Selling Your Home the Smart Way: 8-Step Guide

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Selling your home is a notoriously challenging and stressful experience.

During these current economic times, where many people can’t afford to buy or rent a house, it’s become even more difficult to do this.

After all, most people simply aren’t in a financial situation where they can afford to take on big mortgages.

However, the good news is that some people are looking to buy. This means that there’s a healthy chance that you’ll be able to sell your home over the coming year without much problem.

Generally, it takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the process – but it can take years in some cases. By following this step-by-step guide, though, you’ll hopefully experience the former rather than the latter!

Let’s begin.

1. Find a Conveyancer

The first step that you need to take is one that will take a huge weight off your shoulders: find a conveyancing solicitor.

In simple terms, conveyancing is the legal process where a property is transferred from one party to another. The solicitor acts as the middleman and ensures that everything is done legally and efficiently.

Essentially, conveyancing solicitors are property lawyers – they know all about money. They make life easy for both the seller and buyer – which is all you need to know!

Is a Conveyancing Solicitor Expensive?

This is a natural question that many sellers have.

In most situations, conveyancing solicitors are very affordable.

Initially, you will have to pay between £500 and £1500 in legal fees. On top of this, there are also other fees such as title feeds and property fraud fees. However, at the end of it all, you should fall between a total of £2000 to £3500.

2. Focus on the Selling Price

The selling price usually makes or breaks a property. If your price is too high, you’ll cause buyers to run away. If it’s too low, you’ll sell yourself short.

You can get a price evaluation from various sources, including free tools online and estate agents. After doing this, you should be able to settle on a fair asking price that also takes into account current economic factors.

Remember, if you’re struggling to attract any interest, this might mean that you have to lower your price slightly as you move into the future. On the contrary, it might be possible that you can raise your price and get much more than you originally intended – it’s entirely dependent on a variety of factors!

3. Plan Your Next Step: Upsize or Downsize?

Pro tip: you should never sell your house without knowing what your next step is.

Will you be moving to a new apartment or house? Upsizing or downsizing? Staying local or moving to a new city?

If you live with a spouse or children, it’s important that everyone’s wishes are taken into account. For example, if you and your partner are having an ongoing dispute about the city you want to move to, this will negatively impact your selling process.

Therefore, prior to putting your house on the market, it’s recommended that you have a clear vision in mind (and even a specific property lined up).

4. Depersonalize

In preparation for potential viewers, you need to try and depersonalize your home.

Of course, this doesn’t mean stripping the walls clean and throwing furniture out the window. Instead, it means temporarily moving super personal items – such as huge photo frames – as well as any other items that might be off-putting to viewers.

This way, viewers can gain a more impartial view of your home.

5. Fix Any Existing Problems

If your home has existing problems, such as a faulty shower or cracked ceilings, then it’s important that you get them fixed as soon as possible. This will ensure that your home maintains its value and that you can find a buyer faster. Many buyers also look for greener and more eco-friendly homes so you could invest in sustainable home improvements with green home grants.

6. Get the Word Out

Social media is your best friend when it comes to selling your home. You can share updates with friends and family whilst encouraging them to share any posts you make about your house; enabling you to reach larger audiences.

7. Spruce Up Your Home to Maximize the Price

From the fireplace to the bathroom, don’t be afraid to spruce up your home a little. Don’t worry, you don’t need to break the bank. Even small and eco-friendly home improvements can help to boost your home’s value and attract more buyers.

8. Roll the Red Carpet Out for Viewings

When you finally start to hold viewings, make sure to roll the red carpet out.

Viewers should be greeted with a smile, provided with drinks, and escorted from room to room in an efficient manner.

Don’t come across as pressurising – instead, be friendly and professional. Your home will speak for itself, meaning there’s no need to be overly pushy.