Published by: AM
Although mortgage rates have been increasing and the cost-of-living crisis is tightening household finances, sellers can still make the most of the current market, which continues to work in their favour.Recent market activity suggests it is still a seller's market, but it might not remain that way, so now is a great time to sell. With demand still outweighing supply, there are plenty of buyers willing to compete for homes.
During the autumn months, buyers hope to beat the Christmas deadline, creating a sense of urgency to move. As a result, if you employ the right approach, you can improve your chances of selling quickly and for the best possible price.
Make the most of the current market activity
Agency trade body Propertymark reported that, in August, the number of available properties for sale per branch rose by 47% on winter 2021. During the same period, demand rose by 79%, which outstrips the level of supply significantly.
Furthermore, Propertymark also observed 86 new prospective homebuyers registered per member branch in August, a 79% increase since December last year.
The figures demonstrate that, in the current market, buyers are still actively seeking a new home, with the supply and demand imbalance still working in the best interest of the seller.
However, as costs are forecasted to continue to rise, you might want to act now in case the current buyer sentiment changes – especially in light of the current political and economic climate.
How can you improve your chances of getting your home sold in Leeds or the West Yorkshire area, though? Below, we set out a few top tips.
Pay attention to all aspects of the home
Homeowners who offer a clean, neutral-coloured home can open (many) doors to prospective buyers. Decorative preferences vary, so homeowners who provide a neutral décor encourage buyers to let their imaginations paint a colourful picture of their potential living space.
The best way to start is with a decluttering session. Unnecessary bits of furniture and belongings could get in the way of the sale. To prevent this, make sure all items are stored away neatly or out of sight.
Decluttering and cleaning also apply to the outside of the property. Trees, bushes, and grass should be well-kept to make the viewing process an enjoyable experience. If you have a driveway, make sure this is tidy and well-maintained.
Make fixes across the home
Every home experiences wear and tear. But that loose light switch or broken window-pane might just be off-putting to potential buyers. Do yourself a favour and get those irritating little jobs done.
Show your property at its best - it could make all the difference.
Buyers typically want properties ready for them to move into straightaway. The less work the buyer thinks needs to be done, the sooner they think they can move in.
Homeowners who make the effort to rectify any features of the home before they list can better help buyers visualise themselves in the home and, in turn, get their home sold. Any major upgrade work or fixes should be carried out by a professional, unless you’re very confident of your DIY skills.
Use the local area to your advantage
Leeds and the wider area have a whole lot to offer, with each part or suburb of the city offering something different, and each having its own unique feel. From post-industrial mill towns, to a cricket-lover’s paradise, and the perfect location for young professionals to work and party, there is lots to shout about.
As part of your sales pitch, you should use the local area to your advantage – whether it be green space, excellent transport links, good bars, pubs and restaurants, or strong local amenities.
Working with the best local estate agent and making sure your property looks the part can help you get your home sold in a seller’s market.
Here at Dwell Estate and Letting Agents, we are an award-winning agency based in Leeds who aim to make the lettings process simple by providing the highest levels of customer care in our industry.
For more information on how we can get your home sold at present, please get in touch with us today.
We also offer an instant valuation tool to give you an estimate of how much you could be charging in rent each month.