01 Nov Q. We’ve just put our house on the market, but we’d like to be moved by Christmas. Is there anything we can do to help our agent sell it quickly?
A. Your estate agent will advertise your house, make sure the details are seen by potential buyers and arrange and attend viewing appointments but yes, there are a few things you can do to help the process to a speedy completion with minimal stress…
Presentation for viewings
When potential buyers view your home, it helps if it’s well presented – that it smells fresh, and is clean and tidy with worktops free of washing up, etc. A bit of de-cluttering, a little redecoration or touching up may be in order, but just try to make it as presentable as possible.
Leave viewings to the agent
You may want to be home to tell prospective purchasers about the lovely neighbours, or that parking is only a problem during school drop off and pickup times, but owners also tend to point out things they would change if they were to stay which, however well intended, can come across as negative. So, try to be out when viewings take place. If you have a dog, take it for a walk as the buyers need to focus on, and remember the property – not how friendly the dog is!
Instruct a solicitor/conveyancer
If you do this as soon as possible, any pre-sale paperwork can be done in preparation so once a buyer is found it’ll be all systems go for the quickest possible transaction timescale. We obviously work with conveyancers all the time, so we can make some recommendations if required.
Get your paperwork ready
Your solicitor/conveyancer will need some documents from you before they can take any action, so gather information such as proof of identities, guarantees and details of work carried out at the property, as well as any paperwork on issues such as subsidence and additional insurances, etc. The earlier your legal representative has these, the earlier they can start to prepare the necessary legal documents for a sale.
Respond quickly
Try to respond quickly to requests from lenders, legal companies and estate agents.
Plan for your move
If you plan to use a removals company, get quotes early on. You can’t commit to a moving date, but you can decide on which firm you’re using, and knowing the cost will help with budgeting too. If you’re moving yourself, do the same with van hire, etc.
Follow these tips and you’ll be doing everything you can to help the sale move swiftly. We wish you the best of luck for a Merry Christmas in your new home! 🎄
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