In the current housing market, it is more important than ever to attract potential buyers and, more than that, ensure that your home is everything that a potential buyer is looking for when they visit the property. If your property is on the market and you’re not getting the results that you expected, here are seven possible reasons why your home in or around Canterbury isn’t selling.
1. Signs of damp
When a potential buyer walks into your home they want to be filled with love and excitement – one sure thing that will turn their vision of dreams into a nightmare is those little black marks that scream damp. Damp is not one of those jobs you should leave to fate and chance – you need to manage the situation before you place your house on the market.
We can all get scrubbing in the bathroom and kitchen, and you may have the skills to freshen up grouting around sinks, baths, showers and tiles, but if you know that your damp needs the opinion of the experts, get a survey as soon as you can so you know what you’re dealing with. The best course of action would be to get the works completed before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up – it’s not the best idea to leave these types of jobs for buyers, as they may feel that it is a bigger job that it actually is, or they may try to knock you down on your price because of it.
2. Love thy neighbours
No matter how amazing your house is, one thing that buyers will be considering is what your neighbours are like. No one wants to live next to people who are going to make their home life miserable, they want to know that their neighbours are friendly. Don’t be surprised if potential buyers pop next door for a quick chat or ask your estate agent questions about what the local community is like.
It is your responsibility – and a legal requirement – to be honest about any issues you have had with neighbours and during the sales process, but don’t wait. Be upfront and give buyers the full details when viewing rather than during the sale process – losing a buyer before offers are made is an easier pill to swallow than further down the line when you could lose your next home too.
3. Parking
Let’s talk about parking, as we know this is a massive issue for many homeowners in and around Canterbury. If your home doesn’t have a drive or parking space, there is no way you can create one, but are you able to park your car(s) further away when there is a viewing to allow more space for potential buyers? Can you provide information that could smooth over the issue? Do you have a sneaky spot that buyers would have never considered, or an informal agreement with a neighbour? The buyer may not be familiar with the area, which is why it’s a great idea to provide them with details on parking and public transport, as this could answer any questions they have about commuting.
4. Volume of traffic
Location, location, location could also mean that your home is near a very busy road, which is never something that’s listed on buyers’ wish lists. Although this could be a negative, what does your home or neighbourhood have to counteract that? Your garden might be a lovely haven where the noise isn’t that noticeable; or perhaps the area has a wealth of amenities and facilities, which could increase the appeal of the location. Focus buyers’ attention on the positives and they may realise it is a small compromise worth making.
5. A little whiff
Does your home have a unique aroma? It could be from having pets, a hobby or your culinary experiments. There are some smells that help to sell houses – buyers will hear their belly rumble at the smell of fresh bread, or the feeling of cleanliness evoked by crisp fresh washing. Buying a home is a sensory experience and you need to make sure you take into account your buyers’ sense of smell when selling your home.
Give your home a deep clean before you contact an estate agent. Make sure you clean carpets and fabric-based furnishings, such as sofas and curtains, where aromas can linger. Try and place natural scents around your home rather than artificial ones, which can sometimes be overpowering on the nostrils. Fresh flowers, lavender and herbs are the perfect way to add colour and a subtle, natural scent that buyers will love.
6. Clutter
When buyers are looking for a new home, they want to see clear spaces and be able to visualise where their furniture will go. It’s very difficult for them to do this if you have too much in the rooms. It will also make the rooms feel smaller and darker. Be ruthless with a good clear-out before your property goes on the market, this will also help you in the long run when it comes to packing!
7. The Garden (or lack of)
There is no doubt that after having been through a pandemic we all appreciate and desire outside space more than ever before. From a tiny patio, a shared courtyard, balcony or a garden, whatever space you do have, spend time preparing it for sale. Any space can be transformed with the introduction of plants and flowers and an area to sit and while away the hours.
If you have no accessible outside space, what can you do to bring the outdoors in? House plants have had a resurgence in recent years and can make your home feel like it’s connected with a green space. Do you live near any local parks or popular dog walks? Highlight these places to your buyers so they know that even if they haven’t got any private outside space, there are plenty of areas around them to explore.
8. The price
Selling your Canterbury home is also all about getting the price right! Yes, prices have fluctuated a lot over the past few years and so the figure that next door achieved could be very different to what your home is worth today. You also need to do your research to ensure you have chosen an estate agent that understands the local property market and has a solid marketing strategy for attracting buyers. If the price of your property is too high, it could be sat on the market a while and may end up having to be reduced further down the line. Getting the sale price of your property right from the start is crucial for a successful sale.
