Selling your home is as an important and indeed as stressful a task as you will partake in your life so here are some tips and advice to make the task easier:
- Find an Experienced Auctioneer.
First things first insist that you estate agent or auctioneer is fully licenced and has a PSRA licence number. Also look for other credentials such as afiliated to either of the 2 main auctioneering bodies on the country i.e. Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) or Institute of Professional Auctioneers &Valuers (IPAV). Tracing their track record is also important – generally speaking the longer they have been in business the more proven record they will have. You could also check if their work is approved by any of the major lending institutions i.e. Permanent TSB or Bank of Ireland, whom they may do valuating work for also. Look out for the auctioneers branded signs as you travel here and there – this may give an insight into how active the agent is also. Make sure they deal with the national and international websites – e.g.DAFT.ie and perhaps their own branded one.Applaud the agent who insists on fully signed service agreements / contracts between the owner and auctioneer before going on the market – having clear terms from the offset allows for less frustration down the line weather the sale is a success or not.An agent who uses a professional photographer is an already a step above the rest.
- Pricing
Having asked the agent to visit your property one of the vital things you will talk to him/her about here is pricing. Pricing is critical. Your agent should be strong and confident with similar properties in the area thanks to the price register and local sales knowledge. Based on various sources he/she will be able to give you a realistic idea of its capable value. ‘Over Valuing’ can contribute to wasted time on the market and false hope for the seller but generally speaking the agent knows he has to be enthusiastic and show belief in the sale – breaking down all barriers to achieving the best results possible.
- Preparation
Bottom line: the property has to look as attractive as possible if it is going on the market. ‘Space sells – clutter doesn’t’ is an important guideline. Brightness and light are key elements while you should also consider fragrance candles further down the line when the property is up for viewing. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend to cast a critical eye – it could prove invaluable in the long run. Gardens and lawns should be trim and tidy and internal and external walls fresh in appearance and inviting. Any repair work should be done prior to prospective buyer’s inspections.
- Legal/Regulation etc.
During the prep work is an ideal moment to get the legal and surveying matters in order. To advertise the property you will need a Building Energy Rating – the auctioneer maybe able to recommend an independent assessor that can carry this out for you (price subject to travel €150 to €180). No advertising can be completed until this is sorted. It may also be worth at this time sourcing your deeds (usually from your mortgage provider or your solicitor). As well as this have your solicitor instructed that the property is going on the market and there would be no harm in sussing out their fees and terms. Some people at this juncture might employ a surveyor to look at the property hoping to allow for a smoother path further down the road rather than sweating it out when the property goes sale agreed although generally when the deposit is paid this is often seen by most as a more realistic opportunity.
- On the Market.
Your property is now fully advertised – locally – and thanks to the internet – all around the world. Generally speaking you should be allowing for 3 or so months to see a level of progress. Lack of interest or too few viewings might point to a pricing issue. Either way the market in the end will decide the outcome – however a good strong confident agent will make for the best possible result and get you there as smoothly and as healthily as possible! It is not always wise to rush in and accept your first offer while any bidder should be ascertained immediately if they have mortgage approval or they are cash buyers. A superior agent will note and track offers avoiding the pitfalls and guiding you to the best outcome!