Stress free sales success

Follow these top tips from Emily Aklan of Property Psychology and you could achieve a stress free sale in 2007.

44% of us say that moving house is the most stressful event in our lives (according to a survey by Unum Ltd). The whole process from preparing your home for viewings, dealing with estate agents, securing a sale and moving out is rarely simple. Inevitably things can and do go wrong, especially if you are in a chain however there are steps you can take to reduce the stress of selling your home, Emily Aklan, MD of sale management specialist Property Psychology, offers these top tips:

1. Understand the process. The buying and selling of property has never been more popular. We all hear stories of people selling their homes within 48 hours and whilst this may be true in some rare cases it is certainly not the norm. Before you embark upon selling your home it is important to do your research. There is a wealth of information available from books, magazines, online and from experts about the sales process. Understand what is involved and what you as the vendor are required to do. Make an action plan and stick to it.

2. Set yourself a realistic timescale. This maybe 2, 4, 6 or even 8 months depending on when you need to sell your property by. In your action plan set dates by which certain stages will be reached for example within 2 weeks decide on your sales avenue (estate agent, property finder or privately), by 4 weeks have your home ready for viewings, by 6 weeks have at least 5 viewings etc… Having a schedule will help to motivate you and keep the pressure on your sales agent(s).

3. Choose the best time to sell. Most people tend to buy and sell property from January to May. The start of a new year often gives people the desire for a fresh start and with no major holidays before the summer this 5 to 6 month window presents the perfect opportunity. The height of summer can be good for sellers as the days are longer and weather better which always helps to display a property at its best. Despite these seasonal changes do keep an eye on your local market, if demand becomes high put your sales process into action whatever the time of year.

4. Look after yourself. They say the key to a healthy mind is a healthy body and during a potentially stressful time such as selling your home this is as important as ever. The golden rules of eating healthily, exercising and drinking plenty of water will make a difference and allow you to deal positively with any problems that make arise.

5. Communicate. There is nothing more frustrating than not knowing what is going on. If you have appointed a professional to help you sell your home it is important that you build up a trusting and open relationship. Remember that you are the client and are entitled to know what is being done (or not!) to sell your home. Have regular meetings to discuss progress, make action plans and carry them out.

6. Take charge of the viewings. It can be stressful and somewhat disconcerting to have potential buyers wandering through your home. Some people prefer to be out when they are conducted however if you feel more comfortable being present be proactive and get involved in the viewing. You know your property better than anyone so you are in the perfect position to highlight all the positive features and offer information on any renovations or building work. Rehearse your viewing route beforehand working through the rooms in a logical order starting with the ground floor living areas (kitchen, utility room, WC, garden etc) before moving upstairs. Make a note of any unusual and attractive period features but keep all points clear and concise.

7. Appoint a sale management professional. If you are trying to sell your property whilst you and your partner are working full time or have children then consider appointing a sale management professional. For a fixed fee (from £695 plus VAT) a professional such as Emily Aklan of Property Psychology will handle the entire process for you. The service comprises dealing with agents, arranging viewings, commissioning the necessary surveys, guidance with HIPS and liaising with solicitors and mortgage lenders. Letting a professional handle the sale for you will certainly reduce the stress and avoid you making any rash or ill advised decisions.

8. Start looking to buy. Selling a property can be stressful enough, don’t double the pressure by trying to buy simultaneously. Only once you have secured a buyer for your property are you in a position to seriously consider buying a new property. You will now know exactly how much you have available to spend and by when you need a new home. Don’t be rushed though and make an impulse purchase, it is better to sell your home and rent for a short period rather than buying the first thing that is available.

It is not only individuals who feel that the process of buying a selling of property is stressful, the government too has recognised this and the long awaited HIPs (Home Information Packs) due to be launched in June this year are designed to make the process easier. Whether or not this is the case remains to be seen but in the meantime follow the advice of sale management professional, Emily Aklan, as you too could achieve a stress free sale in 2007.

For more information, visit aklanpp.com.