subject: 5 Ways To Prepare For A Stress Free House Sale [print this page] Moving home can be a stressful experienceMoving home can be a stressful experience. However there are certain steps you can take when selling your home in order to reduce the stress where possible.Step 1 - Organise your home before putting it on the marketTry to do any redecorating and renovation before you approach an estate agent to put your property on the market. Doing this has two major benefits; firstly, redecoration and good presentation can increase the valuation of your property and secondly, it means that you can do this in your own time without viewing pressures.If you feel like your home is presented in its best light, you will be positive and proud when showing people around. This will reflect in your manner and will encourage potential buyers.Step 2 - Get more than one valuationInstructing more than one estate agent in order to value your property will help you get a realistic price. Some commission based estate agents are inclined to over price properties, which in the current market could hinder your sale considerably. Putting your property on the market for a realistic value will help you achieve a sale much quicker.Step 3 - Instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as you instruct an estate agentAlthough in the early stages you will not have a potential buyer, it is good practice to instruct conveyancing solicitors so that they can start to arrange any relevant paperwork for the sale. Try to choose a law firm which focuses on conveyancing.Instructing solicitors early will make sure that when a buyer does take an interest in your home there are no delays in seeking information or proceeding with the sale.Step 4 - Talk with your mortgage company or use a brokerIt is important to have a mortgage offer in place before you start to sell your property. Having a mortgage offer behind you will help reduce any stress when you find a buyer and become pressured to sell your property. As well as this, if you have a mortgage offer behind you, you become a more attractive buyer for a seller.If you cannot get a good deal from your current mortgage provider then think about using a broker to find you a better deal. This will cost you a small fee, but the broker will take a referral fee from the mortgage company.Step 5 - Decide what is for saleThis may seem obvious, but make a list of all the fixtures, fittings and chattels (goods) that you are happy to sell with the property. If you do not believe that a chattel will increase the value of your property, then consider a separate sale or auction. Do not include things in the sale merely for the ease of moving.If you want to sell any fixtures or fittings with the property then provide a list of these for the estate agent and solicitor so that they can update the sale paperwork.
