Looking to Sell Property In Harrogate? 10 FAQs

17/08/2023

Are you looking to sell property in Harrogate? If you are, you may feel a little overwhelmed - and who can blame you? It is a huge undertaking, not to mention an incredibly emotional time for you as a homeowner.

Many home movers find it difficult to keep their personal feelings separate from their business brains when it comes to selling their home. That being said, you can successfully sell property in Harrogate without letting your emotional attachment to your home hinder your efforts.

However, it’s good to be as informed and prepared as possible before you start marketing your property. So let’s start with our ten most frequently asked questions when selling your home.

What time of year should I sell my house?

This is a fundamental question as there are key times in the year when people are more likely to be looking to buy a new home. Traditionally springtime is the best season to sell property in Harrogate, with the first two weeks of May being particularly popular. The least effective months to sell your home are October and December. This is because fewer people want to book viewings after work when it is cold and dark, plus many are preoccupied with Christmas.

How long will it take to sell my house?

Unfortunately, this is similar to asking “how long is a piece of string!" Many factors influence how quickly, your home will sell. These include:

The listing price
The condition of your home
The condition of the local housing market
How your home is marketed
General factors, such as political or economic matters

At TLC Yorkshire Property Ltd, we are proactive all year round and will market your property effectively whatever the season or climate!

How much is my house worth?

Of course, you will need to know how much your house is worth before you put it on the market. The simplest way to gauge how much your house will sell for is to ask us for a free, no-obligation valuation. We offer instant, remote and face-to-face valuations, all completely free and without obligation. You may also like to do some research of your own by looking at comparable sales in your local area.

How much will it cost me to sell my house?

There are, of course, costs you will incur when selling your home, including your estate agent’s commission which can be anywhere between 1-3%. Then you should budget for conveyancing fees, stamp duty and any removal costs.

Should I make repairs or sell my house as it stands?

This is a tricky one as some home buyers in Harrogate are looking for a project property (albeit one at a knock-down price) and others may want a property that they can move into immediately with minimal fuss.

As a general rule, any small, cosmetic repairs that will not cost a lot of money should be carried out before you show around any potential buyers. Fix that leaky tap for example, and touch-up the paintwork. For larger, more costly projects, you can either do the work yourself or ensure the asking price reflects any more complicated or expensive works that the new owners will need to carry out.

Should I hire an estate agent?

We are always going to say yes to this one! Estate agents have sound property and area knowledge, access to marketing resources, potential buyers and local market data that are invaluable in helping you sell your property, so it is advisable to hire a professional!

What should I do if my house isn't selling?

There could be several reasons your house is not attracting offers as quickly as you hoped. These include:

Your asking price is too high
Repair issues are putting potential buyers off
Your property listing is not up to scratch
Your property doesn't have kerb appeal
Your property is untidy, making rooms look small
Your photographs aren't clear

This is why it’s always best to speak with an estate agent who can advise you on the best course of action.

How can I prepare my home for sale?

When it comes to making your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers, it really is a case of sticking with what works; and yes that includes the idea of baking bread, making coffee and arranging fresh flowers around your home! It may sound silly, but making your home nice and inviting really does make a difference to how a potential buyer feels about your property.

Other tips include:

Clearing away any clutter
Applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls
Tidying your front garden to improve your kerb appeal

Should I be at home during viewings?

This is an easy one. No, preferably not! It can be uncomfortable for you to listen to a potential buyer point out what they don’t like or what they would change about your home. Not to mention the fact that the viewer may not feel comfortable talking to an estate agent about your home if you are looking over their shoulder. Therefore, for all parties involved, it's better if you make yourself scarce during viewings.

If I accept an offer on my home, is it legally binding?

Your estate agent is legally required to pass on all offers on your property to you, although you can reject any offer outright.

If you do accept an offer, you are not legally bound to it. If you receive a higher offer or change your mind, you are within your rights to decide not to sell your home to your buyer. However, this is always a distressing situation for the other parties involved so consideration is crucial.

What Next?

Ready to sell your property in Harrogate? Request a valuation here.

TLC Properties are your local estate agent in the Harrogate Area. Call us on 07825 924690 or email tom@tlc-properties.co.uk to find out how we can help you.