Once you’ve instructed an estate agent to sell your home, it can feel as though the hard work is done. In reality, the most successful sales happen when homeowners stay actively involved and work closely with their agent throughout the process.
Think of the sale as a joint project. Your agent brings market expertise, negotiation skills and marketing reach, while you bring invaluable knowledge of your home and flexibility in decision-making. When both sides are aligned, results tend to follow.
If you’re wondering how to play your part, these eight practical tips will help you move confidently from instruction to offer.
1. Agree Expectations Early
Before marketing begins, have a clear conversation about your priorities. Are you working towards a specific move-by date, or are you prepared to wait for the right buyer? Being upfront about timescales and flexibility allows your agent to tailor their strategy to suit your situation.
2. Set a Communication Rhythm
Every seller is different. Some prefer regular check-ins, while others are happy with updates only when something changes. Agree how often you’d like to hear from your agent and how feedback will be shared after viewings. A consistent update every week or so usually strikes the right balance.
3. Treat Feedback as Insight
Viewer feedback is one of the most useful tools during a sale. While praise is always welcome, constructive comments often reveal opportunities to improve presentation or pricing. If the same issues are raised more than once, it may be worth addressing them, even if only with small, cost-effective changes.
4. Shape the Marketing Approach
Although your agent will advise on the most effective channels and promotional tools, it’s important that the marketing plan reflects your preferences. Discuss signage, online portals, local advertising and pro-active offline marketing techniques so you’re comfortable with how and where your property is promoted.
5. Check the Details
Your property particulars are often a buyer’s first impression. Take time to review descriptions, room sizes and images before they go live. Even minor inaccuracies can cause confusion later, so it’s worth ensuring everything is correct from the outset.
6. Present Your Home at Its Best
Professional photography plays a major role in attracting interest. Ahead of the photoshoot, declutter surfaces, tidy outdoor areas and remove anything that distracts from the space itself. Simple touches such as lamps switched on, neutral styling or fresh flowers can make a noticeable difference.
7. Be Open to Viewings
Availability matters. The more flexible you can be, particularly at weekends, the more opportunities you create for buyers to view your home. Many decisions are made after Saturday and Sunday viewings, with offers often following early in the week.
8. Consider Offers Strategically
An offer is rarely the end of the conversation. Even if a figure feels disappointing at first glance, it may be the starting point for negotiation. Take advice from your agent, consider the buyer’s position, and allow room for discussion before making any final decisions.
If you’d like tailored advice on preparing your home for sale or working more effectively with your estate agent, we would be delighted to help. You can call us on 07900 605674 or email [email protected], and we’ll be happy to assist.
