It has been an incredible roller coaster for the housing market over the last three years with house prices rising to record levels during and after the pandemic. But after the Government’s ill-fated mini budget last October, all that changed, with the money markets reacting nervously and interest rates and mortgage costs escalating and many buyers taking a pause, to wait and see if things settle down or house prices might even drop a little. With this in mind, it is more important than ever to attract the potential buyers who are still wanting to buy and, more than that, ensure that your home is everything that a potential buyer is looking for. If your property is on the market in the Cheadle area and you’re not getting the results that you expected, here are seven possible things for you to consider
1. Signs of damp or mould
When a potential buyer walks into your home they want to be filled with love and excitement – one sure thing that will turn their vision of dreams into a nightmare is those little black marks that scream damp or mould. Damp is not one of those jobs you should leave to fate and chance – you need to manage the situation before you place your house on the market.
We can all get scrubbing in the bathroom and kitchen, and you may have the skills to freshen up grouting around sinks, baths, showers and tiles, but if you know that your damp needs the opinion of the experts, get a survey as soon as you can so you know what you’re dealing with. The best course of action would be to get the works completed all ready before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up – it’s not the best idea to leave these types of jobs for buyers, as they will certainly be looking for a cheeky sale price if you do.
2. Love thy neighbours
No matter how amazing your house is, one thing that buyers will be considering is what your neighbours are like. No one wants to live next to people who are going to make their home life miserable, they want to know that their neighbours are friendly. Don’t be surprised if potential buyers pop next door for a quick chat or ask your estate agent questions about what the local community is like.
It is your responsibility – and a legal requirement – to be honest about any issues you have had with neighbours and during the sales process, but don’t wait. Be upfront and give buyers the full details when viewing rather than during the sale process – losing a buyer before offers are made is an easier pill to swallow than further down the line when you could lose your next home too.
3. Parking
Let’s talk about parking, as we know this is a massive issue for many homeowners whose properties don’t have a big enough drive for their vehicles – or no drive at all. If your home doesn’t have a drive or parking space, there is no way you can create one, but you can provide information for potential buyers that could smooth over the issue. Where do you park your car? You may have a sneaky spot that buyers would have never considered, or an informal agreement with a neighbour. The buyer may not be familiar with the area, which is why it’s a great idea to provide them with details on public transport, as this could answer any questions they have about commuting.
4. Volume of traffic
Location, location, location could also mean that your home is near a very busy road, which is never something that’s listed on buyers’ wish lists. Although this could be a negative, what does your home or neighbourhood have to counteract that? Your garden might be a lovely haven where the noise isn’t that noticeable; or perhaps the area has a wealth of amenities and facilities, which could increase the appeal of the location. Focus buyers’ attention on the positives and they may realise it is a small compromise worth making.
5. A little whiff
Does your home have a unique aroma? It could be from having pets, a hobby or your culinary experiments. There are some smells that help to sell houses – buyers will hear their belly rumble at the smell of fresh bread, or the feeling of cleanliness evoked by crisp fresh washing. Buying a home is a sensory experience and you need to make sure you take into account your buyers’ sense of smell when selling your home.
Give your home a deep clean before you contact an estate agent. Make sure you clean carpets and fabric-based furnishings, such as sofas and curtains, where aromas can linger. Try and place natural scents around your home rather than artificial ones, which can sometimes be overpowering on the nostrils. Fresh flowers, lavender and herbs are the perfect way to add colour and a subtle, natural scent that buyers will love.
6. No garden
There is no doubt that after having been through a pandemic we all appreciate and desire outside space more than ever before. If your house doesn’t have a garden, it doesn’t mean your home is less desirable, provided you make the most of it. From a tiny patio, a shared courtyard or a lovely balcony with views, whatever space you do have, spend time preparing it for sale. Any space can be transformed with the introduction of plants and flowers and an area to sit and while away the hours.
If you have no accessible outside space, what can you do to bring the outdoors in? House plants have had a resurgence in recent years and can make your home feel like it’s connected with a green space. What parks or walks do you have close by in Cheadle. Highlight these places to your buyers so they know that even if they don’t have a private space in the sun, there are plenty of areas around them to explore.
7. Yes, it is all about the price
Selling your Cheadle home is also all about getting the price right! More so than ever at the moment. Yes, prices fluctuate and so the figure that next door achieved a few months ago could be very different to what your home is worth today. You also need to do your research to ensure you have chosen an estate agent that understands the local property market and has a solid marketing strategy for attracting buyers and selling your home. If the price of your property is too high, it could be sat on the market a while and may end up having to be reduced significantly further down the line. Getting the sale price of your property right from the start is crucial for a quick and successful sale.
Let’s get it sold
Who wants to be pondering why their house isn’t selling? If you are struggling to sell and perhaps want a fresh perspective, why not give Joe, Patrick or Maurice a call on 0161 428 3663, e-mail sales@mkiea.co.uk or pop into our office on Cheadle High Street, as we make it our mission not just to list houses but to actually get them sold.
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