Are you preparing to sell a house or property? There are certain steps that will help guarantee you not only sell your home fast but get top-dollar. 

Keep reading for tips and tricks from the experts on how to sell a house or property.

Check Mortgage Fees and Rates

Before you decide to sell your existing home or property and move on, do a double-check of your existing mortgage terms. 

Find out what fees you’ll have to pay before moving. You should also check current interest rates, including the standard variable rate (SVR). This rate is what you’ll have to pay after your mortgage reverts following the fixed-rate period. 

Some lenders provide portable mortgages. These work well if the lending company approves of your new property and you pass the affordability test. In some cases, your mortgage can just move from one property to the next. 

Once your existing mortgage ends, you can refinance. Non-portable mortgages may run you between 1 and 5% in repayment fees, so take this into consideration. Once you calculate these expenses, you can move onto the next step in selling a house.

Fix-It Up

Before you put your property on the market, you need to make it attractive to buyers. This includes fixing up both the interior and exterior. Before you dump a ton of money into the house, consider how much it will cost and what the ROI (return on investment) will be. 

Certain upgrades are well worth the money because they increase the property value. Others will end up costing you more than you can add to the price of the home. Do your research before performing any major renovations.

In most cases, a simple makeover is enough to prepare your home for the market. Fix any visible issues including cracks, broken items, or hazards. An inspection will be done before you can list your house for sale and you’re required to fix any many issues before closing. This could end up costing you more money and time due to delays in closing the deal. Be proactive by making necessary repairs from the start.

In addition to fixing things, your home should also be presentable. Simple things like a fresh coat of paint, professionally cleaned carpets, and attractive furniture and decor can work wonders for selling a home. 

Curb appeal is another important thing to consider. The outside of the property is the first thing people see. Make it appealing by adding shrubbery or landscaping and an illuminated walkway. Any stairs should also have secure railings.

Get Your Home Valued

When figuring out how to sell a house, the biggest question most people have is how much is it worth? Rather than guess, there’s actually a process of figuring out the best listing price for your property. This includes a current market evaluation and an appraisal. Before calling in the experts or a real estate agent, you can do some legwork yourself.

Head to the Internet and check how many homes similar to yours have sold in the last 12 months. This will give you a good idea of the current housing market and how much buyers are willing to spend on homes comparable to yours. Websites like Zoopla, Rightmove, and Nethouseprices will give you a rough idea. 

Make sure you’re only checking homes that are the same size and spec as yours. It’s important to balance the price of your home both competitively and accurately. Avoid getting caught up in what you think your house is worth versus what the market tells you. Put your emotions aside when it comes to selling a house.

Comparing agents

Another approach involves getting quotes from several different estate agents. Never reveal the value that one agent provided to another agent. 

Comparing agents provides you a balanced view and a great jumping-off point for choosing a listing price. Remember that just because you request a valuation from an agent doesn’t mean you need to use them for the sale.

Don’t forget to factor in things like the age of the home, location, size, and any add-ons or renovations you performed when getting it ready for sale. 

Advertise It

Now that you’ve covered how to finance the sale and purchase of your next property and have a good idea of what to list your property for, it’s time to get the word out. There are several different ways to do this and most have to do with your comfort level, deadline, and budget. 

Some homeowners aren’t comfortable with open houses or showings that allow strangers to view the home without an appointment. If you don’t want anyone poking around your house, you may want to skip this option. 

You can also hire a high street agent who’s responsible for showing the house and staying with the prospective buyers at all times. This removes you from the equation, as you won’t be present during these walkthroughs. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss when selling a house. 

Online agents?

There are several online outlets for listing your home including the websites mentioned above. When figuring out how to sell a house, the biggest question is whether or not to take the online approach or elicit the services of a high street agent. Both options have their pros and cons.

Online services are cheaper but generally require an upfront payment. Working with an agent will cost you more, but you aren’t obligated to pay until your property sells. That means you’re guaranteed results. 

The upfront cost of a high street agent covers most expenses, whereas online services are listed separately. High street agents are generally local and familiar with the area, giving them an advantage in the current market and attracting serious buyers. For those who prefer having control over the selling process, an online service might be best. 

You can track the progress and all other information using a convenient app. Once you hire an agent, they’re in control of the entire process, which can be good or bad depending on your personality.

Take the Stress Out of Selling a House

Do you have a house for sale or are preparing to sell a property? Taking the right measures before putting your property on the market can increase your chances of getting a quick sale. 

Consider your budget, personality, and the current market. When in doubt, enlist the advice and guidance of a real estate professional.