This is one of the most common questions we hear, but not the easiest to answer. Each property is different and unique in its own right, and as such due to area, local amenities, and much mor,e demand differs from location to location. Realistically, it is all a delicate balance and to make sure you get it right, you and your agent need to be accurate.
In our view, the two key factors are price, and the quality of the advertisement.
The quality of the advertisement is broken down into two sections; the written description and the pictures. Realistically there should be enough information contained within the description that the buyer doesn’t have to go elsewhere to find the information they need – the last thing you want is for them to be leaving your property advertisement without making an enquiry! So all of the basics, local transport connections, local amenities, nearby schools, room decor and sizes should be included. There really is a lot to be included in the written description, and due to this you need to make sure you are prepared when an agent visits to complete a valuation, if your property is a leasehold, you’ll need to ensure you provide the agent with information on the management fee, service charges, ground rent, and also advise on whether an EPC is required; this all contributes to helping any prospective buyers determine whether the monthly costs are feasible for them. All of the information you can possibly think of and more all needs to be in the description, the key element is to make sure all of the information is in front of them, so it ensures that the potential buyer doesn’t stray off into research, and they make the enquiry then and there.
We always see the pictures as the most important part however, when on property portals you don’t get to see the description until you’ve actually clicked on the property; which means that front picture of the advertisement needs to have the ‘wow factor’! It needs to attract the potential buyer instantly, by looking warm, welcoming and homely. To achieve good pictures, your agent needs a helping hand from you, a small amount of work can see a huge return in interest, follow our top tips for more information; http://csproperties-cardiff.co.uk/news/property-pictures-the-right-way
Finally, and most importantly, in the famous words of Bob Barker, make sure ‘the price is right!’ Your agent will tell you the value of your property and will also advise you of the price you should place it onto the market at. While you always want to achieve that little bit more, if you overstep this line then it will simply hit your property out of the ball park! for potential buyers. So for example, if you have your property on the market for £120,000 but your neighbour has an identical house to yours on the market for £100,000, buyers will go for the no brainer. No matter how much your agent will try, it’s almost impossible to justify an extra £20,000 to a first time buyer due to high quality carpets! So be smart about it, listen to the advice given to you from the people who handle the industry every day. But most importantly, do some research of your own; go on Rightmove and check who else in your neighbourhood has their property on the market, so you can make sure you are informed right from the start of your valuation.
Should you ever want any advice, contact us! We do FREE valuations and have a fixed rate sale fee of £695 plus VAT which will easily save you hundreds, or even thousands.
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