This site is not concerned with the mechanics and legal aspects of selling your house. But rather it guides you through the process of readying and showing your house in the best possible way in order to secure a quick sale.

INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS

So it's time to move on

Spring is in the air and you've decided to put your home up for sale and, for whatever reasons, move on with your life. Moving house is commonly recognised as one of the most stressful things that one does in one's life. This website aims to relieve that stress and offers simple and practical advice to sellers.

Even before you think of employing the services of an estate agent, there are various things you need to consider. These are :

1. Research the local market

Do your homework. Check out similar properties for sale in your locality to get some idea of pricing your own house. If possible, arrange to view them, to get some idea of what you are up against regarding facilities and presentation. You need to stay ahead of the competition if you are to make that quick sale. Your house must have that little extra that sets it out from the crowd - it must have the "WOW FACTOR".

View local new build show houses to get some useful ideas on presenting your own home to its best advantage.

2. Research your potential estate agents

Ask friends and family for their recommendations.

Seek valuations from at least three estate agents before engaging the services of one of them. Locally based agents often have a better feel for the housing market in their area than those situated further afield. Although, they may be more expensive, if you are after that all-important quick sale, the extra fees may well be worth the money.

3. Readying your house for showing.

It is important that, even before you employ the services of an estate agent, you prepare your home for showing, both externally and internally. This will ensure that the estate agent's selling photographs show the property to its best advantage.

This website has loads of helpful no cost/low cost tips to help you present your house to maximise its potential sale price.

4. Work your chosen estate agent hard!

Don't be afraid to fully utilise your estate agent's expertise - that's what you are paying him handsomely for! On his initial viewing of your property, ask him for his opinions on any improvements that he thinks may be needed to be made to boost its appeal to potential buyers.

If you intend to show potential viewers around your property yourself, ask your estate agent for some useful selling tips. Practice these. Have a dummy run by showing your house to family or friends.

If you are not happy with the estate agent's property photographs and feel they do not show your property in its best light. ask for them to be taken again.

If the viewings dry up after a short period, contact your estate agent for feedback and advice. There could be various reasons why the house isn't selling - is he giving it the attention his fee deserves? Has the market slowed? Is the house overpriced? Whatever the reason, you need to know and then take the appropriate action to re-juvinate the sale. Remind him that the sooner the house sells, then the sooner he gets his fee! If you are not happy with your estate agent, don't be afraid to change them.

5. Put yourself in the potential buyers shoes

Target the appropriate market for your property. It's no good targeting a one bedroomed flat with no garden at a young family with children. Dress your house to maximise its appeal to your target market. Seek your estate agents advice to ensure you are reaching the widest market possible.

De-personalising and de-cluttering are the order of the day. Neutral decor sells houses. You have to create a blank canvas, on which potential buyers can project their own lifestyle aspirations.

TOP TWELVE TIPS WHEN SHOWING YOUR HOME TO POTENTIAL BUYERS

1. If possible, always try to show your best room first, as this creates a good first impression.

2. Always let the potential buyer(s) be first into the room you are showing.