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| Selling and first impressions |
Cleaning the windows, interior decorating, trimming the lawns, a bit of top up paintwork and getting a realistic valuation will help sell your house. First impressions last and when it comes to property note that this is especially true.
The first move when selling a house is to contact various estate agents, use several of the ‘experienced agents’ in our national directory, to give you a valuation on your home. You may find that different agents give you different quotations so consider all the offers carefully before choosing an agent. Usually the average figure of all the agents quotes shall be a very realistic price for your home. Whether you wish to seek slightly more than this and push for one of the higher quotes is up to you.
Have a look at the asking price for similar properties. It’s also a good idea to check with the estate agents what price was obtained for the last property similar to your own in your estate and when was it sold. Then add on the % that properties have risen in your area since.
The Permanent TSB house price index is a good indicator of this. Also note the average price of houses in your respective area. This information is available here on site.
Don’t necessarily choose an agent who offers you the highest valuation. If a property is over priced it will likely remain longer on the market, but if properly priced it will attract more buyers and sell faster. Check out our “Setting your house price” here on site.
Before getting a valuation on your property you may want to prepare and enhance the appearance of your home in order to get the optimum price. When it comes to Ireland’s competitive property market first impressions or what is commonly called ‘kerb appeal’ are very important.
Houses that appear to be in top condition sell faster than houses that are seen to require maintenance work. The exterior appearance should not scare off potential buyers. Either repaint or clean painted surfaces, spend a day in the garden trimming, edging and weeding, clean or repaint all garden furniture and get the windows cleaned. Consider buying a few outdoor tubs of plants and place near the front door. Make sure everything is litter free and the bin is not overflowing.
First impressions of the interior of your home as even more important. Try to ensure your house is in showhouse condition. It is well worth the effort and employing professional cleaners will be the best money you can spend at this stage.
Spring clean, clear surfaces of clutter, clean or paint walls, repair anything that may be broken or damaged and get carpets properly cleaned. Fresh flowers and homely smells create an inviting and warm atmosphere.
Once you have decided on an estate agent to represent the property then contact a solicitor to notify him of the decision to sell. For a solicitors service note our list of professionals specializing in real estate contracts.
Your solicitor is responsible for getting the Title Deeds from your mortgage provider and preparing all contract documents relating to the sale. You can either sell your home by auction or by private treaty, the more usual method of sale is by private treaty.
Sit down with your estate agents and consult with them to decide on the most advantageous marketing plan for your property. The estate agent will prepare a standard brochure; this will include photographs, measurements of the house, location and details on features and heating etc
This brochure will then be displayed in the relevant office or offices (if you are signed up with a state-wide agent then they will usually display properties in the specific area office and closest branches), on their company website, on a national property portal such as Irish Property Market.com and in local and national newspapers. A ‘For Sale’ or auction board will appear outside your house.
The estate agent will keep you informed of all inquiries and potential interest in the property and arrange the viewings. You can either conduct viewings by appointment at your convenience or designate a particular day such as a Saturday for opening viewings until the house is sold.
It is advisable to make yourself as available as possible as regards viewings – don’t make it difficult for potential buyers to come to the house. Your estate agent will inform you of all offers received and will qualify the position of potential buyers. It may be a case that no potential buyers are interested in the property, in which case the agent will advise you to drop the price and may re-launch the marketing campaign.
Once a firm and satisfactory offer has being received your agent can make an agreement. If selling your house by auction then conditions of sale are drawn up in advance of the auction date and once the hammer falls the purchaser is required to sign a binding contract and deposit of 10% - usually non refundable.
Once a sale is agreed your solicitor should send out draft contracts to the prospective buyers solicitor. A booking deposit to confirm the sale is usually paid at this point, a 10% deposit is paid once the purchasers solicitor approves the contracts and surveys. The final step is deciding on a closing date when the keys will be handed over.
Main Points to remember.
1…The first step is giving the house a good spring clean both inside and
outside. A clean, well maintained house will be more attractive to
potential buyers and thus will sell faster.
2…Call around a few estate agents, taken from our national directory of
experienced agents, and have them give a valuation on your property.
3…Once you have decided on an estate agent to represent you throughout
the process then notify your solicitor that you are selling your house,
The solicitor will arrange to get the Title Deeds from your bank or
Building society and will be responsible for all legal contracts.
4…The estate agent will prepare a brochure and together you will decide
on a marketing campaign. Read on site here our “Marketing your
property” This is the time to let him know you wish to have your
property advertised on Irish Property Market.com, a very important
url – the website that connects the Irish househunter to everything of
importance in the Irish property market – the name speaks for itself.
5…A ‘For Sale’ or ‘For Auction’ board will be placed outside your home.
6…Viewing arrangements need to be made and you should make your
home as available as possible for viewing to facilitate buyers.
7…The estate agent will keep you informed of all potential buyers and
will notify you when an offer is received.
8…Once you have received an offer that you are satisfied with and having
established the buyers position, a sale can be agreed. The estate agent
will instruct your solicitor to draw up and send out draft contracts to
the prospective buyers solicitor. A booking deposit is paid by the
purchaser.
9…Contracts are exchanged and a 10% deposit is paid once the
purchasers solicitor has approved the contract.
10..A closing date is agreed when you will move out and hand over the
keys. The ‘For Sale’ board is taken down.
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