Selling your home in a difficult market
09/05/2008
In a tough market, home sellers across the UK are struggling to sell their homes. So if you're looking for ways to seal the sale, here are some handy tips.
Tina Jesson, property marketing expert and founder of property staging company Home Stagers, has devised an essential four point check list to help home-owners stand the best possible chance of a sale.
Price
"If you’re not getting viewings, the chances are your price is too high. In today’s market we are consistently seeing property left unsold for 6 months or more, and many home sellers need to seek advice from their agents about reducing the price. Prices are forecast to continue to fall and I’ve met far too many home owners who wish they had taken the offer they had three months ago. If you want to attract serious offers you may need to consider dropping £5,000 to £10,000 if haven’t yet made a reduction, and my advice is if you receive an offer within 5 - 10% of the asking price, take it."
Presentation
"If you’re getting viewings but no serious interest, it’s likely to be presentation letting the property down. Many home sellers do the ‘clear the clutter and paint it neutral’ routine, but professional home staging is so much more than that. Many homes look bland or ill defined and properties in this market really need to stand out. Seeking the advice of home staging professionals can find the right balance in a property and discover tricks to adding ‘perceived value’. A small investment now could pay dividends in selling the property faster."
Promotion
"Effectively promoting your property is essential and interior and exterior images must do the property justice. Home staging works to maximize the key selling points, define room function and create space. This can significantly improve photographic material which will in turn refresh the description and ultimately increase the likelihood of a sale. Asking your agent to organise open house days can be an effective way to generate interest with potential buyers face to face."
Preparation
"If you’re showing an interested party around, talk to your agent to help you familiarise yourself with the key selling points that will increase the appeal of your property. Take time to choose which order of rooms will give the best impact overall and talk about the highlights whilst preparing yourself with responses to any drawbacks to the property that you may be questioned upon."
Tina adds: "Working to maximise property presentation and promotion is really going to help you stand the best chance of a sale."
More on Home Stagers on the link below.