Here are some tips on preparing your property for sale with an online estate agent.

People have several reasons for selling, from disposing of an investment property to simply moving home, or even a relationship split or the sad loss of a loved one. Whatever the reason, you need the right support and the best way to sell your asset.

Once you have decided to sell up, think about what you want to include in the sale. Normally, fixtures and fittings such as fitted storage heaters, fitted wardrobes and doors are included in the price, but other moveable things can be up for negotiation.

Perhaps it’s an appropriate time to make up a list and think about a price you would like to get for them, ready for when you have an offer. If you are getting rid of items you no longer need, do it before you start marketing your property as the less clutter you have the faster your house will sell. Many councils take heavy items away, sometimes for free. 

Also there are many websites on which you can sell them to make some money, such as Ebay.co.uk, Shpock, or even be a generous saint of a person and give them away on Freecycle

Get together a list or document of useful facts about your property, which you can mention to potential buyers and renters, such as:

•  Gas and electrical certificate checks (see FAQ for EPC and Gas Safety info) 
•  Building regulations certificates
• Council tax, utility bills, buildings and contents insurance bills - so potential buyers can estimate running costs
• Service charges and ground rent bills (for flats)
• If a leasehold property, lease length. If slightly shorter than usual, perhaps investigate the costs and process to extend, and be prepared for negotiation
• Another common question is around heating and the age of the boiler. This information is good to have to hand
• Are there floorboards? It sounds mad but restoring original floorboards is all the rage these days so take a peek under those carpets! 
• You may not have kids but some viewers will want to know the local schools and nurseries, be ready to upsell
• The normal stations, transport and parking is always a big question

In addition, you could think of going one better and giving potential buyers some other information; this is optional but it could also speed up the conveyancing process) :  

• Environmental Searches. These provide useful information such as the flood risk, radon levels or if there are local mines in the area 
• A Home Condition Report - provides more information about the condition of your property, although your buyer will probably still need to get their own survey done. 

Good luck, and always remember no agent, whether freelance or the local tour guide, can sell a property better than the homeowner who spent thousands on it! I Am The Agent is a group of passionate property and tech experts, so don’t worry we are always on hand to help you along your merry way. We sell properties on all major property websites for just £399 and we can help you with valuations and pro photos. We also have agents across the UK to assist you with viewings.