Moving house stress-free
Whether you’re a box and bubble-wrap newbie, or moving-truck veteran, moving house can be a big upheaval. Here’s how to be prepared and keep your cool.
Getting started
Firstly, deciding to sell your home is a big decision.
Before you take the plunge, have a think about what’s happening in the real estate market currently, and what your next steps will be after selling.
Are you going to be better off buying your next home before or after you sell?
1. Choose agents wisely
The right agent can make or break your sale, so don’t be afraid to shop around your local area. Look for good local knowledge and a proven track record of sales success. They’ll be in charge of advertising, showcasing and completing the legal requirements of selling your home, so don’t rush this decision!
2. The how and how much
You’ll then work with your agent on the right selling strategy for your property. Should you go to auction? Should you opt for a Property Preview? What should your asking price range be? A good agent will take into account your property’s age, location, size and features, as well as market trends, to help you decide.
Legal and contracts
Once you and your agent have determined the right strategy, you’ll then sign an agreement so they can commence work. This is a legally binding document, which outlays the agreed upon course of action, covering off what’s expected of them in the selling process.
Once the agreement is signed, you then need to prepare your Vendor’s Statement (or Section 32) for your property, and your contract of sale – this is done through your conveyancer or solicitor. This Statement will include all the relevant details prospective buyers will be looking for.
Going to market
This is where the fun part begins – your agent will have already explained your options for marketing and advertising your property. You’ll need to work with them now to arrange photography, floor plans and ad copy for all advertising material. When it comes to photos, make sure you do all you can to showcase your home in its best possible light and ask to see the final copies before they go public.
Once the advertising begins, your agent will help arrange viewing times, whether open or private, so that buyers can see what they could be getting in the flesh. Again, make sure you’ve got your place looking its best before any such appointment, to help ensure your best chances of a sale. As a simple rule, before any inspection, make sure you take care of these three simple things to make your home feel as welcoming and inviting as possible.
1. Stay clutter-free
You want buyers to be able to envision themselves living in your home. Remove any unnecessarily large furniture and mess.
2. Do the yardwork
We all know not to judge a book by it’s cover, but if your frontage is overgrown with weeds, it’s not a good look straight away.
3. Let there be light
Open all the windows and turn on some lights. Light creates a feeling of calm and space, making us feel at home.
Negotiation and sale
All things going to plan, you shouldn’t have to wait long before your agent is able to turn a couple of nibbles into a bite. Once a buyer is found, your agent will mediate between buyer and seller so you can reach a price that everyone is happy with. At this point, the buyer will put down their deposit.
Then, you’ll need to touch base with your lawyer and lender, and the buyer will do the same so that all parties meet their financial and legal obligations.
Settlement day
That magical day every seller dreams of! Depending on the length of settlement you agree upon with your buyer, it may come around sooner than you think, so be ready, and start packing sooner rather than later!
On settlement day, you’ll hand over keys to your agent, and you’ll relinquish legal rights to the property. Your buyer will arrange the balance of payment from their bank, and that’s it – you’re done!
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