SO, YOU’VE SELECTED YOUR ESTATE AGENT TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME, BUT WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP? WHILE THE BALL IS NOW WITH US AS YOUR PROPERTY SELLING PARTNER (ALTHOUGH WE NEVER FORGET YOU’RE THE CLIENT) WE’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING THE PROGRESS OF THE SALE ON TRACK. THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP ACHIEVE THE BEST DESIRED OUTCOME WHEN SELLING YOUR PROPERTY.
You could look at it like this. We are now a team, on the same side and both motivated to secure the right sale. In light of this, it’s best to make sure that we’re agreed on exactly what you’re looking to achieve over the coming weeks or months. We’ve put together eight main ways which take you from the first meeting – where we give you an appraisal on your property – through to obtaining the right offer and ultimate completion of the sale. These underpin our marketing strategy and are practices which are tried, tested and proven.
1. BE CLEAR ON TIMELINE
Before doing anything else, we need to understand your expectations from the outset. Ask questions, any questions! An indication of how quickly you’re looking to move is really key – whether you’re aiming
for a specific timeframe, with maybe a lifestyle event to factor in, or if you’re happy to hold on for a little longer for a more generous buyer. This will really help us as your agent to organise and prioritise your requirements.
2. STAYING UPDATED
Working with anyone requires communication on all sides, so keeping in close contact is paramount. Let us know how regularly you’d like to be updated on the sale’s progress along the way. For general updates including market conditions we suggest every seven to 10 days, but we also recommend aiming for a couple of days after every viewing to gain feedback from potential buyers and so you know what is happening.
3. ACTING ON FEEDBACK
Potential buyers tend to be honest and forthright with their opinions after a viewing. Whilst there will be positive feedback, there may also be some critical comment. If this happens, try not to be downcast as we will always look to use it to your advantage. Sometimes common themes in feedback help you determine what you might be able to do to improve or change things for your next viewing. Perhaps, for example, the décor is a little tired or there are areas which need some TLC. It’s always helpful to focus on these updates – often they can be sorted quite quickly, and it will almost certainly make a difference on the next viewing.
4. DISCUSS MARKETING STRATEGY
We spend our working time using various marketing strategies and we’ll spend time with you explaining the various pro’s and con’s. It’s a real bonus when our clients can give us a steer on the various methods they want to utilise. We’ll ask you questions such as: Do you want a For Sale board outside your property? – assuming it’s permissible with local authorities or within the leasehold terms which are often restricted. Do you want it in our agency window? Can we market your property with online portals, such as Zoopla and Rightmove? How about social media? All of these have a place in today’s property marketing.
5. APPROVE THE MARKETING MATERIAL
We will prepare draft marketing details for you to approve, and these will highlight the qualities of your property. After the initial exposure, they will be the main source of information for potential buyers. We therefore value your input in this important area.
6. CAPTURE YOUR PROPERTY’S BEST POINTS
In tandem with the marketing material, the photo images of your property should be top priority too. Our photographer is an expert in the property
market, and photographs many different homes and properties. To help capture the best shots, try to give your home a thorough tidy before the photographer arrives – move bins, the dog basket and put as much surface clutter away as possible. Once everything is shipshape a few touches, such as fresh flowers in nice vases, makes a lot of difference. Lay the dining table with place settings, it really enhances the space and potential buyers can visualise themselves in your home. Try to keep this look for viewings too – first impressions really count! Fresh air and the ubiquitous smell of fresh coffee are really not too overrated.
7. TRY TO BE FLEXIBLE WITH VIEWINGS
Of course, the more viewings your estate agent can book in, the more offers you’re likely to get. It’s a well- known fact that weekends are when most people are free to view a property, and it gives potential buyers enough time to mull over what they’ve seen and make an offer on Monday morning. Viewers are also more likely to be looking at several properties over a weekend so comparisons are inevitable.
8. CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR OFFERS
Lastly, remember that most of the offers you get will be negotiable, and on occasions they will seem very low. Serious buyers will get in touch again with a better counteroffer if the first is politely declined. It’s our job to get the best outcome for you so knowing you, and getting to know the buyers, helps us to achieve this. Would you like to know more about how we can work together for you? Or perhaps you have general questions about marketing your home?
Either way, feel free to contact us, we are always happy to help. Simply contact us by phone on 020 7289 8889 or email catherine@braithwait.co.uk or stuart@braithwait.co.uk and we’ll get straight back toyou.
“Can’t go wrong with Braithwait. Stuart and everyone else really endeavoured to find me the perfect property.
They clearly understand the local area very well.”
Jordan Swailes - Google Review
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