Online House Hunter: Spring into action

Time to clean up your home for a spring sale

SPRING has sprung – and it’s time for the housing market to burst into life. Well, that’s the hope anyway.

The National Association of Estate Agents‘ members are not yet reporting any boost in the number of new instructions but Easter is on its way and that’s traditionally a time for new sellers to put their house on the market.

Martyn Baum, NAEA regional executive for the Midlands is disappointed that “a continuing trend form the end of last year is the lack of fresh instructions which is threatening to stifle the market”. But he points out that sellers should be encouraged by the early arrival of spring. He reports that the mild weather has seen viewing activity and number of sales increase.

Mike Poole of the north-north sector for the NAEA is more direct. “The message still seems to be, ‘Get it on at the right price and you will sell’.” He aslo points to the bonus of good weather but says some areas are “looking at a significant reduction in the number of new listings”.

The good weather means a chance to get your home looking prim and proper. With so little rain, there’s no excuse for not giving your home a lick of fresh paint and at least tidying up that front garden even if it’s a bit early for flowers to bloom. A great looking home is one key factor in selling your house but the experts argue over which factor is the ‘tipping point’ for potential buyers.

The right price is, as the NAEA members point out, crucial and that will be balanced by your desire to sell quickly or wait around for the buyer prepared to pay full whack.

Location is something you may feel you have no control over but you can extol the location you’re in. Make sure the estate agent is aware (and leave briefing notes for viewers) of the excellent transport links, handy shops, rated schools and rich range of leisure facilities all within walking distance of your house.

Add-ons such as a conservatory, extension or ensuite can boost the price as well as the chance of selling your home. Talk to the estate agent about what might benefit your home and look at the cost compared to the added value it might give your

Identify the stumbling block: If you’re friends won’t tell you, then ask your estate agent what is the main stumbling block. It could be something ‘unsolvable’ such as lack of parking but it could equally be something that can be easily put right.

Below are some links to help you prepare your house for the spring market…

USEFUL LINKS:

• Independent online property search engine
• Independent: House & Home section
• National Association of Estate Agents
• NAEA Property Selling Guide
• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors: Selling Your Home
• The Advisory
• Sarah Beeny: Selling your home tips
• Channel 4 – selling your home advice

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