It’s a good question. Do you start worrying after a few weeks of marketing without an offer on your house? Or should you be patient and stick with your agent and price for six months or more?
At HomeTruths, we see so many sellers who have been on the market for over a year; our record so far is a couple who had been trying to sell consistently for six years! It’s true that the longer your property is on the market, the less desirable it is to a buyer, and the less confidence your agent will have that he can achieve any figure close to your asking price. It’s therefore really important that your strategy in the first 6-8 weeks is as well thought out, planned and confident.
Here are my 5 golden rules for making sure you don’t get to worrying stage:
- Choose the right agent based on marketing skills, enthusiasm and a high fee – he’ll earn it;
. - Once you’ve decided on your asking price, stick to it. So long as it’s well-researched and realistic, of course. Make sure it’s a nice round figure, and don’t drop it – be confident;
. - Have the best photography and brochure you possibly can. Be pedantic, beg and bully until you get the best. Your house MUST stand out in a pile of also-rans;
. - Commission a home stager to give your house a once-over. Even if you and your friends think it’s immaculate, you need independent, professional advice at this crucial time.
. - Communication, communication, communication! Call your agent every week. Obtain written feedback from viewings, ask for your Rightmove Property Performance report each week and monitor the activity generated.
Follow my 5 golden rules, and you should sell within 8 – 12 weeks.
If you’d like my help to sell your home more effectively, please answer a few short questions here and if I think I can help you, I’ll be in touch.
Hi Sam
Some very interesting aspects you’ve highlighted here. I absolutely agree that choosing the right agent has to be No.1 as that should help the rest slot into place – with a bit of help!
A good relationship working alongside the agent should help get your property to the top of their minds. Rather than calling them each week do you think it’s worth just ‘dropping in’ to remind them in person and ask them about their next strategies to attract a buyer to your home?