By Clare Connolly, Managing Director, Clare Connolly Estate Agents….
With the property market saturated and demand high, you could argue that the traditional ‘best times to buy’ in Spring and Autumn are no longer set in stone. However, it remains the case that properties do look their best at certain times of the year. Autumn offers prospective buyers a window of opportunity as they look for a new home before the end of the year. To increase your chances of a swift sale and a good price, preparation is key.
Property Checklist
The difference between a sale closing in good time or dragging out for months can be due to the seller not having all the documentation and procedures in place….
– Draw up your checklist beforehand. Do you have your title deeds for the property and boundary map? If the title deeds are with the bank, they can take weeks to locate which will slow up the process so request this early on.
– Have you chosen a solicitor experienced in conveyancing? This should also be a priority, so you have all the necessary contracts prepared to speed up the process.
– Ensure you have your BER (Building Energy Rating) assessment carried out and you have the certificate at hand. Are there areas you can look at to improve the BER rating before sale?
– If you are selling an apartment, have you contacted the property management company agency re service charges, management fees going forward so you can communicate this as part of the listing.
– Make sure there are no fire safety or pyrite issues, or any other defects associated with the development.
– Are all of your LPT (Local Property Tax) payments up to date. You will also need to apply online for your NPPR (Non Principal Private Residence) tax exemption cert (this was introduced in 2009 and abolished in 2009 with the introduction of the LPT). You can do this very simply on www.nppr.ie
– Think about your property contents as well. Are you going to leave some or all of them? Let your solicitor know well in advance and your estate agent.
Choose your estate agent wisely:
The first thing you need to do is find a suitable estate agent. This can be confusing as there are a lot of us! Ask around and seek recommendations from family and friends for agents that have sold similar properties. Do your own research and contact larger and smaller estate agencies in your area to ask for their advice and recommendations on how to sell the property most effectively. Take the time to gain an insight into their approach and the personality involved. It’s important you ‘gel’ with the estate agent and that they demonstrate a clear understanding of your requirements and your likes and dislikes.
Compare prices too as they can vary greatly, and you want to ensure you are getting value for money. Do they offer a free valuation? Ask them about their approach. This is really important; selling a house can be stressful and you want to know from the outset that your estate agent will support you, easing the strain and keeping you up to date throughout the process.
Home renovations and repairs:
There is no need to go to a huge amount of expense of expense to get your property ready to present to the market. You can give your property a facelift with a fresh coat of paint.
– Make sure the windows inside and out are absolutely sparkling and the property has been professionally deep cleaned.
– Nobody likes to see clutter. Prospective buyers want to see as much space as possible but don’t declutter to the point that the space looks lifeless.
– Professionally made beds with crisp white bed linen, colourful throws and cushions look so inviting, as do beautiful candles, diffusers, and fresh flowers, or indeed some lovely artificial flowers.
– Make sure your back and front gardens are as manicured as possible, outdoor living is now more popular/important than ever post covid. Ensure there are no broken tiles, gates, doors etc. What you are trying to do is make your property so inviting that a potential buyer can see themselves living there.
There may be a lot to consider but taking the time to prepare the requisite paperwork as well as the necessary work on the house is truly worth it for a smoother, quicker, less stressful sale.
For more advice on selling a property and for a complimentary valuation, contact Clare and her team on 01-2164724 or info@clareconnolly.ie
