{"id":1049,"date":"2023-07-13T02:40:16","date_gmt":"2023-07-13T02:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/?p=1049"},"modified":"2023-09-27T13:40:43","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T13:40:43","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-house-isnt-selling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dy36-2.stage.yopa-dev.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/what-to-do-if-your-house-isnt-selling\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if your house isn’t selling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you\u2019ve decided to move, it\u2019s natural to want to sell<\/a> your current home without delay. However, as vendors across the UK have discovered, the time it takes to sell up and move on can vary considerably. While much depends on the location of the property, other factors such as economic conditions and fluctuations<\/a> in the housing market also influence how long it takes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s not usually easy to predict when that elusive buyer will arrive, there are several options to consider if your house still hasn\u2019t sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Choose the right estate agent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The single most important part of an expedited home selling process is enlisting the services of the right estate agent. Clearly, not all agencies are the same \u2013 so the best chances of success tend come with an experienced firm that knows the area and works proactively to achieve the desired results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re choosing your agent, therefore, you may want to check the firm’s track record, i.e. whether they regularly sell properties, rather than market a series of photographs. Agree on a fair rate of commission<\/a> and beware of signing lengthy contracts, especially those that restrict selling rights. A good agent ought to be happy to talk through your options with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are unhappy with your current estate agent and are intending to switch, be sure to read our guide on how to change estate agents<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Get the price right<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting your property\u2019s asking price at the correct level is essential. It is shrewd to consider price brackets and ranges, keeping in mind the search facilities on most estate agents\u2019 web pages. An asking price of \u00a3255,000, for instance, might mean that a house does not appear in search results for homes up to \u00a3250,000. Because buyers tend to search for round figures, it could prove more fruitful to list at \u00a3249,000, so it appears more widely in search results, as well as the daily or weekly email summaries to which some house hunters subscribe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there is another more fundamental reason why it is important to get the asking price right; too high a figure and buyers will think your property is overpriced, whereas an overly low asking price might look suspicious to potential buyers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also worth noting that an overpriced property could make the buyer’s mortgage<\/a> finance application difficult \u2013 especially after the valuation when a surveyor visits on behalf of the lender. Thus, it is worth taking into account recent sale prices achieved for similar properties within a reasonable radius.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Get a rough estimate of your home's value now.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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Book an appointment with your local Yopa agent.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

3) Put your best foot forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During viewings, cluttered rooms do not create a favourable impression. Some sellers think that buyers might be able to see through the personal possessions and imagine themselves living there with their own belongings. However, that assumption is more likely to put off potential buyers because clutter makes rooms look smaller. Instead, why not make it easy for visitors to picture themselves living in the property, by opting for a minimalist, de-cluttered look? Storage boxes or even a temporary storage service are just the trick to clear the clutter and make a great first impression<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, good photographs play an essential part in attracting buyers through the door. As it is not easy to be objective with one’s own home, you could always ask a friend to cast a fresh eye over the doorway and interior as a typical viewer would. With frank feedback, you can apply the finishing touches. Then, with up-to-date high quality photos working away twenty-four hours a day, your property will have a much better chance of attracting enquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Descriptions and search terms are important too. Where applicable, include desirable words such as garden<\/em>, garage<\/a><\/em>, detached<\/em>, freehold<\/a><\/em> and parking<\/a><\/em> in listings, along with other relevant points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4) Make a good impression<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou only get one chance to make a first impression\u201d \u2013 a saying that is especially applicable for property viewings! From a tidy entranceway and cleanly finished front door to a sensation of freshness and cleanliness once inside, think about their perceptions. Good presentation is crucial, so \u2013 if applicable \u2013 try to minimise any unfavourable evidence of pets too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timing also tends to influence the property market; spring and summer are usually the best months to sell<\/a>, so aim to get your property listed or relisted in January if possible. In contrast, house-hunting activity tends to quieten down during the last month or two of the year, in preparation for the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) Dealing with other complications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are, of course, a raft of other complications that can slow down or even halt a house sale. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n