Listing Your Property - What Happens Next?
Once your property is listed, the selling journey truly begins. Understanding what to expect can help you stay prepared and make the most of each step in the process. In this article, we’ll walk you through what happens after your home goes on the market, from managing viewings to handling offers, so you feel confident and in control.
1. Preparing for viewings
Once your property is live, interested buyers may start requesting viewings almost immediately. Here’s how to stay prepared:
Maintain a “show-ready” home: Keep your property clean and tidy so it’s ready for viewings at short notice. Set up a checklist for quick touch-ups, like wiping down surfaces and opening curtains for natural light.
Arrange flexible viewing times: Buyers have different schedules, so being flexible with viewing times can help attract more interest. Talk to your estate agent about arranging convenient times, including evenings or weekends.
Consider virtual tours: Virtual tours are increasingly popular, especially for remote buyers. Ask your agent if they offer virtual tour options to showcase your home to a wider audience.
2. Receiving feedback
After each viewing, your agent will collect feedback from potential buyers:
Understand buyer impressions: Feedback helps you understand how buyers perceive your property. If certain issues are repeatedly mentioned (e.g., cluttered spaces, minor repairs), consider addressing them to improve future impressions.
Stay open to constructive criticism: While feedback can sometimes be tough to hear, it provides valuable insights into what buyers are looking for. Use it to make small changes that may enhance your property’s appeal.
Request regular updates from your agent: Maintaining open communication with your agent will keep you informed about viewing feedback and market interest. We recommend once a fortnight as a minimum for a full update.
3. Managing offers
Once interest starts building, offers may follow. Handling these correctly is crucial:
Assessing offers: Your agent will inform you of any offers and help assess them. Consider both the offer amount and the buyer’s circumstances (e.g., chain-free buyers are often faster to progress). Importantly, don't wait - buyers are hard to come by so a swift and decisive decision is key.
Negotiating terms: If an offer is lower than expected, don’t be discouraged. Your agent can negotiate on your behalf to reach a price that suits you and the buyer.
Understanding offer conditions: Some offers come with conditions, like requesting certain repairs or including specific fixtures. Clarify any terms to ensure they’re acceptable before moving forward.
4. Choosing the right buyer
Selecting a buyer isn’t just about the offer price; reliability matters too:
Check buyer financial readiness: Ensure the buyer is financially prepared to proceed, whether they’re pre-approved for a mortgage with an agreement in principle, or making a cash purchase.
Consider the buyer’s circumstances: Buyers with a shorter chain (or no chain at all) are often preferable, as they can speed up the process and reduce the risk of delays. Open Moove can help you manage the chain, however.
Weigh your options carefully: Multiple offers can be exciting, but remember to consider long-term factors. Choose a buyer who aligns with your timeline and circumstances.
What Open Moove Suggests Next
At Open Moove, we’re here to guide you every step of the journey. Here’s what we suggest as you navigate the listing process:
Review feedback with your agent regularly: Use buyer feedback to make small, meaningful adjustments that enhance your property’s appeal. Share your communication with all key stakeholders on the Open Moove platform.
Stay flexible and open: Viewings and offers can come at any time, so flexibility will help attract more interest and maximize your options.
Utilise Open Moove’s network for insights: From market trends to negotiation tips, our platform provides valuable resources to support you throughout the sale. Just ask!
By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of your property listing, attract the right buyers, and feel confident in your selling decisions.
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