Tips to achieve that all-important asking price

With the market in some areas showing signs of moderation, White & Brooks wanted to share some tips and advice for achieving the best possible asking price when selling your property. There are a few things you can do to maximise the sales value and deter low offers, as we reveal:-

Price to sell: when engaging estate agents, we always recommend you get at least two property valuations and scrutinise why they recommend that asking price. At White & Brooks, we’re only too aware that overpriced properties can linger on the market and drive down the final sale price (the longer a property is on the market, the more suspicious buyers get). That’s why our highly rated property experts are committed to giving you an honest valuation in light of how quickly you need to sell and how the local sales market is performing. We use real-time data, historical sales figures and buyer demand to give you a realistic value.

Get a survey done: typically, it’s the house buyer who pay to have a survey done and the results, especially if they show structural flaws, are often used to put forward a reduced asking price. You could avoid this by commissioning your own survey before you put your home on the market, dealing with issues before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up. A set of upfront survey results and proof of remedial work can help attract buyers, who will feel more confident in their purchase.

Spend a little to make a lot: if you’ve been putting off that list of DIY jobs, now’s the time to tick them off! If you can spend some money – and time – to make your property more presentable, this will add value and desirability. Buyers will be mentally calculating how much they’ll need to spend to get your property up to the standard they desire, and they’ll be looking to knock this off the asking price.

From repairing broken fence panels and giving the front door a lick of paint to regrouting grimy bathroom tiles and glossing over discoloured skirting boards, the less work sellers think they’ll have to do when they move in, the more positive they’ll feel about making a good offer.

Leave white goods behind: if there’s no need to take all your white goods to your new home, consider leaving them behind as they can become a great bargaining tool to encourage higher offers. You can include fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers as part of the general sale, or negotiate to sell them to the buyer separately. In fact, any items in your home can be offered to the buyer in return for a higher offer, just make sure to specify these arrangements on the TA10 Fittings & Fixtures form issued by your solicitor.

Keep it clean and tidy: countless surveys have shown buyers will make higher offers for a property that’s presented in a clean and clutter-free state, so ensure your home is always viewing-ready. Start with a deep clean, which should include windows (inside and out), skirting boards and those hard-to-reach places, while keep on top of dust, clutter and paperwork daily. A clean, tidy home will automatically make your property feel welcoming and maximise the space, helping buyers to visualise themselves and their own belongings in your home.

If you’re thinking about selling, contact one of our brilliant team today for a free, no-obligation valuation. We’ll use our expert knowledge to give you a realistic figure, together with advice on achieving the best price possible.