Seller's Guide

Selling property in Northern Ireland

Selling a property is a stressful process, but it is an important part of your journey towards your dream home. At SMART Residential, we have years of experience of organising smooth and hassle free sales for our clients. To help with this process, we've put together the following guide to help you sell your property.

First Steps

If you're selling a property to fund a new home, it's important to begin this process as soon as possible, to avoid issues down the line. Speak to one of our expert team today to get the ball rolling on your property sale.

Property prices change constantly. When you sell your home, it's crucial that you have an up to date valuation. Arrange for SMART Residential to provide you with an accurate valuation so that you can be confident of a fair and speedy sale.

Getting Your House Ready for Viewings

When selling your home, it's important to remember that potential buyers' first impressions are crucial.

Follow these checklists to ensure that your home meets the highest standards of presentation, in order to make it as appealing as possible to buyers.

Declutter Your Home

  • Is the garden tidy, with all clutter and rubbish removed?
  • Has the house been cleaned from top to bottom?
  • Has all clutter in the house been removed or covered?
  • Have the kitchen surfaces been cleaned and decluttered?

Fresh Air

  • Have pets been cleaned up after and kept out of site?
  • Have windows been regularly opened to provide fresh air?
  • Is there a pleasant smell in the house? If not, consider using scented candles before each viewing.

Presenting the Bathroom

  • Have the bath, shower, toilet and hand basin been cleaned?
  • If the bathroom is tiled, clean grouting is important
  • Tiles can be refreshed with a grouting pencil.

Lighting Your Home

  • Have you made the most of your space in an attractive layout?
  • Does the house have atmospheric and comfortable lighting?
  • Are the windows clean and the paint presentable?
  • Have you considered adding hanging or bedding plants to make your home more presentable?
  • Are all the lights on for the viewing?
  • Are all light bulbs and fixtures working correctly?

Tips and Tricks for House Viewings

  • Are all stairs kept clear?
  • Does the house contain fresh flowers?
  • Dress your dining table with flowers and candles.
  • Use attractive, neutral bedding and furnishings.
  • Use clean, well hung curtains.
  • Clearly display the house number or name at the entrance.
  • Make sure there are no broken fittings like door handles, latches or creaky floorboards.

Practical and Legal Matters

You should always notify your solicitor of any changes to your home, as this may require some paperwork. This can delay the sales process. Taking action as soon as possible will help to eliminate delays.

At SMART Residential, we can find a buyer for your home and negotiate a price, as well as helping you to find a solicitor to handle the paperwork, contracts and conveyancing.

Conveyancing involves preparation of a contract by the seller's solicitor. This is then examined by the buyer's solicitor before signing. The seller has an obligation to disclose all relevant information about the property, while the buyer is responsible for the state that they purchase the property in.

How to Behave Around Potential Buyers

It's important to give buyers the time and privacy they need to view your home. Additionally, it's a good idea not to follow viewers into rooms, as this can make them seem smaller. You should also end the viewing in the best room in the house, to leave a lasting impression.

Many sellers will try to renegotiate the price at the last moment, for example by trying to leverage a bad inspection or report. This is called gazundering. At SMART Residential, we have experience of the kinds of strategies to combat this, ensuring that you receive the full value of your home.

Preparing for Moving Day

Moving house is an incredibly stressful process. Follow the these tips and tricks to eliminate any unnecessary sources of stress on moving day:

  • Cancel or reroute any deliveries to your house,
  • Source boxes and packaging,
  • Arrange new telephone, internet and TV services to your home,
  • Plan out a layout of your new home,
  • Pack your belongings based on which room they'll go in,
  • Turn off all appliances and electrical goods,
  • Pack all essential items into a single box,
  • Get quotes from several removal companies.

Get in touch

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