Mill Hill Branch
7 Thornfield Parade
Holders Hill Road
Mill Hill, London
NW7 1LN
Selling a property takes much more than simply uploading a listing online and waiting for buyers to appear. A successful sale, so one that’s both quick and achieves the best possible price, depends on preparation, planning, and professional guidance.
At Squires Estates, we’ve been helping homeowners in Finchley, Hendon, Mill Hill, and the surrounding North Londonareas sell their properties for over 20 years. With a strong local reputation, hundreds of five-star reviews, and as proud winners of the 2025 British Property Awards, we’ve seen first-hand the common pitfalls that can delay or devalue a sale.
We have compiled a helpful guide to highlight the most frequent mistakes sellers make, and steps on how to avoid them, to ensure your home reaches its full market potential. Read on to find out more…
1. Miscalculating the Costs of Selling
Just like buying a home, selling one also comes with associated costs that can quickly add up. The largest of these is usually the estate agent’s commission, but there are also legal fees, potential home improvements, removal costs, and closing fees to consider.
Many homeowners underestimate these expenses, which can lead to financial surprises later on. In typical cases, total costs in London can be as high as £11,500 of your sale price.
By working with a transparent, reputable estate agent like Squires Estates, you’ll have a clear breakdown of all potential costs upfront. Our competitive fees and open communication ensure there are no hidden surprises, just expert guidance from start to finish.
2. Selling Without Professional Support
With all the online tools and property portals in today’s world, selling privately might seem tempting. However, it often results in a lower sale price and a longer selling period.
Experienced agents understand local market trends, buyer behaviour, and pricing strategies that maximise your home’s actual value. They also handle the complex parts of the process, from professional photography and marketing to negotiation and conveyancing, saving you time and stress.
Our team makes sure we combine deep local knowledge with proven marketing techniques for every property we take on, to ensure your home reaches the right buyers quickly and secures the best possible offer.
3. Ignoring Essential Repairs
Minor issues such as cracks, damaged fixtures, or old fittings might seem small, but to a buyer, they signal potential hidden problems. Failing to address repairs before marketing your property can put buyers off or lead to price reductions after survey results.
It’s always best to fix visible defects. From peeling paint to leaking taps, they should be fixed before putting your home on the market. A well-maintained property gives a strong first impression and suggests the home has been well cared for.
If you’re unsure where to start, we can advise on pre-sale improvements that add genuine value without overspending.
4. Poor Marketing and Photography
Your property’s presentation is the foundation of a strong sale. Buyers make split-second decisions when scrolling through listings, and professional imagery is key to grabbing attention.
At Squires Estates, we invest in high-quality photography, virtual tours, and carefully written descriptions that highlight the best aspects of your home. Our marketing extends across major property portals, social media, and targeted local advertising, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.
Good marketing doesn’t just attract more buyers, it attracts the right buyers, which can often lead to faster sales and stronger offers, we have over 20 years in good marketing strategies.
5. Overlooking the Power of Home Staging
When a potential buyer walks through the door, they need to imagine the space as their future home. Cluttered, dark, or overly personal décor can make that difficult.
Home staging, so arranging furniture, lighting, and accessories to showcase your home’s potential, can significantly improve your chances of selling quickly and at a premium price.
Out agents frequently advise clients on cost-effective staging techniques or can connect you with trusted professionals who specialise in it. You will be surprised how a few small changes can completely transform the way buyers perceive your property.
6. Neglecting Communication During the Process
Another often-overlooked aspect of selling a home is communication. Sellers who don’t stay updated or respond promptly to enquiries risk losing serious buyers.
Working with a proactive estate agent who keeps you informed every step of the way makes all the difference. Knowing how important this is, we pride ourselves on clear, consistent communication, giving you complete visibility from valuation to completion.
Why Choose Squires Estates?
With over two decades of local experience, our team at Squires Estates understands what makes Finchley, Hendon, and Mill Hill’s property markets unique. Our commitment to professionalism, transparency, and personal service has earned us an outstanding reputation, and also the British Property Awards 2025 recognition is proof of that dedication.
Whether you’re selling your first home or managing a property portfolio, we combine data-driven market insight with hands-on local expertise to deliver real results.
Ready to Sell Your Property?
If you’re thinking of selling your home in Finchley, Hendon, Mill Hill, or nearby, speak to the team at Squires Estates today.We’ll provide a free, no-obligation property valuation and practical advice on how to prepare your home for the best possible sale.
Call Squires Estates to get started.
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