The time it takes to sell your home can depend on numerous factors. Some you can control and some you can’t! Here are some factors you need to consider:

Local Property Market Conditions: Buyer’s Market – If there are more homes available than buyers, properties might take longer to sell. In this market, buyers have more choices and can afford to be choosy. Seller’s Market – When there are more buyers than available homes, properties tend to sell faster. In this scenario, well-priced homes might even receive multiple offers or sell above the asking price.

Home’s Condition: A well-maintained home that is move-in ready will generally appeal to a broader range of buyers and might sell more quickly than a home requiring repairs or updates.

Pricing Strategy: Overpricing – Homes priced above comparable properties in the area will likely deter potential buyers, resulting in a longer time on the market. Competitive Pricing – Homes priced in line with or slightly below market value can attract more potential buyers and might result in faster sales or even bidding wars.

Marketing Strategy: Effective marketing can significantly influence how quickly a home sells. This includes digital listings, high-quality photos and videos, virtual tours, open houses, and leveraging social media and other platforms.

Seasonality: In many areas, certain times of the year, like spring and early summer, are considered peak selling seasons. Families often want to move before a new school year starts, and properties generally show better in the spring.

Economic Factors: Mortgage interest rates, employment rates, and overall economic health can influence buyer demand. For instance, historically low mortgage rates might increase the number of potential buyers in the market.

Preparations: To help speed up the conveyancing and legal processes, getting all your relevant paperwork and documents ready to pass to your representative will help move things along.

A property ‘chain’ refers to a sequence of linked purchases, each of which is dependent on the preceding and succeeding purchase. Essentially, each buyer is also a seller, selling their existing home to finance the purchase of a new one.

For example, Person A wants to buy Person B’s house, but they need to sell their own house first to fund the purchase. Meanwhile, Person B is buying from Person C and also needs to wait for Person A’s purchase to go through to afford it. This continues down the line, forming a ‘chain’.

The more links in the chain, the more complex the process can become. All transactions need to reach completion simultaneously, meaning everyone in the chain exchanges contracts and completes on the same day.

If one sale falls through, it can potentially affect all the other transactions in the chain, causing delays or even causing the entire chain to collapse.

Chain-free property transactions, such as buying a new-build property or buying from a seller who isn’t making an onward purchase, are generally simpler and can be completed more quickly because they’re not dependent on any other transactions.

When selling your home, it’s essential to be aware of the various costs associated with the process. While some of these expenses can vary based on the property’s location, market conditions, and the specific terms of the sale, here’s a detailed breakdown of typical costs involved:

Estate Agent Commissions: Standard commissions can vary depening upon the skills and expertise of the agent you appoint. It is important to go with the agent who you feel most confident to sell your home for the maximum price. 

Solicitor or Conveyancing Costs: These are the costs you will pay to your appointed representative to handle all the necessary legal documentation and transfers of title etc. They will also liaise with your mortgage lender. 

Essential Repairs: There maybe renovation works that you may consider necessary before you put your home on the market. Those small DIY jobs that are so easy to put off will have to be done!

Staging Costs: To make the home more appealing, sellers may consider some sort of staging. This involves arranging furniture and decor to present the property in the best possible light, and it can vary widely in cost based on the size and condition of the home. This can be done professionally or by spending some money on updating a few soft furnishings etc.

Capital Gains Tax: If the home has significantly appreciated in value since purchase, sellers might be liable for capital gains tax on the profit. However, this will only apply if the property is not yourn primary residence i.e. an investment property or holiday home.

Moving Expenses: While this isn’t a cost of selling per se, it’s a direct consequence. Depending on the move’s distance and the amount of personal belongings, moving costs can be substantial.

Storage: If the seller needs to move out before selling the home, they might incur storage fees for their belongings.

Mortgage Redemption: If there’s an outstanding balance on the home mortgage, it needs to be paid off during the sale. While this isn’t a “cost” in the traditional sense, it’s essential to remember when calculating the net proceeds from the sale. Also be aware of any redemption penalties you may incur for paying of a fixed rate mortgage, for example.

Preparing your home for viewingscan make a significant difference in the impression it leaves on potential buyers. Remember, the aim is to create a welcoming environment where potential buyers can visualize the property as their future home. Every detail counts in making a lasting impression.

Some of these may seem over the top, however, it’s up to the homeowner to decide what they feel is necessary to achieve that ‘wow’ factor.

Deep Clean: A sparkling clean home gives the impression of a well-maintained property. Clean all windows, inside and out. Shampoo carpets and rugs. Dust surfaces, including hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and kickboards. Clean grout in bathrooms and kitchens.

Declutter: Clutter can make spaces look smaller and distract from the home’s features. Remove unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and tables. Organize closets and cupboards just in case buyers peek inside.

Consider renting a storage unit for excess furniture or personal items.

Depersonalise: Buyers should be able to visualize themselves in the home. Remove family photos, children’s artwork, and other personal mementos. Take down any ‘controversial’ or highly niche decor!

Neutralise Decor: Stick to neutral colours and decor to appeal to a broad audience. Consider painting rooms in neutral shades. Replace bold or patterned curtains with neutral ones.

Repair and Refresh: Address visible minor repairs to show buyers the home is well-maintained. Fix leaky taps, broken light fixtures, and chipped paint. Replace burnt-out light bulbs.

Enhance Kerb Appeal: First impressions count! The home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. Mow the lawn and trim hedges. Plant flowers or place potted plants by the entrance. Ensure the house number is visible. Pressure wash the home’s exterior, driveway, and pathways.

Optimise Lighting: Well-lit rooms feel more inviting and spacious. Open all curtains and blinds during viewings. Add floor or table lamps to areas with insufficient natural light.

Reduce Odours: Bad smells can turn off potential buyers. Empty rubbish bins regularly. Avoid cooking with strong odours before viewings.  Use air fresheners or scented candles for a pleasant aroma. If you have pets, clean litter boxes and other areas regularly.

Rearrange Furniture: The way furniture is arranged can influence how spacious a room feels. Remove bulky or excess furniture. Arrange furniture to allow for easy traffic flow and showcase the function of each room.

Highlight Key Features: Draw attention to the home’s unique or desirable features. If there’s a fireplace, ensure it’s clean and consider lighting it for viewings. For built-in bookshelves, reduce books and add a few decorative items.

Provide Information: Consider providing a sheet that lists the home’s features, recent upgrades, and benefits of the local neighbourhood.

Pets: Some potential buyers might be allergic or afraid of pets. If possible, remove pets during viewings and store pet gear out of sight.

Temperature: Ensure the home’s temperature is comfortable. In cooler months, consider warming the home a bit. In warmer months, ensure rooms are cool.

Finishing Touches: Add fresh flowers to main rooms. Set the dining table or kitchen island/bar with elegant place settings. Play soft background music.