With the housing market continuing to be surrounded in uncertainty if you are considering selling your house you need to do everything you can to maximise your chances of success. These days, properties do not ‘sell themselves’ and this article looks at five ways you can improve your chances of securing that all important offer on your house to enable you to then move forwards with looking for a property to purchase.

1) Choose your estate agent wisely.

There are so many estate agents to choose from in all areas of the country so ideally you should choose an estate agent that has come highly recommended to you by a friend or colleague. It is wise to invite three of four estate agents to your home to carry out a valuation and ensure you choose an agent that is familiar with the area, with the type of property you are selling and overall, an agent that you trust and feel comfortable dealing with. Do not simply go with the estate agent that gives you the highest valuation!

2) Ensure you get the price right.

As expressed above, whilst it is tempting to simply place your house on the market with the estate agent who places the highest value on your property, do try and resist this temptation. If you do not, you may risk pricing yourself out of the market and this will result in no sale and maybe even no viewings. Try and get an idea yourself of what your property is worth by looking online and in the property papers at properties that are similar to your own.

3) Declutter!

Any prospective viewers will be put off if your house is full of clutter when they turn up for their viewing. Many people find it difficult enough to envisage the house with their own furniture in, so if they cannot see beyond the clutter that may not see your home at its best or, indeed, what potential it could offer.

4) Making improvements on your home before selling.

Opinion is divided on whether larger improvements – such as replacing windows, which can cost thousands of pounds – is a wise move prior to selling your home. Whilst this may make your home ultimately more appealing to any prospective buyers, you need to seek advice on whether you are likely to recoup the cost of this in the sale price. However, a lick of paint to the walls can be done fairly cheaply and can make a vast difference to the overall look of your house.

5) Allow viewers the space to look around.

Most estate agents will accompany people on a viewing of your house in which case it may be preferable for you to go out for a short while, or arrange for the viewing to take place while you are at work. However, if you need to be at home while people are viewing your house ensure that you do not put any pressure on them by following them around – give them space and time to wander around and form their own opinions.

Follow these five simple tips to improve the chances of securing the sale of your property!

Copyright (c) 2011 Robert Gray