You’ve picked the perfect estate agent to help you sell your property, but how can you play your part to ensure you achieve the best result?

An easy-to-follow guide detailing 8 things you can do to support your estate agent to achieve the best outcome.

So, you’ve picked out your estate agent to help sell your home, what’s the next step? For the most part, the baton is then with the agent. However, while the agent does assume responsibility for keeping the progress of the sale on track, there are still some things you can do to achieve the best outcome when selling your house.

Try looking at it this way: you and your estate agent are now a team. You’re on the same side and are both equally motivated to secure the right sale. In light of that, it’s best to make sure you’re aligned on exactly what you want to achieve over the next weeks or months. Not sure where you stand or what your next steps should be? Not to worry, we understand! That’s why we’ve collated 8 useful pointers which take you from that initial estate agent meeting through to obtaining the right offer.

1). Be clear on your timeline

Before you do anything, make sure you and your agent are aligned on your expectations from the outset. Ask questions to iron out any queries you have. And give your agent an indication of how quickly you’re looking to move. For example, are you aiming for a specific timeframe or are you happy to hold on a little longer for a more generous buyer? Knowing your expectations and priorities is essential to allow your agent to organise and prioritise your requirements.

2). Stay updated

Working with an estate agent requires good communication on both parts, so keeping in close contact is paramount. Let your agent know how regularly you’d like to be updated on the sale’s progress along the way.

For consistent, general updates we suggest getting an update every seven to ten days. But we also recommend asking for a more specific update a couple of days after every viewing to gather the potential buyer’s feedback.

3). Act on feedback

Potential buyers tend to be honest and forthcoming with their opinions on a house, especially after a viewing. So, while there will be positive feedback, there may also be some criticism. If this is the case, try not to be disheartened and instead let your estate agent know that you’re open to all kinds of feedback so that you can use it to your advantage.

You may notice common themes in the feedback you receive, which will help you decipher what you can do to improve your home for the next viewing. For instance, the buyer may suggest that the décor is a little tired or that certain areas need some TLC. Be prepared to dedicate some time to these updates, potentially with a fresh lick of paint or a weekend of DIY fixing – you can rest assured that it will make all the difference on your next viewing.

4). Decide on a marketing strategy

Be clear with your estate agent about your expectations regarding where and how you would like your home to be advertised to potential buyers. Usually, the first step is to put up a ‘for sale’ sign. Aside from that:

• Decide whether or not you want your home advertised in the local press, and if so, how many times you’d like it to appear.
• Give an indication of approximately how long you’d like your home to appear in the estate agent’s window.
• Consider which online portals (e.g. Rightmove, Zoopla…etc) you’d like your home to be advertised on. And discuss these expectations with your agent.

5). Approve the marketing

Your agent will likely present you with a list of marketing details for approval. These details should highlight the property’s best qualities and features. Going forward, this information will be used to market your home through various channels. And will likely be the first details potential buyers will read about your property, therefore, it’s imperative that it is correct. So, although these details will have been thoroughly checked by your estate agent, as the true expert of the property it is wise to go through these details yourself to ensure everything is in order and nothing important has been missed.

6). Showcase your home’s best angles

Alongside the marketing description, the images of your house should be a top priority. To help the photographer capture the best shots possible, try to give your home a thorough tidy before they arrive. Move the likes of bins and parked vehicles out of shot for the day. And if you can, switch on accent and mood lighting to create an ambient atmosphere.

Once the house is in shape, add a few stylish finishing touches, fresh flower bouquets in vases work well. And completing the dining table with your favourite place settings will really enhance lifestyle photography, encouraging potential buyers to envisage themselves in the space.

Tip: Try to maintain this look for viewings so potential buyers can fall in love with your home on their visit too.

7). Try to be flexible with house viewings

It goes without saying that the more viewings your estate agent can book in, the more offers you’re likely to get. Weekends are the most popular time for property viewings. And they tend to work well, giving potential buyers enough time to mull over what they’ve seen and make an offer on Monday morning.

Potential buyers are also more likely to book viewings at several houses over one weekend, with the aim of making an instant comparison. Where possible, it’s best that your home is available to view at this time. Rather than on a weekday, when a number of potential buyers may not be able to attend a viewing due to work/life commitments.

8). Carefully consider your offers

Lastly, remember that most of the offers you get will be negotiable. Even on occasions where an offer may seem a little low. Most buyers will get in touch with a better counteroffer if the first is politely declined. Try not to take low offers personally and don’t be too quick to dismiss an offer from a potentially committed buyer.

Need a hand?

Do you want to know more about how you and your estate agent can work together? Or do you have general questions about marketing your home? Either way, feel free to reach out to our team, who are always more than happy to help. Simply contact us by phone on 01244 313 900 or get in touch via our contact form and we’ll get straight back to you.