So, in this series of blog posts I am going to talk you through how to get your property sold in the current market.
Now, something I need to make clear. If you are wanting to move, take the next step in your property journey there is no good or bad time. Providing the numbers work, to make you move possible please do not be put off by negative press. Everybody seems to be an expert in the property industry YET all those sharing the views of a bad market, don’t actually work in the property industry.
What I can tell you, is from someone who is working in this industry at the moment, I feel it’s a good market. Its tough, there is no beating around the bush with that. But I am still achieving great prices, allowing people to move on.
But to do this, we are having to be smarter on how we work. So, I am going to talk you through the steps to make sure your property gets listed correctly. Sold. And you can move on, from the first steps to the final move day I’m going to cover every aspect of this move, to make it possible for you.
This can be applied to those who are already on the market, to those who haven’t taken any steps yet.
To those already one the market, or have previously tried to sell, this tried and tested method works. Every single time. But the biggest thing to remember, there is no better time to ‘reset’ then now!
So. In order I am going to cover the following points.
– First steps (diy)
– Different types of agents
– Who to call round, when and why
– Valuations
– Facts and figures
– property value vs pricing strategy
– Marketing materials
– Viewings
– Negotiation
– Solicitors, Mortgage brokers and Surveyors.
– The sales progression process
– A week before the move
– Move day.
– Post move and summary.
Don’t worry! I’m not going to tackle them all in one post, as it’ll be a novel for you to read. BUT I am going to tackle a few of them at a time. I will try and keep it to a 10-15 min read so perfect if your relaxing of an evening OR on the train too and from work.
Now simply put. Who am I to give you this advice?
Well, it’s simple really, to give you a bit of background without boring you. I have been in the industry all of my working life; I have worked for a number of independent agents before deciding to set up my own agency and take the jump. I have personally won 6 awards in the past 18 months, as well as feature in the best estate agent guide 2018 and be finalists/shortlisted for more awards, nobody to my knowledge has done that as an individual locally, some companies may of managed it as a group effort, but no one person have achieved it themselves.
Why am I writing this… ? well it’s a brain dump really. This is my science behind what I do, how I do it and why. Im not looking at this as a way to gain business, I truly hope at some point these posts help somebody achieve the sale they desire be it through me, or another agency.
That being said, im happy for anybody to call me to discuss this further, you can call/text/WhatsApp me any time on 07964343342 for advice. No strings, no alternative motive. I promise.
So! Lets crack on.
The first steps.
This is before you have called round any estate agents, or had your property valued. If you have already gone this far, don’t worry, pause and reset.
So DIY is a really important thing. As a rule of thumb everything that needs doing, add a 0 to the cost of doing the job, and that is what a buyer will expect.
for example, that door that doesn’t close properly, which will cost your £50 to have sorted. A buyer is going to look at it far more then that.
So. Make a list. Every single job that needs doing around the house. By this I am not talking new windows, boiler etc as that simply isn’t realistic.
Mainly decorating, or them DIY jobs you have been meaning to finish, re-mastic the bathroom maybe? Jet wash the patio? Clearing out the garden from that junk you have been meaning to take to the tip for the last 2 years…. things that either finish or freshen up a room or area
Once you have this list, either allocate a couple of weekends to get it done OR get a handyman to do them for you. I promise it will be worth it!
We all have them, I can personally think of a few things I need to get finished myself! .. a door adjusted on my kitchen, to a threshold bar put down between my hallway and lounge, it’s the attention to detail to matters, if a buyer spots lots of little things that need doing it can put them off OR they will want money off to do the work plus extra for the hassle.
IF there is very little to do, it gives a buyer confidence in paying the very best price for your home.
If It cost you £500 to get it all done, it will literally save you £1000’s in negotiation. So, think of it as an investment. If I told you know give me £500 and ill give you £3000 back. It’s a no brainer, right?
This being said, you can move onto the next step before completing these, but my point is get. it. Done.
The other aspect is bright colours.
I see it time and time again, that bright red feature wall, or the crazy wallpaper.
It is your taste, who am I to say its not nice. BUT it is distracting. Keep colours natural. Whites, creams and even some pastel colours like a pale pastel grey looks great, modern and fresh. So, I would advise getting rid of any bold colours as it can be distracting, OR those who do not share the same taste could be put off.
So, to summarise, its pretty easy. Complete all them DIY jobs and cover any bold colours of patterns with natural colours to freshen it up. Overall you want to give the impression as little as possible needs to be completed when the buyer moves in. do this, and you have already nailed negotiation before they have come through the door!
So, you have your plan. Now to the next step.
Different types of agent.
A common misconception is where people immediately recall the names of agents they remember, or have seen, or even bought the house through. They tend to immediately call these. But STOP. there is far more to consider.
Remember, you may have owned your property for 2, 5 or even 10+ years. So many estate agents would have started during this period and you may be discounting options before you have even considered the best option for you. Firstly, I’m going to cover different types of agency, before I go on how to find them.
Different types.
Online – Now these are your traditional DIY style agents, some take the photographs for you, some even go to the extend of doing the viewings. Often the agent is covering a wide area, but they will come to your property, meet you, provide a valuation and then put the property on the market. From that point however its down to you, from viewings to negotiation, to the entire sales process. You are on your own.
Pro’s – Cheap, complete control, ideal if you are time rich, perfect if you have experience within the industry.
Con’s – lack of negotiation assistance, often agents are paid already so little motivation, often you have to pay if you sell or not, communication can be poor and booking viewings can be difficult.
*something to remember, the business model has failed multiple times. With big names closing down. A fact that cannot be ignored.
High street – these are traditional agents with a shop on the high street, these types of agent are a bit more of an expert in the area due to their geographic location, however this can hinder them to a specific area. The service is very traditional and hasn’t changed much over the years. Its kind of “does what it says on the tin” kind of agent.
Pro’s – local knowledge, possible database, traditional service, you know what to expect.
Con’s – often restricted to one area, may not be adopting modern technology. Cross-selling solicitors and mortgages to buyers giving a hurdle for them to overcome before they have seen your property. Often restricted hours i.e. normal office hours.
Hybrid – This is the type of agency often overlooked, they sit somewhere between the online and high street agent, traditionally these are not found on the high street, but somewhere else in town. The combine the online methods but with traditional roots and mainly concentrate on marketing and negotiation.
Pro’s – often using modern technology with traditional values, forward thinking with the times, focus on marketing and negotiation. Take care of the entire move with little impact on your life. Ideal if you are time poor. Extended hours
Con’s – location (sometimes).
So there you have it, 3 different types of estate agency. First you need to think of which model will work best for you.
Notice I struggled to find con’s for the hybrid agency, this is because they have picked the best bits from the online agencies, and high street which makes it hard to find a fault.
But overall, look at your lifestyle and look at what you want out of your agency.
If you have plenty of time to do it yourself and are a confident negotiator and have experience in marketing, then online may be for you.
If you are looking for a traditional service, but cheap. But still have the time to ensure the marketing is correct and can be hands on with viewings. Then the high street may be for you.
If you are time poor but would rather pay a little more to have an agent take care of everything for you. Then the hybrid will be for you.
So you are now armed with he information to go forward, get your home ready for your valuation, and you should now know which type of agent you are going to call round.
My advice. I would call round 1 of each agency, that way you can hear their proposal. What they offer, and how. This will help you make the right decision for you.
Next, im going to cover
– Who to call round, when and why
– Valuations
– Facts and figures
Remember. My phone is always on. If you want to have a chat, ask questions, you can call/text/WhatsApp at any point 07964343342.
Speak soon.
Nick
