Is Your Home Ready To Sell?

Selling your home is not an exact science, but certain qualities consistently help properties achieve strong results on the market. To help you evaluate your home’s market readiness, I have created a straightforward Saleability Scorecard. This checklist highlights your marketing strengths and identifies areas where some additional attention could make a meaningful difference.

This scorecard divides your marketing approach into five key areas, each scored up to five points. By marking each out of 5, and adding these together, you will gain a clear sense of how prepared your home is to attract interested buyers.

Set aside some quiet time, gather your brochure and online listing, and review each section below.

1. Your Estate Agent: The Heart of Your Sale

Effective communication is essential for a successful sale. Consider the following

• Does your agent keep you regularly updated?
• Are they present and engaged at every viewing? Do they provide detailed feedback rather than vague impressions?
• Have they suggested creative ideas to boost interest, beyond simply reducing the price?

If your agent is proactive and transparent, you are in a strong position.

2. Your Brochure: Telling Your Home’s Story

Your brochure is more than a flyer; it is an opportunity to invite buyers to imagine living in your home.

• Does it have enough pages (ideally 12-18) to showcase your home’s best features?
• Are the photographs professional and inviting? For example, bright sitting rooms with cosy touches such as lit fires or fresh flowers, and bathrooms that suggest relaxation with candles.
• Does the description go beyond facts to tell a story that evokes emotion?
• Does the floorplan include measurements and show how your home sits on its plot?

A well-crafted brochure can convert browsers into buyers.

3. Your Online Advert: Your Virtual Front Door

Online listings are often the first place buyers will see your home. Ensure yours makes a strong impression.

• Is your main photograph eye-catching? Twilight shots with lights on can create warmth and appeal.
• Does your headline attract attention?
• Is the description concise yet highlights what makes your home special?
• Are the floorplan and brochure easy to access and clear?

Your online advert is your round-the-clock open house, so make it as inviting as possible.

4. The Price: The Magnet or Barrier

Pricing your home requires careful consideration. If the price is too high, buyers may overlook it; too low, and you may not achieve your home’s full value.

• Is your asking price a neat, rounded figure (for example, £950,000 rather than £949,999)
• Does it fit well within the search filters buyers commonly use?
• Are you aware of how your price per square foot compares to similar
  homes in your area?
• Have you remained flexible, considering your agent’s advice while also
  standing firm when necessary?

Setting the right price attracts the right buyers.

5. Preparing Your Home for Viewings: Setting the Stage

When buyers visit, you want them to feel at home immediately.

• Is the exterior tidy and presented to impress?
• Are there fresh flowers to add vibrancy indoors?
• Are beds made neatly and rooms free from clutter?
• Have you created a warm atmosphere with lamps, candles, or a subtle scent of something freshly baked?

Small details can have a significant emotional impact.

Tally your score!

• Over 80 points: You and your agent are on the right path. Continue to refine your approach, and if viewings remain slow, consider seeking new ideas.
• Between 50 and 80 points: There is room for improvement, and a few targeted changes could increase interest.
• Below 50: It may be time to refresh your marketing strategy. If your current agent has not addressed these areas, consider working with someone who will advocate for your home’s story.

If you feel uncertain about your score, remember that selling a home is a process, and the right guidance can make a substantial difference. Share this scorecard with your agent to compare perspectives. Sometimes, a fresh viewpoint reveals new opportunities.

If you would like a second opinion or a tailored marketing plan that highlights your home’s unique qualities, call me on 01727 640163 or email me at lisa.cook@nested.com