Feeling stressed about selling your home? Vicky Shaw reveals five ways to help make the process go more smoothly.

Selling your home can feel overwhelming at the best of times - and the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic may make it feel even more stressful for many people right now.

But by going through your to-do list carefully, so that you're well-prepared, you could find the process less daunting than you'd expected.

The good news for sellers is that there may be more demand for your property from buyers than you may think. As the UK's property market has gradually been reopened, some estate agents have been reporting seeing pent-up demand from buyers, which had built during lockdown, now being released.

Here, Sam Mitchell, CEO of online estate agent Strike, suggests five steps for making the process of selling your home a little less stressful...

1. Pick your agent carefully

Read reviews and choose an estate agent who responds quickly, and explains the process from the outset. It's worth investigating at least three or four, listing with those you instinctively trust.

Don't forget to research online agents, who may also be able to save you significant sums of money. Research by Strike found that 44% of sellers now say they're likely to use an online estate agent in light of the pandemic.

Strike's research also found that 65% are now keener to use an agent who sells for free.

2. Show your property off to its best online

These days, the first impression a buyer is likely to get of your property is when they see it online. Therefore, it's really important to consider how to digitally market your property. Lighting should be bright and colourful, while wide-angled lenses are always best to create a spacious environment.

In this digital world, it matters not only what day of the week you list your property online, but also what time. Strike suggests that those who launch their property on a Sunday evening, when traffic is at its peak, may find they receive the best response.

Make the most of the technology that's out there. Strike has a new mobile app, for example, which allows people to sell their home from their phone.

3. Get your house in order

Cutting clutter will make your property look more appealing to potential buyers and will save you time and hassle when it comes to packing. Early on, be realistic about what you want to keep, and either sell, donate or discard.

Although renovations can seem really daunting, you don't always have to spend a fortune. Spending time boosting your home's kerb appeal or giving the house a fresh lick of paint could make all the difference. For bigger projects, make smart improvements with the likely buyers in mind to maximise profits.

4. Get your paperwork in order

A solicitor or a conveyancer will help with the legal transfer of the property, and keep the buying and selling process on track and on time.

Keep documents from your solicitor, as well as household paperwork such as proof of boiler servicing together, so they are handy if you are asked for them.

5. Be confident when agreeing a sale price for your property

Don't be afraid to ask your agent for advice. Do your research on what similar properties in your area have sold for, and check out the competition from the other properties currently on the market. Consider the lowest price you would be happy to sell for.

And remember, the quality of a buyer is also important. For example, whether the buyer has already sold their property, whether they can move quickly, and what their time frames are. Speak to your agent and consider together whether or not you could do better.

Research from Strike shows that 62% of home sellers would be willing to decrease their asking price expectations due to the pandemic in order to sell their home, though just 45% say they have had buyers ask for a reduction in sale price in recent weeks.