How to know when it’s the right time to sell?

Selling your home, holiday home, investment property or perhaps an inherited house or land can be daunting.  With so many questions and so much  – often conflicting – information out there (online or chats over the garden fence), it can be difficult to get straight answers.  When you are thinking of selling, straight answers are exactly what you need.  Property valuations that are too vague, or too general, or that carry lots of exceptions and exclusion clauses are just not helpful.  What you need is local insight that tells you not only the likely open market value of the property today, but more importantly, you need insights into local supply and  demand.  This is the difference between listing your property and actually selling your property – we’re guessing that once you have made the decision to sell, you want to get things moving!

Unlike when dealing with an investment or inherited property, the biggest factor in the decision to sell your home should not be market conditions.  Certainly, it is important to be aware of current market performance and undoubtedly, there are times when the market trends favour the buyer moreso than the seller, and vice versa, but none of this is more important than your personal, family and financial position.

As your estate agents, our first step  generally is to arrange to do a walk-though of your property.  This helps us to get specific in terms of the market valuation, but it does so much more than that. It is at this point where we use our experience and expertise to help you, as a seller, prepare your home or investment property for the market and a few weeks of viewings. Long gone are the days when sellers can list a property ‘as is’ just to test the market.  The rise in property technology, the increased pace of life and competition in the marketplace all mean that sellers usually only have one opportunity to impress potential buyers in person.  In fact, getting them inside the property requires great photos/videos/3D tours and great copy (which is why you need a great estate agent!).  For this reason, it is recommended that any little fixes around the house are done prior to getting the photographs taken for the brochure and online listing, and certainly before opening up the property for viewings.

Sellers must not underestimate the importance of preparing the property and this is equally true for the photography and video (or virtual reality tours) as it is for viewings.  A bright, airy and freshly painted entrance sets a positive tone for the rest of the home.  Stylish furnishings that are consistent with the age/type of property are great but a deep cleaning and decluttering session will go a long way towards impressing house-hunters – as will sparkling windows and neutral tones throughout.

For many people, buying and selling their home coincides with other big life events, like changing careers, getting married, starting/growing a family or perhaps downsizing as our children grow up and leave home.  This undoubtedly adds to the pressure, confusion and perhaps feelings of overwhelm.  As this is such a big decision, we understand the importance of getting it right.  Taking the time to discuss your overall plans will help your estate agent to guide you in the right direction.   It is never recommended to make quick decisions in reaction to sudden life changes, but sometimes it has to happen like that.  Having a good relationship with your agent will make the transition smoother.

If you are considering selling in the South Wicklow and North Wexford areas, call into one of our offices located in Carnew and Gorey and chat to any of our team or contact us online.  We are happy to facilitate overseas buyers and sellers via Skype or similar outside of regular office hours.

For specific queries or to speak with a local property expert about your buying and selling needs in Wexford, Wicklow and surrounding areas, contact Michael, Alan or Eileen Kinsella at kinsellaestates.ie . 

Email me directly on michael@kinsellaestates.ie or telephone : +353 53 94 21718