There is nothing more frustrating than having your house on the market, with viewers coming and going, and yet receiving no offers. Every time you get that call from your agent, you spend hours tidying and preparing it for inspection, only to be disappointed again.
We have put together a compilation of the top reasons that your house may be hanging around on the market longer than you want…
- Photographs
Don’t underestimate the impact of professional photographs. This is the first impression that buyers will get of your home, so presenting it in the best possible light will help you get the right buyers through the door.
- Marketing
Is your property being marketed to its best potential? Photographs, videos, floor plans, Rightmove advert, other online adverts – all of them will need to be undertaken if you want a quick sale at the best price.
- Overpriced
Try not to be greedy. Your property will only sell for what it’s worth. Advertising your property at an unrealistic price can seriously reduce your chances of a sale. Consider all the valuations, take advice from your estate agent and price your property at the right level.
- Unfinished DIY jobs
There is nothing more off-putting for a potential buyer than noticing half done DIY jobs, such as leaking taps, chipped paintwork, lifted carpet etc. Your buyers will notice this and it could cost you a sale. Put some love back into your home.
- Empty nests
Don’t leave your children’s bedrooms as they were when they flew the nest. Clear away, declutter and redesign. Go for a clean, fresh look. Think ‘hotel bedroom’ and you won’t go far wrong.
- Soft furnishings
Cushions that have seen better days, filthy rugs, worn linen, stained towels – these are all big ‘no no’s.’ You’re going to need soft furnishings for your new home so buy new things to display and throw the old away.
- Pets
As much as you love your furry friends, the smells and bedding can be very off putting for potential buyers. Take pets out of the house during viewings and make sure you clear up litter trays, poop and dirty bowls.
- Bad smells
Any weird smells such as damp, mould, wet dog, or litter trays will all be noticed by your viewers – it is worth spending a bit of time cleaning the carpets and wiping down the walls. Light scented candles and diffusers to freshen the room and make your home a scented haven.
- Too personal
It’s very important to try and depersonalise your home so that buyers can visualise their own furniture, belongings and pictures in the property. Declutter! Put away your photographs, gnome collection, and eclectic ‘over the top’ bits and bobs – think neutral and fresh.
10. Kerb appeal
The power of ‘kerb appeal is real’; the front of your house is the first thing any viewer will see. Driveways, lawns, borders, gutters and fences all need to be in ‘tip top’ condition. If the exterior areas look shabby, the viewer has already made a judgement before they have even walked through the front door.
- Being overbearing
When viewers wander around a house, they like to have space to peruse at their own pace, and explore the layout. If you are conducting the viewing yourself, try not to fuss and talk too much; busy yourself elsewhere, but be available for any questions, should they have them. An estate agent is not as emotionally attached to the property, which will help the viewers to feel more relaxed.
11 ½. Timing
This is ‘half’ a reason because often we are sometimes forced to put our house on the market at an inconvenient time. If you can help it, however, try to avoid marketing your house during periods such as school summer holidays or Christmas, when viewing houses is the last thing on anyone’s mind.
If you follow these simple suggestions, you will not only improve your house for yourself, but also for your viewers. Win – win!
If you have any questions about this article, or any other property matter, we would love to hear from you. Give us a call on 01326 218427 or email us at hello@digs-property.co.uk
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