even review your target buyer and area demographic to help find the best agent for you.