Things to do before you sell your home

Preparing to sell your home can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can maximise its appeal to potential buyers and ensure a smooth sales process. From decluttering and staging to addressing any necessary repairs, there are several important steps to take before putting your property on the market. So, if you are planning to list property to sell it, follow this checklist, to ensure a smooth experience for yourself and your new buyer.

 

List of things to do before you sell your house

Here are essential things you should do before selling your home to achieve the best possible outcome and a successful sale.

 

Get the property’s valuation done

Once you have decided to sell the house, the first thing you need to do, is to get the property’s valuation done. While a number of advisors and agencies are available that can do the property evaluation, you can also do some research yourself, by checking online property listings to understand the prevalent per sq ft rate in your neighbourhood. You can then calculate the depreciation of the property, considering the property type. If you are planning to hire a property agent to sell the house, he will be able to help you with your property’s worth after considering the type of property, amenities and other facilities available with the property.

 

Inform the housing society

If you stay in a gated community, you may need to inform your housing society or the governing body, to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC). This is an important step in the process, as the new buyer would require all these documents for the due diligence. Moreover, since all the amenities would have to be transferred to the new buyer, an NOC is a mandatory document to obtain from the housing society.

 

Collect all important documents

 

Apart from the housing society’s NOC, you would also need other important legal documents to proceed with the property’s sale. These include:

1. Encumbrance certificate: This document will prove that there are no pending dues on the property or any kind of unpaid mortgage.
2. Previous sale deed: If the property has changed hands multiple times, it is important that you maintain the chain of sale deed, as it would be easier for the new buyer to do the due diligence.
3. Sanctioned plan: If you are selling an independent home, the sanctioned plan/map approved by the authority is one document that you have to present to the new buyer, to prove that the construction is legal.
4. Sale agreement: If you are selling an under-construction apartment, you will have to present the sale agreement signed by the developer. This agreement will be then transferred to the new buyer.
5. Letter of allotment: This is a document that proves the allotment of the property to the seller who has originally purchased the property from the relevant society/authority/developer.

See also: Agreement for sale versus sale deed: Main differences

 

Prepare the home for staging

Once all the documents are prepared, you can now consider staging your home for buyers to visit. If possible, vacate the home before putting it on the market for selling, as it will help the other party to see the space more imaginatively. If your property is very old, make sure you tell the buyer if there are plumbing, seepage or any other kind of issues. You can also renovate the home before selling it, to get a better price. However, you need to consider if the cost incurred in renovation is worth spending, especially if the property is too old and a new owner would rather prefer renovating it from scratch.

 

List the property

Once you have decided on the above factors, it is time to market your property to the buyers. With online buying gaining preference, you can list your property on online property portals such as Housing.com, where thousands of buyers browse property options every minute.

 

Click pictures and videos for sharing

Buyers these days prefer to see the pictures and videos of the property, before the site visit as it saves time for both the parties. For this, you can either hire a professional photographer or follow these tips to make your home look attractive on screen. You can also use your smartphone to click basic pictures and videos. Share these with your broker or on your property listing to make it more engaging.

 

Make the necessary repairs

One of the essential tasks to tackle before putting your home on the market is to make necessary repairs. Attend to any visible or functional issues that could potentially deter prospective buyers. Fix leaky faucets, replace broken tiles, repair damaged walls or ceilings, and ensure all appliances and systems are in good working order. Investing in these minor repairs can significantly enhance your home’s appeal and increase its market value.

 

Enhance curb appeal

Boosting your home’s curb appeal is vital for creating a positive first impression on potential buyers. Start by tidying up the exterior of your property, including mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and weeding flower beds. Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door, clean the windows, and repair any visible exterior damage. Consider adding potted plants or flowers to the entrance for a welcoming touch. These simple enhancements can greatly enhance the overall attractiveness of your home and entice buyers from the moment they arrive.

 

Get a home inspection done

Before listing your home for sale, consider hiring a professional home inspector to conduct a thorough assessment. A home inspection can uncover any underlying issues that may need attention before selling, such as structural problems, plumbing or electrical issues, or signs of water damage. Addressing these issues early on can prevent surprises during the selling process and instil confidence in potential buyers. Plus, having a clean bill of health from a home inspection can increase buyer confidence and streamline negotiations.

 

Hire a real estate agent

Consider enlisting the expertise of a reputable real estate agent to assist you in selling your home. A professional agent can provide invaluable guidance throughout the selling process, from pricing your property competitively to marketing it effectively to potential buyers. They have in-depth knowledge of the local market trends and can help you navigate negotiations and paperwork. With their experience and resources, a skilled real estate agent can maximise your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best possible price.

 

Devise a marketing strategy

Create a comprehensive marketing plan to showcase your home to potential buyers effectively. Utilise a combination of online and offline strategies, including professional photography, virtual tours and listing your property on popular real estate websites. Consider hosting open houses and networking with local real estate professionals to increase exposure. Tailor your marketing efforts to highlight the unique features and selling points of your home, enticing buyers and generating interest in your property.

 

In a nutshell

Preparing to sell your home requires careful attention to detail and thorough planning. By following a checklist of essential tasks, including property valuation, obtaining necessary documents, staging your home, marketing effectively and making necessary repairs, you can enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers and ensure a smooth selling process. Additionally, enlisting the expertise of a reputable real estate agent and devising a comprehensive marketing strategy can maximise your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best possible price. Remember to address any concerns buyers may have and highlight the unique selling points of your property to attract interest and secure a successful sale.

 

FAQs

How can I increase my chances of selling my house?

Choose the right broker who can market your property in the right way. You can also use Housing.com to list your property and sell it faster.

What is the fastest way to sell a house that needs work?

Fix the minor things that can make your home look good. It is important that you inform the buyer about the renovation required.

Is it better to fix up a house or sell as is?

It depends on the market. If it is a seller’s market, you can get away with fewer fix-ups but if the market is slow, buyers may want to stay away from a home that needs a lot of work.

What is the most profitable way to sell my house?

The most profitable way to sell your house is to ensure it is in excellent condition, priced competitively, and marketed effectively. Consider making necessary repairs and improvements to increase its appeal to potential buyers. Additionally, hiring a reputable real estate agent who can accurately assess the market value of your property and negotiate on your behalf can help maximise your profits.

What is the biggest selling point of a house?

The biggest selling point of a house varies depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. However, desirable features such as a modern kitchen, spacious living areas, well-maintained outdoor spaces, and proximity to schools, parks, and public transport often appeal to buyers. Highlighting these attributes in your marketing efforts can attract more interest and potentially lead to a faster sale.

What type of house sells best?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the type of house that sells best can vary depending on market conditions and buyer preferences. However, properties that are move-in ready, well-maintained, and located in desirable neighbourhoods tend to attract more buyers. Additionally, homes with flexible floor plans and modern amenities often appeal to a wide range of potential buyers, increasing their chances of selling quickly.