Whether you’re retiring to a coastal villa, relocating to a new city for work or you want to your children to experience a different lifestyle, selling up and moving overseas is something some people only ever dream about. But you’ve taken the leap, you’ve found your perfect home and you’re ready to start packing. There’s just one thing standing between you and your big move: selling your current home.
The offer on your dream home has been accepted and your new life overseas is almost within touching distance. But before you can pack your bags and start the next chapter, there’s one final hurdle: selling your current home.
As someone who’s bought a house before, you’ll know how long and drawn-out the process can be. An unpredictable housing market, complicated paperwork, navigating negotiations and dealing with inevitable delays are enough to make it seem like time has stood still – especially considering how excited you are to start your new adventure. And the longer your house sits on the market, the more stressful it becomes.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of ten top tips to help you sell your home faster – minimising complications, maximising appeal and getting you one step closer to your overseas dream.
1. Set the right price
Nothing slows down a house sale more than setting the wrong price.
If your home is overpriced, you risk putting buyers off. If it’s too low, you might sell fast but lose money in the process.
Research the local market, see what similar homes have sold for and get valuations from multiple estate agents.
A well-priced home attracts more interest and leads to faster offers.
2. Enhance your home’s kerb appeal
The first thing buyers see is the outside of your home.
If your front door is looking tired, your garden overgrown or your windows dirty, it could put them off before they even step inside.
A fresh coat of paint, neat hedges, and a tidy driveway can instantly make your home more inviting.
Refresh outside areas to enhance your home’s kerb appeal
3. Consider repainting interior walls
You may love your bright feature wall or dark and moody sitting room, but too much personalisation can be off-putting. The buyer needs to be able to imagine themselves living there – and to appeal to as many people as possible, that means toning it down.
Property experts tend to agree that neutral shades like light grey, soft beige or off-white make rooms feel bigger, brighter and more appealing to buyers, as they are better able to imagine how they can put their own stamp on it.
Avoid dark or overly bold colours, as they can make rooms feel smaller or less inviting.
4. Stage it like a pro
If you’ve ever watched a TV show like Selling Sunset, you’ll know how much effort goes into creating a space the buyer can see themselves living in. It’s the same with your home.
While you may not be able to spend thousands on a top interior designer, you can declutter, depersonalise (by taking down family photos, for example) and rearrange the furniture to highlight space and light.
Think of it as dressing your home for success: neutral, tidy and welcoming.
5. Fix minor repairs
Buyers will be looking over your home with a critical eye, which means they will notice even the smallest flaws, from a dripping tap to a cracked tile.
These minor issues might seem insignificant to you, but they can make buyers question how well the house has been maintained.
A quick fix-up – patching walls, replacing broken handles and fixing leaks – can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.
6. Hire a professional photographer
Now that your home is in tip top condition, it’s time to get some photographs taken to showcase it looking its best.
Most buyers will see your home online before they see it in person, and bad photos can ruin your chances before they even book a viewing.
Professional photography makes a huge difference, showing off your home’s best features and making it stand out in listings.
A virtual tour or video walkthrough can also attract more interest, especially from out-of-town buyers.
7. Be flexible with viewings
The more people who see your home, the faster it’s likely to sell.
That means being flexible with viewing times, even if it’s not always convenient.
Evening and weekend appointments can help attract serious buyers who may not be able to view during the working day.
8. Highlight energy-efficient features
Energy bills are on everyone’s minds, so if your home has double glazing, insulation, solar panels or an energy-efficient boiler, make sure buyers know about it.
Energy efficiency is becoming a top priority for buyers, and promoting these features could give your home the edge over others on the market.
List your home on all major property websites
9. Market your home in multiple places
These days, a “For Sale” sign in the front garden isn’t enough.
Make sure your home is listed on all major property websites, shared on social media and marketed through a reputable estate agent.
High-quality listings with strong descriptions and professional photos will attract more attention.
10. Work with a reputable estate agent
A skilled estate agent can make all the difference in how quickly you sell.
Choose someone with a strong track record in your area, good reviews and experience in selling homes like yours. They’ll handle negotiations, market your property effectively, and help you get the best possible price in the shortest time.
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