Selling Guide
A useful guide to selling your property in Sevenoaks, Kent
When selling your property first impressions count, so it is important that prospective buyers see your property in the best possible light. Greater attention should be focused on the exterior of your property as this will give potential buyers their first and last impression. Make sure the approach to your property is kept clear and is well maintained. As well as mowing lawns and cutting hedges you should also tidy up any borders and pots and make sure the paintwork on the front of the property is in good condition. You might also want to give the front door a lick of paint.
Internally, buyers are likely to want to make their own mark on a new property, so it is probably not worth investing in a new kitchen or bathroom. The most basic and important rule is to make sure the house is tidy and the windows are clean. Reduce clutter wherever you can and make sure rooms are furnished for their purpose as buyers find it easier to imagine themselves living there if the property has a lived-in feel; this does not mean your property has to look like a show home.
It pays to make sure rooms are aired in summer and warm in winter, and use lighting if a room is otherwise gloomy. Decorating with flowers gives a welcoming feel to a property. If your property is vacant, whenever possible leave it furnished (removing valuable items), collect the post and do not disconnect the services.
Photography is important so make the best of your pictures, replace blown light bulbs, fix any broken blinds, open the curtains, make the beds, hide wires, tidy children’s toys, clear bathrooms and give them a clean especially those glass screens, cut the grass, tidy up garden furniture and remove rubbish bins.
Whenever possible choosing when and how to sell your property is the key to generating the most interest and securing the best possible price.
It is best to contact an estate agent direct, all offer free market appraisals, it is advisable to approach an estate agent who you are familiar with and who has an office presence. One thing we would strongly urge you to avoid is to go online seeking an estate agent and find that you have become embroiled with a middle person! The internet is rife with disguised intermediaries.
Property valuation in Kent
When it comes to the valuation these can vary and you need to be aware that valuation is not a precise art, a professional and experienced estate agent will aim to achieve for you the best possible price in your time frame.
Setting a competitive selling price is key, there are a number of price marketing methods ranging from the traditional fixed price method to the use of a ‘Guide Price’. Some estate agents use a price range but the drawback with this method is that the bottom price of the quoted range is the price that appears on the portals so buyers are surprised and often disappointed to learn that the price is higher and this can lead to a ‘cooling off.’
Choose an estate agent that provides a floor plan with their marketing as many buyers find this very useful.
Unless your property is Grade II listed you will by law need to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate before you put your property on the market. These are valid for 10 years so if you are selling a property which already has an unexpired EPC you will not need to commission another one.