9 Signs it's Time to Put Your Home on the Market
Are you spending hours looking through listings, but just can’t bring yourself to put your home on the market?
While you may not buy your home planning to live in it forever, selling your first (or second, or third) home can be an emotional decision. We have identified ten signs that will let you know when it’s time to put your home on the market.
1. You’re feeling cramped
Are you and your family feeling a bit too close? Many people move because they’re outgrowing a property. It doesn’t matter if you have children or an in-law moving in, when there’s not enough space, you’ll certainly know it. If you can anticipate and move before space becomes an issue, you’ll feel less pressure to buy immediately, so do your best to plan ahead.
2. You’ve got too much space
While it’s very common to sell because you don’t have enough space, having too much space is just as common a problem. Having too much space after your children leave is very normal, and it can mean that you’re spending too much on heating and maintaining your property. If more than two of the rooms in your home aren’t regularly used, it might be time to consider buying a new property.
3. Tax rates and stamp duty are reasonable
Tax rates and stamp duty can dramatically affect the price of your new property, so it’s always sensible to check the costs involved before you begin looking. The best time to put your property on the market is when tax rates and stamp duty are at their lowest.
4. You have a sum of money to make improvements
Before you sell your property, one of the best ways to make sure you increase its value is to make some improvements. These don’t need to be extensive improvements, normally landscaping and a new coat of paint are all your home will need, but even those improvements will require a small investment.
5. You’re unhappy with your garden
One of the only things you can’t change about a property is the land that it’s built on, so if you require more land, it’s definitely time to put your house on the market. Conversely, if you find that you’re spending all your time in the garden maintaining it instead of enjoying it, it may be time for a change as well.
6. You are realistic about your selling price
Being realistic about your listing price is critical to your ability to sell your home. Sellers in our area who are realistic with price and not trying to push the market's ceiling are seeing great offers in and around asking prices on a regular basis.
7. You’re selling to a peak market
If you can, wait until the market is at a level where you’ll make a profit when you sell your home. If you bought your home at the top of the market when prices are most expensive, do all you can not to sell your house when prices fall. Always try to sell your home for more than you paid for it. Watching the property market is critical when selling your home, and it’s something that your estate agent should do for you.
8. Your neighbours just sold their house for a price you’d be thrilled to get
If another home in your neighbourhood has sold for a good price, it’s definitely time to think about selling. Ask an estate agent to come to your home for a free valuation to get a good idea of what kind of price you’d get if you sell. If you’re happy with that number, consider putting your home on the market.
9. You’re ready for a new adventure
Sometimes you’ve just got the moving itch. If you’re bored and looking for something new, put your house on the market and see where it takes you.
