13
Sep
What can we do for you?
What can we do for you?
The housing market has witnessed months of relatively low activity,
with the economic climate leading to a wait-and-see approach from
many potential buyers and sellers. The latest figures from HM
Revenue and Customs showed that 10,000 fewer homes were sold in the
UK in July 2011 than a year earlier.
So what can you do to make your home more attractive for the buyers
who are out there? With ongoing competition for buyers, it is
important that sellers consider how best to market their property
and the steps to take to achieve a sale.
Julian Reid Estate Agents
We have unrivalled knowledge of the local market, what buyers are
looking for and numerous tips for displaying the property to best
advantage. We are happy to come and advise you as early as possible
in the sales process. We will give you a straight forward appraisal
of the property market, what price you might expect to achieve and
the length of time it may take to sell.
Consider conveyancing early, too. Ask your solicitor to prepare a
draft contact and apply for the title deeds while you gather any
other necessary documentation, such as guarantees on work completed
on your home. If you do not have a solicitor, we are happy to
recommend some useful numbers.
Next, think about your target market. Consider who may want to buy
your home, such as a family or a professional couple, and gear your
sale to that. We will ensure that key highlight aspects that will
be of interest to them, such as schools and colleges, transport
links and entertainment venues. We will prepare your marketing and
promotion of your property accordingly.
Viewing
It is obvious that a clean, well-presented home is preferred by
most buyers, so take the time to do a spot of spring cleaning and
DIY if necessary, but do not spend more money on this than you
anticipate gaining.
Instead of buying new kitchen fittings, for example, consider
replacing doors instead. A new lick of paint - particularly on
front doors and the most popular rooms in the house - also helps.
Make sure you choose neutral colours and always try to appeal to
the more conservative buyer.
De-clutter and depersonalise your home as much as possible. Clutter
can make a room look smaller and disorganised and buyers could
wonder if you are hiding something. Remove any objects that a
potential buyer may not be able to identify with.
Consider putting together a small pack of information for your
prospective buyer. This could include copies of guarantees of work
completed, a sample utility bill, service histories for the boiler
and even details about local schools or amenities - anything you
would find useful as a buyer.
We always recommend that we conduct the initial viewings where we
will highlight the positive aspects of the property and how it may
appeal to the needs or aspirations of the buyer. If you have pets
or children, this will make life considerably easier and make sure
there are few distractions which could impact on your sale.
Choosing
If you receive an offer on your property,
you will need to consider if the price is right and also what the
buyer's personal circumstances may be.
While it is exciting finding a buyer, it is often the case that
they may not be in a financial position to buy or may have an
existing property to sell, which could slow down or even stop the
sale. We are here to help you and advise - particularly if there
are two competing buyers - which one may be more suitable for you.
Sometimes it is not the highest price offered that is always the
best for the seller.
It can take weeks to get to exchange of contracts and we will keep
in close contact with you and your solicitor to make sure you know
of any developments as soon as possible - particularly in relation
to your buyer's circumstances. At the same time, of course, you may
also be a buyer yourself and will need to know the likely timing of
a sale.
To fix an appointment for us to value your home call now on
020 7923 8650 or email info@julianreid.co.uk