Because your home is likely to be your most valuable asset, you’ll want to get the best price possible when you sell it. Here are some of the best ways to increase the value of your property.

Be open to all types of buyers

When it comes to house viewings, be as flexible as possible. Experts including estate agents in Leeds say as people’s schedules are busier these days, don’t limit your chances of selling by establishing set viewing times. If it helps, you can hire a reputable agent to schedule viewings while you are away.

Show off your assets

Certain interior amenities are in high demand and will boost the value of your home. These are frequently dictated by era, but keep in mind that not everything will come back into style (lest we forget all those wonderful Artex ceilings of the 1970s). Look at current interior design trends to see if you can incorporate these elements into your homes, such as timber floors and original fireplaces. Depersonalize and declutter – hide any family images so that people can imagine themselves living there.

It’s a good idea to consider what characteristics of your home might appeal to others. You might, for example, have a great school nearby or off-street parking. Make sure that whoever is conducting the viewings is aware of these.

Is it possible for me to sell my home on my own?

Rather than using an estate agent, some people choose to sell their properties online. You’ll need to organise floorplans with measurements, high-quality photos, and detailed descriptions if you do this. You can avoid paying expensive agency fees by selling your house this way.

If you have good people skills, this is especially important to consider. When being shown around by an estate agent, buyers may be more detached, but a friendly owner may help them relax and warm up to the house. You are the only one who knows if you are that person.

How do I determine the appropriate price?

It’s critical to settle on an asking price for your home before putting it on the market. In most cases, your estate agent will recommend this based on what they believe they can achieve but get at least three quotes because different agents varied significantly.

Look for a real estate agent that specialises in the type of property you’re selling. One who specialises in many higher-end houses may not devote their entire focus to your property, while one who mostly sells lower-priced homes may lack the essential experience to do a good job with yours.

Simultaneously, look for houses that are similar to yours and compare their prices – both the listed and final paid prices. This will assist you in determining your own list price. Remember that many purchasers prefer to haggle, so erring on the high side can be a smart idea. A house that is overpriced, on the other hand, may linger on the market for longer, deterring potential buyers. As a result, be prepared to be adaptable.

Setting a lower initial price to garner a lot of interest and hoping that competitor bids raise it higher can also succeed. However, this might be problematic as well, as you may not receive enough bids. Your mortgage adviser might be able to assist you.

What if I get a lower-than-asking-price offer?

When it comes to negotiating, the rule of thumb is to “be firm but realistic.” Hold out for your asking price if you can’t afford your next house any other way – but if you can afford some wiggle room, it might help you sell faster. Setting a lower initial price to attract a lot of interest and hoping that competitor bids raise it higher is an alternative method that can work. However, this might be problematic as well, because you may not receive enough bids. Your mortgage advisor might be able to help.

What if I receive a lower-than-asking-price offer?

‘Be forceful but realistic’ is a good rule of thumb while negotiating. If you can’t afford your next house otherwise, hang out for your asking price — but if you can afford some wiggle room, it might help you sell faster.

What if an offer isn’t accepted?

This might be incredibly discouraging, but it does happen – so get back up and try again. Buyers back out for a variety of reasons, the majority of which are beyond your control. All you can do is concentrate on the aspects of your business that you do have control over (see above) in order to attract a new and more reliable buyer. If you’re part of a chain and the loss of one of your buyers puts the whole thing in peril, be honest about it and warn the rest of the chain through your solicitor. Sellers are frequently willing to wait for you, but if they ever have doubts about your trustworthiness, your own offer may be denied.

Keep your mortgage adviser informed

The amount you need to borrow (or are able to borrow) on your next mortgage will be determined by the price you acquire for your house. As a result, both your asking price and the final negotiated price should be communicated to your mortgage adviser. As soon as your adviser gets a firm number, he or she can start looking for the greatest mortgage arrangement for you.