Thinking of Selling? Read This First Before You Make Any Moves
If you're considering selling your home, preparation is everything.
Thinking of Selling? Read This First Before You Make Any Moves. If you're considering selling your home, preparation is everything. From pricing strategies and paperwork to presentation and marketing beyond the usual portals, taking the right steps early on can make all the difference. Here’s your essential guide to setting yourself up for a smooth and successful sale.
1. Get Your Pricing Right from Day One
Setting the correct asking price is crucial. Price too high and you risk deterring buyers; price too low and you could undersell your home.
✅ What Works:
- Reviewing recent local sales to benchmark your price
- Testing pricing with our AI-powered Heads Up Alerts before listing publicly
- Choosing a competitive price to generate immediate interest from serious buyers
2. Have Your Paperwork in Order
One of the most common causes of delays in the sales process is incomplete paperwork. Getting this sorted early saves time and stress later.
✅ Key Documents to Prepare:
- Title deeds and property information forms
- Guarantees and warranties (for items such as roofs, windows, or boilers)
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – legally required before listing
3. Presentation Matters: Make Your Home Buyer-Ready
First impressions stick. Buyers want a home that feels clean, spacious, and move-in ready. The better your presentation, the easier it is for buyers to fall in love with your property.
✅ Quick Fixes That Help:
- Declutter to make rooms feel larger and more open
- Refresh walls with neutral paint for a clean, modern look
- Fix minor issues like leaky taps, squeaky doors, or chipped paint
- Boost kerb appeal with a tidy garden and clean, welcoming entrance
4. Marketing Beyond Rightmove
A strong marketing strategy goes beyond uploading your home to a portal. It’s about telling a compelling story and targeting the right audience.
✅ What We Do Differently:
- Bespoke video tours and drone photography to showcase your property’s best features
- Targeted social media campaigns to reach motivated buyers before your home appears on the portals
- Exclusive Buyer Alerts to generate interest even before launch day
5. Be Prepared for Viewings
Viewings are your opportunity to create an emotional connection between the buyer and your home. Comfort, light, and flexibility are key.
✅ How to Make the Right Impression:
- Open curtains and use warm lighting to create a bright, inviting feel
- Add fresh flowers or subtle scents for a homely touch
- Keep the space tidy and clutter-free, and be open to flexible viewing times to maximise interest
Thinking of Selling? Let’s Get You Sale Ready
A successful sale starts long before your property goes live. With the right preparation and a tailored strategy, you can attract serious buyers from day one and achieve a smoother, faster sale.
Want expert advice on getting your home market-ready? Let’s have a chat—we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. How do I know if my asking price is right?
Pricing your home correctly from the outset is essential. We recommend reviewing recent sales in your area and considering a pricing strategy that attracts early interest. At Martyn Russell, we also offer the option to test your price with our Heads Up Alerts before going live on portals.
2. What paperwork should I prepare before selling?
Getting your documents ready early can save time and prevent delays. You’ll need your title deeds, completed property information forms, any warranties or guarantees (for things like the boiler or windows), and an up-to-date EPC, which is a legal requirement before marketing.
3. Does the way my home looks really affect the sale?
Absolutely. Presentation plays a big role in how quickly your property sells and the offers you receive. Simple things like decluttering, repainting in neutral tones, and fixing minor issues can make a big difference to buyers during viewings.
4. Is listing on Rightmove enough to sell my home?
While portals like Rightmove are important, the most successful sales often come from a broader marketing strategy. We use video tours, drone photography, and targeted social media advertising to reach serious buyers before your home even appears on the major portals.