Selling your home is a big decision, and with so much advice available online and from friends and family, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to believe.
At JW Wood, we speak to homeowners across County Durham and the North East every day, and there are a few common myths that can make selling a property more difficult than it needs to be.
Here, we look at five of the biggest home-selling myths and the reality behind them.
1. "Price it high and leave room for negotiation"
It can be tempting to put your home on the market at a higher price and plan to negotiate later. However, getting the asking price wrong from the start can mean missing out on potential buyers.
Today's buyers have access to plenty of information and often search within specific price ranges. If a property is priced too high compared with similar homes on the market, buyers may simply overlook it.
A property that has been on the market for a long time can also raise questions and may eventually need a price reduction to attract fresh interest.
The reality: An accurate valuation and realistic asking price can help attract the right buyers from the outset and give your property the best possible chance of selling successfully.
2. "You have to wait until spring to sell"
Spring is often seen as the traditional time to sell, but people move home throughout the year.
A new job, growing family, relationship changes, downsizing or a change in circumstances can all mean that buyers need to move at different times. There can also be less competition from other properties during certain periods of the year.
The reality: There is no single "perfect" time to sell. If you are ready to move and your property is well presented and priced correctly, there could be a buyer looking for a home just like yours.
3. "You need a brand-new kitchen and bathroom before selling"
Before putting their home on the market, some sellers feel they need to spend thousands of pounds on major improvements.
While it is important to present your property well, expensive renovations do not always add enough value to justify the cost. Buyers also have very different tastes and may prefer to make their own changes once they move in.
Instead, smaller improvements can often make a real difference. A thorough clean, decluttering, tidying the garden, completing minor repairs and freshening up tired décor can all help your home make a good first impression.
The reality: Focus on presenting your home at its best rather than spending unnecessarily on major improvements before you sell.
4. "The highest offer is always the best offer"
Of course, the amount offered for your property is important, but it is not the only thing to consider.
A buyer's position can make a significant difference to how smoothly a sale progresses. Have they sold their own property? Do they have a mortgage agreed in principle? Are they part of a long property chain?
A slightly lower offer from a buyer in a stronger position may sometimes provide more certainty than a higher offer with a complicated chain or unanswered questions around funding.
The reality: The best offer is about more than just the price. A good estate agent will help you understand the full picture so you can make an informed decision.
5. "Selling your home yourself will always save you money"
Putting a property online is only one part of selling a home.
From providing an accurate valuation and presenting your property effectively to arranging viewings, negotiating offers and helping progress the sale, there is a lot involved between going on the market and handing over the keys.
At JW Wood, our team is on hand throughout the process, offering local knowledge and support to help make your move as straightforward as possible.
The reality: Choosing the right estate agent means having experienced people working with you throughout your sale, from the initial valuation through to completion.