Tips on Getting Your Property Ready to Sell Bradford

With signs of a housing market slowdown and three interest rate rises beginning to bite, knowing the best way of selling your property is vital to moving up the property ladder in today's housing market.

Estate agents have also warned this month that demand is beginning to ease, making it all the more important to do everything you can to ensure potential buyers will be enthusiastic about your property.

And while owner-occupiers may feel confident about reselling, aboutproperty's top tips from industry experts may fill in any gaps in the knowledge of the most experienced sellers.

Choosing an estate agent

If you are thinking of selling your home then there are a series of stages you will need to go through to get your home on the market, says David Bexon, managing director of Email4property.co.uk.

The first of these is commissioning an estate agent, a decision that should not be taken lightly.

"You will be in regular contact with your agent, as will any potential buyers, and you will be relying on them to entice buyers and present a professional image so choose carefully and make sure you are totally happy before commissioning anyone," explained Mr Bexon.

Homeowners should ask several agents to value their property.

"Be objective about what they say and do not be unduly critical if is not what you wanted to hear," warned Mr Bexon.

Homeowners should then choose an agent that belongs to a professional body such as the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

They should also consider all the small print if they go for a sole agent.

"Multiple agents could cost you more, but may increase your chances of selling your property," Mr Bexon advised.

He added: "Do not necessarily choose the agent with the cheapest fee; you want your property advertised and sold properly in all respects."

Sellers should also clearly state any fixtures and fittings to be included in the sale, and let the estate agent know beforehand the minimum they are willing to accept from a buyer.

The basics of getting your property ready for sale

"A buyer's first impression has a big impact on whether they eventually decide to make an offer on your property," explained David Bexon of Email4Property.

"Despite all the advice to buyers to look above and beyond a messy home that is in need of a good tidy and a paint job most buyers struggle to ignore those early images, and the initial impression and atmosphere of your home will often dictate their final decision."

Mr Bexon's top tips are to take a critical look at the outside and inside of the home and decide what small items you can realistically improve quickly.

"The exterior of your home will be the buyer's first impression. Ensure the garden is neat and tidy, outside lights are clean and working, all fixtures such as door...