Q&A: Should I take my property off the market?
Friday, 23 December 2011 7:02 AM
Q: "I’ve had my property on the market for around two months, only three people have viewed it so far and no one has made an offer. My house isn’t cluttered and is neutrally decorated (I think!) so I’m fairly sure I’m not making any of the classic mistakes people seem to make on TV! I’m unsure whether to lower the asking price, go with a different agent or simply take it off the market for a few months and try again in the summer. What would you advise? I’m not in a hurry to move."
Suzanne, Canterbury
A: "From what you've said, you don’t seem to be doing anything wrong. However, you need to increase the amount - and the quality - of the viewings. Make sure your agent is showing your property in its best possible light by observing them during a viewing, or simply instruct another agent whose marketing seems more impressive.
"The photos should show the main features of the property without giving too much away before the viewing takes place. Pictures should be taken at the lightest time of day using a wide-angle camera to show as much of the room as possible. Try and have them taken by a professional photographer who can edit the pictures.
"Make sure your property is on the market at the right price by checking similar properties in your neighbourhood.
"To improve the viewing experience for potential buyers, once you're confident in your agent, try not to be present at viewings. You want the viewer to feel as at home as possible and your being there might make that difficult!
"Make sure the property is tidy but still looks lived in. Ensure the paintwork is in good order and use air fresheners throughout to create a cleaner-feeling environment. Good luck."
Answered by Craig Norman, managing director of Abacus Estates. To learn more about the award-winning West Hampstead agency, visit AbacusEstates.com.
Want to be the first to know when we break a story? Follow @AboutProperty on Twitter.
-
Tags:
- selling ,
- selling tips
