Preparing for a Sale

Valuation 

The best place to start when thinking of placing your property on the market is to get a valuation.

• Get Property Estate Agents offer free comprehensive valuations/market appraisals. 
• Engage with a selection of agents to determine who you feel will best handle the sale of your property. 
• Get an understanding of the most realistic asking price by taking the average of the valuations given by the agents. 
• Get a complete breakdown of fees from the agents before instructing one to handle the sale as some may charge an extra marketing fee. 

Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) 

All properties marketed for sale are legally required to have a valid BER certificate. 

• A BER certificate lasts for ten years. If you are unsure if your property already has one, it can be located using your MPRN number though the SEAI website. 
• There are some simple upgrades you can carry out to improve your BER, such as replacing an old boiler with a more efficient one, insulating the hot water cylinder, insulating the pipework, the attic, walls and floor and even by simply changing light bulbs to energy-efficient models. 
• If required, Get Property Estate Agents are happy to arrange a BER certificate for you. 

Paperwork and Legalities 

Being fully prepared for a sale can save you months of waiting for your sale to complete. 

• Solicitor. Do your best to ensure that you are retaining an efficient and capable solicitor. Excellent service will reduce your stress levels throughout the process, do not be swayed purely by the price offered. Ask friends and estate agents for recommendations. 
• Deeds. These will be with a bank, a solicitor or in your possession. If they are held by a bank it could take over four weeks for them to release the deeds, so it is advisable to get your solicitor to request these as soon as possible. 
• Tax. Ensure all taxes (LPT and NPPR) are paid if relevant and gather receipts from Revenue. 
• Planning. If your property has an extension ensure you have the planning permission to hand, offer it to the agent so that they can offer it to prospective buyers. If the property is exempt from planning permission, then arrange for a certificate of exemption. 
• Management Company. If your property is an apartment or is part of a Multi-Unit Development, then inform your solicitor who the management company is. 
• If your apartment block is well-managed, then it is a great idea to give minutes of the last three AGMs to your estate agent. These can offer valuable information and peace of mind to prospective buyers. 

De-Clutter and Tidy 

Your property should boast the amount of space it has, including the counter space and flooring. 

• Clear each room of any excessive pieces of furniture – the less furniture, the more space! 
• Remove all personal items, including family photographs and any small sentimental items. 
• If possible, clear the counter space of appliances such as kettles or toasters and the flooring of any unnecessary items – store them away for viewings. 

First Impressions 

The entrance to the property is the first area a potential buyer sees when they arrive, it is important to ensure it is as welcoming as possible. 

• Tidy the front garden by trimming the bushes back, mowing the lawn and clean/power wash the pathway to brighten it up. 
• Clean windows and wipe down the windowsills. Give the front door a coat of paint if needed. 
• Store the bins and any bikes away in a shed if possible. 
• If your property is in an apartment block then ensure that the OMC frequently has cleaners tidying communal areas. 

Maintenance and Minor Repairs 

To give yourself the best chance to sell your property, there are a few simple steps you can follow to attract potential buyers. 

• Undertake a review of your property to check if there is anything that might put buyers off. Estate agents will be happy to offer their thoughts. 
• Remove signs of damp and mould. Ensure all rooms have working light bulbs. 
• Generate a list of simple improvements to increase the property appeal for the potential buyer. 
• A property should appeal to buyers as this is the place they will call home, so try to think about it that way.

Garden Maintenance 

Gardens can be considered an additional room to a property, often critical to a sale’s success. 

• Giving your garden some attention will increase the property’s appeal. 
• Keep the grass and the hedges trimmed throughout the marketing period. 
• Some simple garden features and furniture can help to make it feel more homely, little touches can go a long way. 

Clean 

Your property should be clean and tidy and have a fresh smell. A dirty property sends out the wrong first impression.

• Dust, vacuum and wash all flooring prior to viewing. 
• Ensure surfaces are wiped down and mirrors and internal glass are fingerprint free! 
• Use flowers, candles or plug in air fresheners to maintain a clean smell throughout. 

Freshen up 

You may not see things that potential buyers see because you are familiar with your own surroundings. 

• Painting, flooring, and repairing tiles can be a very effective way to draw attention to the spaces within your property. 
• Addressing any leaks, stains on walls or damp smells are also ways to improve. 
• Using neutral colours can open a space as well as giving ideas of how a potential buyer might see this as their own property. 

Light and Bright 

Take advantage of the light that is available in your property. 

• Pay attention to your windows – clean the glass and frames inside and outside to allow natural light in. The summer sun can give a warm homely atmosphere to a room. 
• Ensure the blinds and curtains are clean and are open fully for viewings. 
• Check that all light bulbs are working well to show off each room’s potential.