Checklist for getting house ready to put on the market

TallGirl

I'm an avid reader of this site and in particular this board. I've just got my house back from it being rented out for 2 1/2 years (was totally repainted magnolia and white then) and although it is in pretty good condition I obviously want it to look it's best before the photos are taken. I must admit I've learnt a lot from reading the " my house isnt selling" threads but wanted to check I haven't missed anything. Also any comments much appreciated. As it's not up for sale yet I can't post a link it's a moment 1994 3/4 bed detached house with a small garden. Currently empty,

- Signed up with estate agent they will do floor plan and I'm paying 1% no sale no fee
Inside
- getting all picture marks touched up and any bigger scuff marks
- replace all lightbulbs that doesn't work
- paint ceiling in wet room as it's peeling

Outside
- block paving drive way cleaned and sealed plus repairs done to bits that have sunk
- Indian sandstone patio chemically treated
- all other paving cleaned
- deck stained
- lintels cleaned (some are clean some stained so looks odd)
- ridge tile repointed
- cracked roof tile repaired
- hedge tidied up
- fence post supported and straightened
- faciers and gutters cleaned up
- outside light replaced very faded

Garden
- weeded
- greenhouse cleaned
- lawn kind of weeded and weed killer plus feed applied is not in good state but will be cut and I hope with warmer weather and being cut regularly it will be ok
- pots planted with spring bedding

There isn't many plants in the garden and a big issue with bindweed so it has a black membrane down some of which is covered with slate some bits aren't but they are at the back. Don't have time to get that filled up.

Also no time to get new lawn really hope it recovers looks bad at this time anyway.

I have had two people look around spotting what needs doing so hopefully covered everything. I'm probably spending just under £1000 plus paying someone to look after it weekly do the garden and lawn. Anything else I have missed maybe? What do you see that you think people should do before a sale.

I've gone with the first estate agent I saw as I live 70 miles away as I said no furniture in house. Very popular area with lots of bigger detached houses all built same time but mine is an extended 3 bed so cheaper than all other 4 beds. No 3 beds for sale at the moment last one sold at £325k mine will go up at £380k. Anyway I'll post link when it goes up next week I promise. Look forward to the comments.

Mrs36

When was the last sale? 325 to 380 is a big jump, what makes yours worth more? (not a criticism at all, a genuine question).

I have done similar recently and I think you have covered most stuff. I would make sure it is as clean as you can get it, especially the kitchen and bathroom. While good presentation doesn't necessarily sell a house it will show it off in its best light.

I'd make sure that the floor plan is ready when your listing goes online. There is an EA here who does them after taking the pictures which means sometimes they are uploaded to rightmove later. Not a major thing but I think a floorplan is SO important especially if your house has been extended.

Also good photos will really help!

markin

You could post the zoopla archive data/listing, so we can all snoop and say if the price is right, but it sounds like you have mostly answered your own thread.

Check/change the filter over the cooker, if its bad it could smell a bit.

@Mrs36 A loft/ect can add 30-40K And you can expect to drop 10k so 370k may be right.

Mrs36

Smell is a good point actually. Empty houses can smell a bit musty sometimes. Are you able to air the house thoroughly?

I have put out a not overpowering reed diffuser and have moved in between rooms to freshen it up before viewings.

You only get one chance to make a first impression and I think it important to show off the most valuable asset you will probably ever have as well as you could when selling. Not only in terms of value, but also ease and speed of selling.

TallGirl

Thank you Markin and Mrs36 that is some really good pointers indeed. I'll make sure the doors gets opened when he goes over later today very good point. The price is really tricky as honestly it's so rare anything comes up. There are 16 properties in my close and the last ones sold several years ago. The one I wanted to compare it to is a different style and only a 3 bed but I cannot find it now. If you want to have a snoop look at postcode PO16 8YQ. It's the only 3 bed maybe you can find it.

My house is in PO16 8YF but as it's never sold it doesn't say much. I feel it's overpriced at £380k but houses are definitely selling in the area at that price and size. Is it bad to drop the price after a few weeks many of the current listings seems to do this? Please keep the comments coming I'll update as I go along.

Mrs36

Have you only had the one valuation? That would make me a bit nervous - my house is much cheaper than yours, 250ish and there was £25k between valuations.

It's not bad to drop it if you need to, you'll know instantly as it hits the market whether your price is right based on viewing bookings and then feedback/offers. Better to start high and drop, you can't increase the price if it is too low after all.

TallGirl

Thanks Mrs36 as I live away I just couldn’t fit in more than one agent but as all houses a similar it’s not difficult to value or I don’t think it is. I told the agent he didn’t need to inflate the price to gain the business but I know what they are like. Good luck with selling yours.

badger09

Is this the one mentioned in your 1st post?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=66265075&sale=8737759&country=england

markin

badger09 wrote: »

Is this the one mentioned in your 1st post?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=66265075&sale=8737759&country=england

Link fails, did it used to work linking /house-prices or have they recently blocked or broken the links?

TallGirl

This is the smaller one that's just sold 51

https://www.mouseprice.com/property-information/ref-45037145?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=monitor&utm_content=recent_transactions&newsletter=LRResults

This one is my close I'm no 14
https://www.mouseprice.com/house-prices/po16+8yf

No 2 is identical to mine originally then had similar to my extension but also converted garage. Hope that helps.

markin

I prefer Zoopla
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/house-prices/fareham/partridge-close/po16-8yf/?q=PO16%208YF

8. Property history 9th march 2019 £580K 5 bed

Is it the best on the street or was it a mistake, seems it was taken down quick.