How Long Does It Take To Sell A House

*This is a collaborative post how long it takes to sell a house

Moving house is widely accepted to be one of the most stressful things you can do. Much of the stress comes from the uncertainty involved. Unfortunately, until contracts have been exchanged, the outcome and timescale of your property sale are both unpredictable and uncontrollable.

How long does it take to sell? 

Top tips to attract a buyer

If you want to improve your chances of attracting a buyer quickly, there are some simple steps you can take.

Choose a proactive estate agent

Choosing the right agent can make a huge difference to your property sale. 

A proactive agent will:

• Put together a detailed property listing
• Proactively target prospective buyers whose requirements fit your property
• Provide well-manged, guided viewings
• Answer any questions from prospective buyers promptly and knowledgably
• Collate detailed feedback from viewers to help shape the property marketing strategy
• Negotiate a good offer for your property
• Work alongside your conveyancing solicitor to manage the sale through to completion

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t receive this level of service, so it’s important to do your research and ask for recommendations from people you trust. 

Price your property well

Price is a big factor in attracting interest in your property. Properties that are initially overpriced take an average of 50% longer to sell, so it’s important to price your property competitively from the start.

Your estate agent will be able to advise on asking price, but ensure you make it clear you’re looking for a quick sale and want to price the property accordingly.

Ensure your property is looking its best

Before you put your property on the market, it’s important to ensure it’s looking its best. Address any unfinished DIY tasks, refresh any tired looking décor and give your property a deep clean.

It’s also a great opportunity to have a declutter. A less cluttered house will help prospective buyers picture themselves in the property and allow them to appreciate the space the property offers. It will also save you spending money to move items you no longer want or need.

Don’t forget kerb appeal when trying to sell a house

It can be easy to focus on preparing the inside of your property for sale and neglect your property’s kerb appeal. However, several studies have shown that prospective buyers often make up their minds about a property before even stepping through the front door, so it’s important not to neglect dressing the exterior of your home.

Make sure your front door and windows are sparkling and tidy up any green space at the front of the property. Also, don’t forget to store your bins away, as visible bins have been identified as a major bugbear for house hunters.

Be ready to negotiate

If you’re looking for a quick house sale, it’s important that you’re ready to negotiate on price. A property is only really worth what someone is willing to pay for it, so hanging on rigidly to a price suggested by your estate agent could see you pass up on great sale prospects.

If you’re in need of a quick house sale and can’t afford to wait around on the open market, you could also consider other ways to sell. Property auctions and home buying companies can both offer a quicker alternative to selling via an estate agent and are worth considering if you’re in a hurry to sell.