The most common question I get asked as an Independent Estate Agent is “How long will it take for my property to sell?” It is a bit of a ‘How long is a piece of string’ type question, but there are a few key indicators to look for…

The average house takes 10-12 viewings to sell (depending on the market conditions) and the average property has around 3 viewings per week

With this very simple formula, that means the average house, has a buyer within around 4 weeks.

So the next questions are; have you been seeing 3-4 viewings per week, or have they been lower?

If they have been floating around 3-4 a week, then why has no one ‘bitten’? Has the agent been following up viewings? Have they been encouraging offers? Have they been putting viewers off when showing them round (perhaps not intentionally, but sub consciously?)

If your viewings are lower than the numbers above, why’s that? Do you have maximum coverage on ALL portals & social media channels? Has every lead been dealt followed up? Is the property presented well?

Other things to consider are how does your planned asking price compare to the other property sales in the area? Does it seem a little on the optimistic side? Is it in keeping with the recent sales in your street? Or does it look like an absolute bargain?

Then there’s the style of property – quirky homes may take longer to sell, as do upside-down houses, extended bungalows and homes with converted rooms. The more ‘usual’ your home, the faster (generally) it will sell.

Lastly, there’s the location to consider: is there anything nearby that might cause a buyer to reject your property outright? Is it next to a bus stop, pedestrian crossing or takeaway? These and other disadvantages may mean your house sells more slowly, so it’s worth bearing this in mind.

For me, after 4-6 weeks, you should be really questioning how your agent is helping you find a buyer…

I’d love to have a chat with you about the saleability of your home. If you’d like some free, friendly advice, contact me today!