How long to sell a house?

The excitement we all feel when we decide to move to a new home is self-evident, but it’s also a situation that’s fraught with trepidation, due to apprehension over placing our own home on the market. So, exactly how long can it take to sell a house?

Moving house is known to be one of the most stressful experiences one can undergo. It is, however, an inevitability for those who have outgrown their current abode.

For some, the process can be straightforward – you place your home on the market, you find a few potential properties within which you can see yourself living, and once you receive the right offer you set the ball rolling.

However, as most people are aware, it’s not always that simple. There are many horror stories from those who put their homes up for sale just prior to the financial crisis a decade ago, only to find themselves unable to find a buyer for years – and sadly, there are many who are still facing the same issue.

When people ask “How long will it take me to sell a house?”, they often fail to take an objective perspective regarding the saleability of their home.

So, what steps can you take to ensure that you sell your house fast?

First impressions

If you were searching for a new home, which aspects would stand out to you the most? From clean, unobstructed windows, to a clear driveway free from weeds, the first view a potential buyer sees is most likely to be the one that he/she remembers the clearest. Buyers need to know that the property they’re about to invest in has been well taken care of.

The price is right

While certain unscrupulous estate agents will vie for your business by claiming that they can get a much higher price for your home than their competitors – be aware that if your home is overpriced, the likelihood of it remaining on the market for longer is increased. Furthermore, if the asking price ends up being decreased to encourage a sale, potential buyers are more likely to be weary of the possible reasons why.

Timing is everything

Those who place their homes on the market during both spring and autumn are more likely to sell faster than those who do so during summer and winter. Why? Simply put, for buyers who are parents, summer is a busy time, and thinking about a move is stressful enough without having to deal with children running around all day. During winter, the short days often tend to make a house viewing less desirable, also, with Xmas just around the corner, money tends to be tighter. Conversely, during spring and autumn, the days are reasonably longer, the kids tend to be back in school, and buyers are more likely to be actively looking.

Location, location, location

For those unsure how long it takes to sell a house, remember that listing nearby local services and amenities within your marketing can save a potential owner from needing to do as much research themselves. Simply knowing that there is a local shop within walking distance of your home can be a great help for someone looking to buy.

Get the legal side sorted

Just because you haven’t found a buyer yet, doesn’t mean you can’t start the conveyancing process early. Getting a solicitor to draft both a contract of sale and apply for title deeds along with confirmed planning consent and certificates can help to push a sale through in a much shorter timeframe than usual.

Taking too long to sell? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.