First Impressions
A well staged property is likely to sell faster than one that is not. An empty/vacant property are often perceived to be worth less than the advertised price. One reason for this; potential buyers assuming the owner is desperate to sell.
Avoid the Property Pitfalls
- Don’t assume a freshly decorated empty property will provide prospective buyers with a blank canvas they can imagine living in. It can have the adverse effect.
- Empty rooms will appear smaller than they actually are, leaving viewers assuming they won’t be able to fit their furniture in them.
- Empty rooms will highlight lack of storage space and appear cold and uninviting (even if the heating is on!)
- Basic light fixtures give the impression of low value, uncared for (even if brand new)
- Partial staging, looks contrived. Either fully stage or leave it empty (and accept the assumptions that will be made)
- Cold houses are not inviting, keep the heating on, or turn on well in advance of viewings.
- Sharing unrealised visions to prospective buyers, will leave them wondering what went wrong and why they weren’t achieved (despite the fact that there may be a legitimate reason for selling)
Read the Signs
- A prospective buyer will demonstrate very quickly how much they wish to engage in discussion when they arrive to view a property (act accordingly)
- Ensure your Agent has done their due diligence and briefed you or/their representative prior to a viewing
- Be helpful but not over familier
- Allow prospective buyers the space to take in the surroundings and atmosphere of the property
Offers
It is easy to get excited when potential buyers make an offer. It is important to allow the process to happen and not get carried away at this stage. Many factors need to fall into line for the sale to reach completion. Keep in mind the following:
- An offer is not legally binding (in the UK), merely the start of the process
- If a buyer is dependant on the sale of another property before proceeding, your sale is far from guaranteed
- It is typically advisable to keep the property open to other viewings in the early stages in case the sale collapses, so that you haven’t missed other potential buyers
- An offer can be revised if a buyer is unhappy with findings of surveys and searches etc.
- It is more realistic to adopt the approach of ‘expect the unexpected’ until exchange of contracts has happened
- Keep in mind this is a business transaction at all times and don’t let emotion take over (easier said than done sometimes!)
Remember
Present your property well and buyers will be able to envisage a lifestyle they desire and are more likely to choose yours over others. Keep a level head throughout the sale process and hopefully all will work out as desired.