When it comes to having difficulty selling a property, all circumstances are individual and at times complex. However, a recent survey from Propertyfinder.com reveals numerous small measures that could make all the difference towards clinching that sale.
| Put off completely | Agreed by |
|---|---|
| Vandalism/graffiti | 79% |
| Teenagers loitering in the street | 52% |
| Litter or junk in the street/outside the house | 51% |
| House exterior in poor condition | 38% |
| House on a main road | 30% |
Perhaps unsurprisingly, vandalism and graffiti are the biggest turn-offs with 79% completely put off by it, followed by teenagers loitering in the street, which completely puts off 52% of potential buyers. While these factors are perhaps out of a buyer’s control, there are smaller factors that it seems could make all the difference.
For example, with 51% of potential buyers put off completely by litter and rubbish in the street or outside a property they are viewing, it stands to reason that vendors clear away any rubbish or junk left lying in the garden and that they remove any over-spilling bags in the street from view where possible. For those that know their neighbours well, it may be worth asking them to help out by removing their rubbish bags temporarily from view. Previous research has shown that the state of a neighbouring property can have a bearing on the success of a sale.
Those looking to sell should take an objective look at their property and its surrounding area, as if they were thinking of buying it. While the estate agent is trained at doing so, he or she cannot know the property as well as the vendor, who should consider all the things that could put others off, and try to make alterations to what can be changed, without dwelling on what cannot.
38% say that they are completely put off by a house exterior that is in poor condition so it is worth rectifying peeling paintwork. It may be a bit of a nuisance but painting the front door, clearing children’s toys and mowing the front lawn could help to secure an offer.
According to Warren Bright, Chief Executive Officer of Propertyfinder.com:
"Having difficulty selling a property is an incredibly frustrating situation for any vendor to be in. Home owners need to do everything in their power to ensure that their home is as presentable as possible. The presentation of the home, along with its price and its marketing are the three big factors that determine whether a home will sell."
Find an estate agent to sell your property on Propertyfinder.com.