how can we sell the house very quickly???

Question

Our house has been on the market for a month now, which is not long, but as we are moving to Japan at the beggining of January, I am starting to panick...so, how can I make my house more "saleable", nothing that requires a complete transformation, but little things or tips? Or, has anyone used those services that buy houses very quickly but with a lesser rice value of the house? or is not worth it? Thanks!

Answer 1

The market is slow at the moment. Are you getting viewings? What feedback are you getting from your agent? Pester your agent. Do they know the timescales they should be working to? That said, 99% of the times a house doesn't sell is because the asking price is too high. It is a buyers market, your house needs to be the best value in your street/area.

Make the house as presentable as possible....
Touch up any scuffs and scrapes with a spot of fresh paint.

Help buyers visualise the space by de-cluttering your house.

Make sure your property smells fresh and clean. Banish any cigarette or pet smells, open windows and perhaps brew some fresh coffee.

First impressions count, so make sure that the front of your property looks inviting. Attractive pot plants and a weed-free garden can make all the difference.

Dust away those cobwebs, polish your furniture and clean your windows to give potential buyers a good first impression.

Make sure all those little jobs are done and dusted, like leaking taps or blown light bulbs - work in progress can send out the wrong message to potential buyers.

Add those finishing touches with fresh flowers and lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Buyers need to make their own personal connection with your home. Remember it's easier for visitor to visualise things working from a blank canvas.

Answer 2

Combination of everything said... 1) No, you don't need to replace everything, so long as you have a good reason for moving it all out (because you will be asked) 2) Make sure you have a good estate agent that will advertise it widely - recommendation is best 3) Keep the place clean and tidy and smelling nice 4) Make sure you are priced just below the market rate - after all, selling your house quickly is more important (to you) than the profit you make (right?)! 5) When you're showing around, be really positive about everything - draw them to the features and away from the negative things. 6) Ensure your buyer has the funds and can move quickly (i.e. isn't in a long chain). Be prepared to comprimise on the price if necessary (but set your limit beforehand). Every house I've sold (5 of my own) has sold in the first week, 2 in the first day, using the above tips...

Answer 3

1) Check your curb appeal, make sure your house looks good from the outside. A fresh coat of paint, some new sod for the lawn if you have one, and a couple of plants.

2) Simple things throughout the house like making sure all the hardware matches (door knobs) from room to room. Switching out the door knobs on your kitchen cabinets can make them appear more updated too.

3) I'm assuming you're still living in the house - make sure you run through like mad and run a cleaning cloth over everything as soon as the real estate agent calls to tell you they're bringing someone over. A house that appears "pristine" looks more attractive even if the furniture is a little worn etc.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I presume you've seen all the 'House Doctor' programmes which suggest a complete de-clutter and de-personsonalisation of your house - get everything out, keep the colours neutral and minimal (so the buyers don't have to use too much imagination to 'see' their belongings there), open the windows and let the fresh air in (much better than plug-in air fresheners!) etc.

Ask your estate agent what their advice is too - put the pressure on them to get prospective buyers round - after all, that's what you're paying them for!

Consider a financial incentive (a reduction of price or offer to pay for the search/buyer's solicitor's fees).

Good luck!

P.S. Don't under any circumstances use one of those companies - you will lose thousands of pounds.

Answer 5

If you attempt to sell to one of the "we buy houses" vendors, you can expect to be paid roughly 70% of the actual market value. That's how these folks make money.

Always 'de-clutter' your house to make it appear more spacious, keep it tidy and clean, repaint any rooms which either need it, or are in an unacceptable color, repair any obvious defects, and insure that you always agree to a showing of the property, no matter how inconvenient.

Last of all, be sure that your asking price is where it needs to be. If you are overpriced, folks will walk right on by.

Answer 6

How exciting, you will love Japan. In order to sell your house quickly you need to sell your house to one of the 'Quick House sale' companies, but watchout that you get as near to the market price as possible.
I can thoroughly recommend Sell to Stay as a company that will give you 80% of the market value of your house.
Give then a look at http://www.sell2stay.com

Best of luck in Japan Bigpathome.

Answer 7

lower the price. this is probably the worst time in history to be selling a house. there are so many on the market. you could go around and look and price similar homes in similar neighborhoods to see what they are doing, and use that to get an advantage over the other sellers. because believe me, if people are looking at your house, they are looking at those houses. make it more appealling, make it netural, new paint, landscape, keep it clean. no clutter, maybe remove ugly or damaged furniture. let people see your HOUSE, not your HOME

Answer 8

This is going to sound very bizarre, but it may be worth a try. A lot of people have had excellent luck selling their houses by burying a statue of St. Joseph upside down in their front yard. Don't ask me what the significance of this is, (I'm no Saint expert), all I've heard is that it works.

Answer 9

In this market, it's ALL about the price. You MUST be the BEST value to even have someone consider you to have an offer made on your house.

Answer 10

Ask your agent to do an open house where he can get as many potential buyers around in one day. Then ask for sealed bids and hopefully you will get a sale. Remember your agent is working for you so keep phoning for updates and be pushy.