How long does it take?

[QueenieS]

I'm sure this is a bit of a how long is a piece of string question, but my aunt passed away and left her house to my mum.

The house is on a residential street where nothing has been bought or sold for over 4 years, it's a 3 bed semi but in nice repair.

I'm helping my mum get it ready for sale and wondered if anyone has any tips on how to get it looking desirable and also how long it takes after a sale has been agreed to get the money etc?

I hope I don't sound grabby on behalf of my mum, My mum and aunt were very close and mum has had a difficult time, it's helping to keep her busy but the money will also make a huge difference to her.

Thanks for any advice

Anyone?

A house sale normally takes 10-12 weeks from offer to completion. It can be quicker if you have a buyer with no chain and/or cash buyer. You need to get 3 agents to value and put on the market at the right price. Make sure the house is as clean and tidy as possible. I expect it is quite dated in terms of decor and furnishings but whoever buys it will be looking for a project. If you can declutter but leave basic furniture in place that will help and try to keep the house aired so it doesnt get too musty smelling. Dont forget to negotiate the lowest fees from which ever agent you put the house with and give them keys so they can do viewings at anytime. Sounds like it should sell quite quickly if it is in a good residential area.

Thank you very much for your reply Bil, it definitely wouldn't be to most people's taste inside but it's a nice little house.

I'll carry on clearing and decluttering and will follow your advice re the agents.

Thanks again

Well we've had three agents round and the valuations vary by nearly £20k which is about 8%.

Make sure it's clean and spruce up paintwork etc.

Neutral colours as far as possible.

No chain is a real plus..

You don't sound grabby - of course it needs selling asap. Good luck.

Your mum should ideally get a grant of probate sorted as soon as possible. We bought a house from someone who had died and her family waiting on the probate was the biggest delay to exchange

Or it could be put up for auction.

I think probate is being sorted. An auction might be a good idea, I'll look in to it.